How to Spin Drumsticks Around Your Fingers

Though there is no musical purpose for spinning drumsticks. The art of drumstick spinning goes back to the earliest drummers and is used primarily for showmanship. Drumstick spinning, also known as twirling drumsticks, is a performance technique used by many drummers for effect, but it also is an unconscious habit for some drummers. Learning to twirl drumsticks isn't difficult and can add a little visual flash to your drumming performances.

Things You'll Need

• Drumsticks

Instructions

1. Mentally number your fingers one through four, beginning with your index finger and moving to your little finger. The space between each finger, beginning with the space between your index and middle fingers, are lettered A, B and C. These numbers and letters are how you refer to spinning patterns.

2. Place a drumstick over your first finger and under your second finger. This is the setup for the most basic drumstick spinning technique. Apply downward pressure with your second finger, which lifts the stick away from your first finger, and continue to push down with your second finger as you use your thumb to flip the stick in a complete circle. This takes some practice to make it look fluid, but after you have mastered moving your thumb, first finger and second finger in conjunction, this basic spin will appear effortless.

3. Place a drumstick in the space between your first and second finger. Press down with your second finger to bring the stick over your second finger and into the B space, then press the drumstick down with your third finger to bring the stick into slot C (the space between your third and fourth fingers). Repeat this pattern backward to bring the stick full circle.

References

• Training Shell: How to Spin Drum Sticks Tutorial
• YouTube: Spinning Drumsticks
• Jim McCarthy Drum Clinic: Drum Stick Twirling and Stick Spinning Tutorial