Learning
a new musical instrument is an exciting way to build creativity, physical
coordination and dexterity. Drummers particularly gain an incredible
sense of rhythm while building stamina and ambidexterity. Before becoming
the next John Bonham, however, students must learn basic rudiments,
sticking and beats–but the definite first thing a beginner drummer
should know is how to hold
drum sticks.
Those who have never been on a drum set before just want to hop on
and play as loud and hard as they can–which is fine for a little
while. After some practice and consideration, students will learn
that drumming requires both power and grace to get the proper sound
and keep sticks from breaking. Also, correct drum stick-grip will
enable players to move around on the set swiftly.
Although there are countless variations on how to hold drum sticks,
this article addresses the two most-common grips.
Most modern rock drummers use the American matched grip. Start by
placing the stick so that the tip faces away from you and then find
the balance point (usually about three or four inches up from the
bottom). With your thumb, index and middle finger, pick up the stick
from that balance point–if held loosely, the drum stick should
remain horizontal in the air. With your thumb, roll the stick up your
index or middle finger (whatever is most comfortable); the stick should
rest between the first and second joints. Now that you’re holding
the stick with your thumb and the other finger (index or middle),
wrap the rest of your fingers loosely around the stick. Do not grip
sticks tightly because there needs to enough room for the stick to
rebound off the drum head and pivot around the finger. Rock drummers
use the matched grip because it’s easy to move around quickly
on the drum set.
Traditional grip is commonly used by marching bands and jazz drummers.
To execute the traditional grip, put your hand out, palm facing you.
Make a gun motion by sticking your index, middle finger and thumb
out. Now, place the stick in the crook between your index finger and
thumb, with the head of the stick pointing away from your thumb. Bend
your index finger down to hold it in place and strike the drum by
flicking your wrist. This is also called the underhand method because
the drum stick rests son top of the palm.
The traditional method was developed by marching drummers who carried
their drums to the side. However, this is not easy to use on a drum
set because the hand positioning makes it difficult to move from drum
to drum.
There is no correct way of how to hold drum sticks–each method
has it own grace. Players should focus on building their own style
that’s both comfortable and unique because there are few things
like watching a competent, professional drummer.