Drumstick Spin Instructions

All self-respecting drumming rock stars know how to do the drumstick spin.

Spinning the drumsticks is the signature move of every great drummer and adds a visual flair to your performance. The real drumstick spin is not to be confused with the twirl (or "fake" spin) and is a far more difficult move. Start by practicing with your dominant hand and then move on to the other hand. Soon you will be spinning both drumsticks like a pro. You can start with the "fake" spin or twirl and then move on to the real spin when you have become more adept.

Instructions

The Fake Spin

1. Hold your hand up, palm facing outwards and the back of your hand facing you.

2. Grip the drumstick between the index and middle fingers of your dominant hand. Hold the drumstick as you would a cigarette. It should be held in the middle of the stick between your palm and your knuckle.

3. Keep your fingers straight and start to move your wrist in a circle so that both ends of the drumstick are tracing circles in the air. Increase the speed until both ends are a blur.

The Real Spin

1. Grip the middle of the drumstick between your index and middle finger. The drumstick should be between the knuckle and the finger tip. Hold it like you would a cigarette. Move the middle finger down and the index finger up. Use the two fingers to guide the drumstick into a horizontal position laying under the index finger and over the top of the middle finger.

2. Grip the drumstick (on the side nearest the tip) with your ring finger. Release the index finger. Now the drumstick should be held between your middle and ring fingers, tip down.

3. Repeat the move described in steps one and two. This time, move the ring finger down and the middle finger up and over. Guide the drumstick until it is laying horizontally over the ring finger.

4. Grip the drumstick with the pinky finger (on the side closest to the bottom of the drumstick) and release the middle finger. The drumstick will be held vertically between the ring and pinky fingers, tip facing up. Repeat the move from step one and two. Move the ring finger up and over and the pinky down so that the drumstick lies horizontally over the top of your pinky finger.

5. Curl your index finger and straighten it under the drumstick. Grip the drumstick once again between the index and middle fingers and release the pinky. You have completed a single spin. The drumstick will be upside down, so you will have to repeat the spin to get it right side up again.

Tips & Warnings

• Perfect your drum beats before attempting a spin so that you don't lose track of your drumming when you spin.

• Hold the drumstick away from your face when spinning.

References

• Jim McCarthy Drum Clinic: Drum Stick Twirling and Spinning Tutorial
• YouTube: Spinning Drumsticks