How to Play Dig and Stir Drum Combos

Digs and stirs are two different types of playing movements used when playing the snare drum with brushes. The two movements are often used together to create a unique sound used quite often in jazz playing.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Brushes
• Snare drum

How to Play Dig and Stir Combos

1. Play a stir by pressing both brushes against the snare, sweeping them across the drum head in an even, smooth manner.

2. Play a dig by lifting up one of the brushes and striking it against the head of the snare. When you do so, do not lift it back up but leave it pressed against the drum.

3. Stir the brush against the drum head once again after you've used it to play a dig.

4. Play the digs and stirs together in any style you wish. You can play several digs in a row, just make sure that you leave the brush pressed against the head of the snare after your hit it against the drum for the last time.

5. Practice dig and stir combos until you are proficient in playing them.

Resources

• Video Tutorial