How to Play Drums With the French Grip

Playing different types of music on the drums takes a mastery of different types of grips. The French grip was created by timpani players to pull more sound out of their instruments. The French grip for the drumstick helps pull the sound out of the drum. This grip emphasizes the upstroke.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Drumsticks
• Drum set or practice drum

1. Choose between a traditional or matched grip to play the drums. In a matched grip the right hand chooses the grip for both hands. In a traditional grip the right hand has one grip and the left hand chooses another.
2. Hold the drumsticks in your hands with your thumb and index finger pinching each stick. This allows your other fingers to work as springs when moving the sticks as you play.
3. Move your fingers to make the drumstick bounce on the drum head. This makes quick light strokes that bounce back. For the best control keep your thumb and index finger pinched.
4. Use your wrist, elbow and shoulder to make harder, louder strokes. In the French grip, your fingers are used the most while the other joints are used for playing accents.
5. Practice playing with the French grip while using your fingers to control the drumsticks' movement. This takes a while to master. Once you have the technique down, add flare and finesse to your performance.

Tips & Warnings

• The French grip is used in single-stroke competitions, fast tempo music, swing or jazz.