Proper Drum Stick Technique
As a drummer, you may have great rhythm, but you will be limiting your potential if you don't use proper stick technique. The proper grip allows you to move the sticks more easily and get a better sound from your strike on the drum head.
Other People Are Reading
-
Traditional Grip
-
The traditional grip was once considered the only accepted grip, but it is now mostly associated with marching snare drums. Maholo.com notes that it is still the preferred grip among jazz drummers. The right hand holds the stick inside a loose fist, much like you might hold a hammer. The left hand is turned palm up. The handle end of the stick rests between the thumb and the forefinger. The stick then crosses the palm and slides between the middle finger and the ring finger. The drum head is struck by twisting the wrist.
Matched Grip
-
Once considered the "uneducated" grip, the matched grip has emerged as the most popular style for drummers playing on trap kits (i.e., drum sets). Both hands grip the sticks in the same manner, which is holding them in loose fists as one might hold a hammer. Your thumbs, however, should not wrap around your fists, but instead be placed on the side of the sticks pointing toward the stick heads. Do not squeeze. The stick should move freely in your hand. Your palms should face down, but Mahalo notes they should turn at a slight angle before striking the drum head.
-
French Grip
-
Although not as popular as the other styles, the French grip allows you to control the sticks with your fingers. The Learn Drums Blog points out that controlling the sticks this way allows you to play longer with less fatigue to your hands and wrists, but it does not allow you to put power into your strikes. Like the matched grip, both hands hold the sticks the same way. With palms down, but angled up slightly, grip the sticks with your fingertips and thumb print. The sticks do not touch the palms. Strike the drum head by flexing your fingers without engaging your wrists.
-
