How to Play the Cushion Stroke on Snare Drum

In marching band, a drummer's poster, poise and precision make the difference between first chair and substitute. Mastery of the cushion stroke is a key element in precision play. A good cushion stroke is demonstrated by sound and position.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Play the preceding beats normally with your right hand. Raise the right drum stick to full height before and after the strike.
2. Stop your right wrist after the final beat. The stick should remain parallel to the drumhead. Cushion the stick against you palm so the tip can wiggle. You don't want to choke the sound; you want the same sound created by full strokes.
3. Switch to your left hand. Cushion the stick between the index finger and the tip of the ring finger. Play the preceding beats.
4. Halt the stick after the final stoke. As with your right hand stroke, you want to finish with the stick parallel to the drumhead.
5. Practice until you can cushion your stroke without thinking. Try several series of 7 full strokes and 1 cushion stroke. Continue to switch back and forth between hands until both hands play with the same strength.

Tips & Warnings

• A more advanced cushion stroke uses the back fulcrum of the thumb to stop the stroke just after the beat. It is important to strike the head first so the beat doesn't turn into an accent.
• Don't squeeze the stick. You want to give it wiggle room to create the same sound as a stroke from full height.