How to Do a Traditional Upstroke on Snare Drum

Traditions are usually passed down from generation to generation in an attempt to keep the memory of a time or era alive. Playing instruments such as the snare drum in a traditional style can be an effective way to pay homage to the past while living in the present. From war reenactments to marching band, learning traditional strokes still have many common uses.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Snare drum or practice surface
• Drumsticks

1. Ensure that you have a suitable area to practice with enough room for you and your practice surface or drum to fit. Place your drum in a comfortable area in front of you that allows you to beat it.

2. 

   Position the drumstick in your left hand for the traditional grip. You will do this by ensuring your hand is a third of the way from the butt end of the stick and in the fold between your thumb and index finger. The cushion of your thumb will be touching the middle knuckle of your index finger. Also the tip end of the stick should be protruding from in between your middle and ring fingers, resting on the first knuckle of your ring finger closest to your cuticle. Refer to the picture for clarification.

3. Begin in the start position. Being that the upstroke is usually not intended to be a loud or resonating strike it starts in the "low" or "down" position. This is when the tip of the drumstick is hovering about an inch away from the strike surface.

4. Strike the snare or practice surface from the start position. This is the "stroke" for the upstroke.

5. End in the high position. The upstroke should end in the "up" or "high" position. This is when your wrist and the inside of your forearm will be or will almost be facing the ceiling.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember practice makes perfect so practice often to improve technique.