How to Play Drums With the Match Grip

The match grip is a technique of holding drumsticks when playing the drums. Both hand hold the drumsticks in exactly the same way. This makes the grip match, hence its name, the matched grip. Use a match grip with the French, German or American drumstick grip.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Pick the form of grip you want to use. The French grip is light, quick and doesn't require much energy. An American grip is the most common grip--a mix of the French and German grips. The German grip is strong, hard and requires a good amount of energy.

2. Hold the drumsticks in your hands with the grip you chose in Step 1. Check that both hands look identical in their grip.

3. Play a rhythm. Watch your hands as you play. Both hands need to play the same notes. Don't worry if your hands are not the same when you start practicing. Many drummers have difficulty with the matched grip for this reason.

4. Build up your weaker hand. Brush your teeth, open doors and eat with your weak hand. This builds up the weak hand's muscles and strengthens your coordination.

5. Practice the drums using only the weak hand. When your weak and strong hands play the same music simultaneously you have started to play with a match grip.

6. Play one to five songs using a match grip. Remember to watch the drumsticks to make sure everything is matched up.

[justie1220]

on 12/29/2008 can you link articles on the french, german and american grips on here?