How to Do a German Full Stroke on Snare Drum

Well over a dozen different sizes and makes of drums can be used in performance, given the drummer's need to produce different drum tones and pitches. However, different methods of drumming produce different tones from the same drum. While a snare drum typically is used to produce a rapid rattling series of beats, when you use the German full stroke you will find that the tone of the drum is significantly deepened and is more akin to a bass drum.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Drumsticks
• Snare Drum

1. Begin with the drum either on its stand before you or on your lap if you don't have a stand. Be warned that the sound of the drum will be muffled if you use it on your lap.

2. Grip the drumstick firmly, with fingers down at the very bottom of the stick and thumb placed on the stick pointing toward the stick's head. This is the German style of holding the stick. It allows for more powerful and longer strokes while drumming, though is often not fast enough for many drummers' tastes.

3. With your hand slightly above and to the side of the drum, hold the stick completely vertical.

4. Twist your hand at the wrist and bring the stick down firmly onto the head of the drum. It should create a deep and reverberating note not characteristic of a snare drum.

5. Your drumstick will rebound from the drum's head; bring the stick back all the way up to the vertical before striking the drum again. The only movement involved in this stroke is at the wrist. It is these two factors that lend depth and power to this particular stroke.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're not used to incorporating much in the way of wrist strokes in your drumming, practice this stroke extensively to build speed and strength before adding this technique to your repertoire.

Resources

• Instructive video on performing this technique