Things You'll Need:
- Drumsticks
- Snare drum
-
Step 1
Properly position the drumstick in your hand. Right-handed players typically play rim clicks with their left hand or back beat hand. Start by placing the butt end of drumstick on the snare drum head, approximately one to two inches from the rim. Sticks should be pointing in an approximately two o’clock direction. The butt end of the stick will act as a fulcrum in the stick hitting motion.
-
Step 2
Grip the drumstick closer to the end of your fingertips in a way that allows you to lift the stick away from the drum head without resting your hand on the drum head. The palm of your hand will keep the butt end of the stick against the head.
-
Step 3
Raise the drumstick and lower it against the rim at approximately two o'clock. Use a light swinging motion and keep the butt end of the stick against the head. As you adjust the rim impact site on your stick, you'll notice the sound of the rim click will change. Although there is no right or wrong rim click sound, often you'll find a "sweet spot" near the taper of the drumstick. You may also need to adjust the stick placement radially for optimum sound for each drum. The next four steps will offer ways to practice alternative rim clicks.
-
Step 4
Turn around your drumsticks so the tip is against the head and the butt of the stick plays the rim click against the rim. You'll notice a broader and louder sound with this method, which is why many drummers prefer this method.
-
Step 5
For a tighter sound, try gently resting the tips of your fingers against the drum head upon impact to the rim. You’ll notice the sustain is cut short, which is a useful accent in certain styles of music and allows more dynamic playing.
-
Step 6
Disengage the snares on the snare drum and try the different rim clicks described. You’ll get a completely different sound, often with more sustain. This sound is more common in Latin styles of music, where the rim click imitates the clave as opposed to a quiet back beat in popular rock music.
-
Step 7
Lift the stick completely off the drum head, then lightly slam the sticks down from approximately six inches off the drum head. This variation of the rim click was made popular in big band jazz music. This method takes some getting used to and some practice to find the right aim. It will give you a strong back beat.
