How to Play a German Drum Grip with Rods

The German Grip is a form of the matched grip, whereby both hands hold the drumsticks in a matched, overhand manner. When playing with the German Grip, the wrists are primarily responsible for moving the sticks. This allows for greater power, but less finesse. Rods are the perfect playing instrument for times when sticks would be too loud and brushes would be too quiet. Sometimes called hot rods, they are great for the German Grip as well, because they can give you a mix of loud and quiet.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Rods
• Drum

How to Play a German Drum Grip with Rods

1. Hold the rods in the German Grip style, with both hands matched and your palms should be parallel to the drumhead. Your thumb should be over top of the rods and your forefingers and middle fingers should be wrapped around underneath.

2. Practice manipulating the rods with your wrists, keeping your fingers relatively still.

3. Strike the drum head with the rods, using your wrists to bring the stick down.

4. Bring the stick back up using your wrist, and leaving your fingers mostly still.

5. Continue practicing the German Grip with rods until you are completely comfortable maneuvering hot rods in this style.

Resources

• Video Tutorial on Playing with German Grip