By
eHow Arts & Entertainment Editor
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Step1
Grip one of the sticks loosely between your right thumb and index finger. This is called the fulcrum point. Let the rest of your fingers fall naturally around the stick. Your palm should face down.
Step2
Create a 45-degree angle with the crease between your thumb and index finger. Your thumb should be slightly off-center from the top of the stick.
Step3
Find the fulcrum point between your left thumb and index finger. Hold the stick in the fulcrum point and rest it against your fourth finger, just past your first knuckle, near the cuticle. Your palm should face up.
Step4
Position your drum by bending your left arm until your elbow forms a 90-degree angle. Raise the drum until the bead of the drumstick is in the center of the drum. Then lower the drum until you can fit the width of two fingers between the drum and the stick.
Step5
Raise your right arm so the fulcrum point matches your left fulcrum point. Compare the downward angles of the sticks. They should be the same.
Step6
Form a 90-degree angle with the sticks above the center of the drum.
Step7
Relax your muscles as you drum, avoiding any tension in your shoulders and forearms. Breathe naturally as you play.