A fulcrum is a pivot point in a lever. Let that stick move! For example, matched grip lends itself well to rock, but if the groove is funky, a bit of traditional conveys that feel and attitude quite nicely. This form has become the most common grip for most styles of music. Also, when you stretch your arms significantly, the index finger will become loose and detached from the drumstick reducing the power of the strokes and inhibiting technique. 4). Your thumb should be resting on … Now that you know how to hold drumsticks properly, let us move on to the basic techniques on how to hold them. Some like to debate the virtues of their preferred grips, but I don’t think you necessarily have to choose. Fig. To create the grip, you start with a fulcrum, just like matched grip. There are many ways to hold the drumsticks, that is various grips that will match your style of play. Source: www.ChristianJohnsonDrums.com. Learn more about drum stick grip and drum technique, search here for a private drum instructor near you. Within the broader category of "matched grips," there are several variations. This grip was popularized by members of the military battery, who carried their drums slung to the side (hence the name, “side drum”). It is applied in drum kit, mallets, timpani, and other instruments. If you create the traditional grip correctly, the stick will move just like the see-saw (Figs. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In recent years, this method of holding sticks has become more and more universally taught as the standard grip, especially because it’s the grip used for all other percussion instruments that are played with a stick or mallet. This pinching between your thumb and index finger is called a “fulcrum.”. 15 Like in matched grip, the fingers provide extra control during and after a stick’s rebound. For most right handed individuals, you’ll grip theleft drumstick with your palm facing upwards. I’ve seen matched grip players sitting pretty far from the drum set and lacking power in the kick drum as well in their hands, me personally being one of them. Shopping. The grip that most drummers are familiar with is the matched, or German Grip, which is performed with both … It’s become a bit counterintuitive to use a different grip just for snare drum or drum set. This discussion is centered around the matched grip method of holding drumsticks. Mike gives step-by-step instruction on how to find the balance point (aka fulcrum point) of the drumstick, and then how to apply it with both grips. The stick is held in the right hand exactly the same as matched grip, but the left hand is a whole different story. Think of a see-saw at the playground (Fig. It’s usually a metal pole or something like that and it’s the whole reason why a see-saw works. Source: www.ChristianJohnsonDrums.com. It’s simply a different way of holding the drum sticks than what people are used to. Source: www.ChristianJohnsonDrums.com. The fingers control the rebound of the stick and allow you to play intricate patterns. 20, you can see how the stick needs to move in the hand to create the see-saw, and requires little wrist movement. personalized lessons. As Tommy Igoe says, space in the back creates sound up front. It’s important to note that the images make it look like the fulcrum is the wrist, but it’s not! Plus, so many other percussion instruments, like timpani and mallet instruments, are played with matched grip. This type of grip has three variations: German, American, and French. A common way for the young percussionist to do this is by shifting their fulcrum from the front of the hand to the back of the hand. 3 Illustration of a see-saw pointing out the Fulcrum or pivot point. Now you know how to hold drum sticks. That doesn’t mean that the grip has limitations. Source: www.ChristianJohnsonDrums.com. This creates a large gap between the thumb, index finger, and drumstick. It’s important to relax and allow the sticks to float in your hands. For novices, the easiest grip style to … 14 Curl the ring and pinky fingers under the stick. Both techniques are expressive and fun to use. The two grips that you will see most often are matched grip and traditional grip. Playing with American Grip Point your index finger forward. This is the most popular way of holding drum sticks. The drums that were used for marching and the military were held up with a shoulder sling or rope thrown over the shoulder. Rhythm and Reading Series, Reading, Rhythm, Beginner, Intermediate, Rhythm and Reading Series, Reading, Rhythm, Intermediate, Beginner. Both of your hands will hold the stick in the same way (Fig. German Grip. How you hold the sticks and the strike pattern will influence the sound. 18 Rotating the wrist downward starts the movement of the stick tip toward the drum. Source: www.ChristianJohnsonDrums.com. French Grip is often taught as a Timpani playing grip for it’s finger control. You start by creating a fulcrum. Matched grip Matched grip (also known as parallel grip) is a method of holding drum sticks and mallets to play percussion instruments. Matched Grip is holding the sticks in which both hands use the Many drummers keep these fingers bent, although some prefer to straighten their index finger along the stick. While holding it, let the end drop down onto the snare drum. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device. Copy link. Fig. They play a small part in controlling the stick. 3). Both hands use the same principle to hold the stick, unlike that of Traditional Grip which makes use of two different grips for each hand. In the center of the see-saw is a pivot. Fig. Fig. Traditional grip or matched grip, which one is better? Lets look at the mechanics behind traditional grip and matched grip. (And occasionally the hi-hat) You will grip the right drumsticks with the palm facing downwards. Look and your palm and imagine a line diagonally down the middle, from the base of your index finger across your palm to the opposite corner (see image 1). Do whatever works for you. The ring and pinky fingers curl underneath the stick and provide a platform for the stick to rest (Fig. The first image you see below is probably the more common of the matched grips (Fig. In using the matched grip method, the drummer grips the drum sticks using his index finger, while the middle finger curls around base of the drum stick and the thumb rests atop. If you are tense when you play, you’ll have the tendency to force the motion since you’re stiff and the result will be injury - sometimes long-lasting or career-ending injury. When learning how to play the drums not many teachers are going to show you french grip. But, the best drumsticks will be what feels right for you and gives you the sound you want. It involves you holding your stick at the fulcrum point (balance point) with your thumb and index finger, placing your other fingers on the bottom of the stick. Source: www.ChristianJohnsonDrums.com. To each their own. Match vs. The fulcrum rests between your thumb and index finger with the French grip. guaranteed, The middle and index fingers lay on top of the stick, but do not squeeze (Fig. Your thumb on the left side and your … With matched grip, both of your hands hold the sticks the same way. Percussion Instruction, Drumline, Beginner Lessons. The Matched Grip, sometimes referred to as the overhand grip, is the most prevalent technique seen across drummers worldwide. This brief lesson shows you the proper grips for holding the drum sticks. The pointer smewhat guides it, and the pinky just loosely wraps around it. Source: www.ChristianJohnsonDrums.com, Fig. Fig. Turn … The result was that the drum wasn’t flat it front of the player, it was at an angle, over the left knee. Up Next. Fig. 2), which focuses on finger control by turning the hand so the thumb is on top and the fingers are below the stick. Here, Edmond, OK drum instructor Tracy D. explains the mechanics of each drum grip so you can decide which one is right for you…. The fulcrum rests between your thumb and index finger with the French grip. The first step is to learn how to properly hold the sticks. To describe, Matched Grip involves both hands matching each other.The sticks rest on the fingers and are either moved with the wrists or the fingers. Matched Grip French Grip. If you’re wondering how to hold drum sticks, first you should get a better understanding of the difference between the two. 15)! Fig. Sign up for more information about our private lessons. 11 - Drum Solo Featuring Dave Weckl, Vinnie Colaiuta and Steve Gadd. The traditional grip will have you holding the drumsticks with … Drummers love to debate which is best but they really are just wasting their time. 6 Loosening the fingers allows the stick to come up. The fulcrum (pivot point) will be between your thumb and index finger. You’ll create your fulcrum about 4 inches from the butt of the stick. Find the fulcrum of the drumstick The fulcrum will be the point at which the stick will receive the most natural rebound. 4 Create a Fulcrum Source: www.ChristianJohnsonDrums.com. The grip is a hold-over from older times, prior to the development of the modern drum set. Gripping the sticks too hard can lead to fatigue and possible injury, and it will limit the sticks’ mobility. Fig. Move the stick in your grip until you find the … Required fields are marked *. We match you with expert teachers in over 300 subjects so that you can learn something new through 100% Ryan Jonker. The French Grip is another technique that was a big mystery for a long time. 7 At full height, the butt of the stick is no longer touching the palm. Apart from drums, matched grips technique can be used to play other musical instruments. Source: www.ChristianJohnsonDrums.com. There are essentially two different ways to hold drum sticks: traditional grip and matched grip. This hand is mostly responsible for delivering beats on the snare drums. 9 The force of the downward motion will create more or less volume, depending on how fast the stick moves. Matched Grip. Beginning drummers often have questions about how to hold drum sticks. It’s a little like shaking water from your hand. Autoplay is paused. 8 Closing the fingers will help you throw the stick down. To put it simply, the matched grip is when a drummer holds the stick on both hands the same way. The fulcrum can (if desired) shift a bit more toward your thumb and middle finger with the German and American grips. Your email address will not be published. In the matched grip each hand holds its stick in the same way, whereas in the traditional grip, each hand holds the stick differently. How to Hold Drum Sticks (Matched Grip) June 16, 2020. This position lends power and volume. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Fig. In traditional grip, the other hand will use the same grip as Matched (Fig. As a result, students will often make changes in their grip to help make holding the drumstick feel more natural or comfortable to them. The traditional grip way is unique from other drum grip styles. Watch the video above to see exactly where you should hold the stick. Your thumb should be flat against the side of the stick and holding it against the first knuckle of the index finger. Source: www.ChristianJohnsonDrums.com. You might notice that the backs of my hands are facing out at a slight angle as opposed to being straight up. Source: www.ChristianJohnsonDrums.com. Matched grip. This is opposed to the French Grip (Fig. Niels Myrner. Matched Grip Vs. Position your left hand as if you’re extending it to shake someone’s hand. This is the Germanic Style or German grip. French grip is an underused approaching to holding drum sticks. This left-hand grip also employs a fulcrum, so you should first identify the balance point of the stick just as we did with matched grip. Jumping up on one side causes the other side to go down. 20 Animated Gif Demonstrating the stick movement at the fulcrum with little wrist movement. The first step to playing the drums is learning how to properly hold the drumsticks. It’s characterized by the back of the hand facing upward. If you create a fulcrum correctly, the stick will move in your hand like the see-saw (Figs. Hold the sticks with your palms facing down and use the wrists to drive. First, you need to … 2 Matched Grip - French Style Source: www.ChristianJohnsonDrums.com. You can imagine a pin going through your thumbnail and into the first finger. Approximately 2/3 of the stick should face the front. Matched grip techniques involve holding a drumstick much like you would hold a hammer. The fulcrum can (if desired)... German Grip. 21). For example, drummers in my high school marching band all played traditional grip for a classic look. If you’re playing traditional grip, read on. Meanwhile the back of the hand faces outward. Fig. The motion for playing comes from a wrist twist. There is the Matched Grip and the Traditional Grip to hold the sticks. Your email address will not be published. Here's a picture of standard french grip: With french grip you use a LOT of finger control. Hence, this type of grip is mostly used by jazz drummers and drummers who play softer styles of music. Learning both grips will make your playing more versatile and interesting, so I say — give both a try! Source: www.ChristianJohnsonDrums.com. 13 The fulcrum is made by holding the stick in the valley between the thumb and first finger. Source: www.ChristianJohnsonDrums.com, Fig. Just like the name suggests, this drumming style entails holding the drum sticks in both hands in a similar manner. Broadly speaking, there are two main types of grip: match and traditional. Hold the stick in place with a slight pressure from the thumb, but DO NOT SQUEEZE. In Fig. Tap to unmute. They’re great for beginners or old pros who want to see exactly how the stick should be held. Two people sit at either end of the board and alternate taking turns pushing off the ground. Matched Grip. Each one is different however so what works for me doesn’t necessarily work for other, but I wanted to share my thoughts and experience from a different point of view, because the matched/traditional discussions are always about that one hand only, the left hand. I hold my sticks with the grip being between my two middle fingers. Traditional grip isn’t used as much by new drummers anymore because it was developed for a specific purpose. Matched Grip is a stick grip where your hands hold the stick in the same way - your hands match. If you are dropping the sticks a lot at first, that’s a good thing! Just check out Todd Sucherman, or better yet, this awesome trio of drummers: Dave Weckl, Vinnie Colaiuta and Steve Gadd, all playing Traditional Grip. With this 7-minute video clip, you will learn how to hold the drumsticks in both matched grip, and traditional grip.

. A careless grip can increase the wrist pain and tension. 14). Move your forearm in a rotary motion, which is similar to turning a doorknob. How to hold drum sticks; Traditional grip; Turn your left palm horizontal to the floor. Be sure that you are not squeezing the stick too hard. Almost all … Using a matched grip style means that you hold your drum sticks the same way in both your right and left hands. Squeezing creates tension, and tension creates stiffness. Matched grip being when you hold both sticks the same way and traditional grip being when you hold the left stick with an underhand grip. Pinch the stick between the thumb and the first finger (Fig. It’s sort of a hybrid between German and French. 13). They each have a different feel, expression, and attitude. Cancel. There are two videos; one for matched grip and one for traditional grip. Fig. Begin with nothing in your hands. Add christian@christianjohnsondrums.com to your contacts to prevent it from going into spam. I’ve seen this position called the American Grip. More power, control and stability. The underhand traditional grip was developed to allow the drummers to play on these tilted drums. Learn good habits from the very beginning! Palm facing upward, like someone is about to give you something. The stick should sit in the webbing between your thumb and index finger, and rest on the cuticle of the ring finger. Source: www.ChristianJohnsonDrums.com. Find Private Teaching Jobs on TakeLessons. The butt of the stick should touch the thick pad of your palm, which acts like a shock absorber. Be on the lookout for more quick reference articles like these in the future. Traditional grip. When you hold the drumstick in a matched grip style, you grip … Source: www.ChristianJohnsonDrums.com, Fig. Info. Position your right hand the same way you do for the American matched grip. Traditional Grip. 19 The volume of the hit is determined by the speed of the stroke. Turn your hands to a 45-degree angle. You then wrap the rest of your fingers around the stick like you are shaking someone’s hand. This position lends power and... American Grip. They do not squeeze the stick! Hold a drumstick in your right hand like you would match grip. To hold a stick with the matched grip, you place the stick in your hand with the middle point right under the middle joint of your index finger. 10). German Grip is next because it is rather similar to American Grip, but it gives a little … Lift your pinky and ring finger up to a vertical position. 5 The stick touches the thick pad of your palm. There are also those that say Traditional Grip is essential for drum set styles like Jazz. If you’re playing matched grip, you’re all set! There are also visual reasons you may need to learn traditional grip. The Traditional Drumstick Grip. If you play match grip and your drums are further away, you’ll be playing with legs and arms stretched to an angle above the 90 degrees which is just going to waste too much of your energy trying to achieve good quality sound without a result. You just need enough pressure to create some friction between the stick and the fingers, but it should be loose enough that you can move the stick around with your other hand. 21 Bird’s Eye View: Traditional Grip at the drum set. Put simply, match grip is where the left and the right hand hold the sticks the same way, with the stick held between the thumb and the fingers. Hoping somebody found this a bit useful anyway, and happy drumming to everyone! One of the foundations of the proper hold is learning to play with a matched grip. As the name implies, matched grip refers to the technique where the drummer holds both sticks in the same way.

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To hold drumsticks with an American matched grip, follow the following steps: Hold your hand out with your palm facing down. I feel there’s a bit more to it, and it involves body proportions and individual physique. Matched Grip is a straightforward way to hold your drum sticks. 5). The fingers provide fine tuned control of the stick rebound. 1). Relax your fingers and use them for support, nuance, and control. 10 Bird’s Eye View: Matched Grip at the drum set. Traditional Grip Match Grip. Place the drumstick underneath your thumb, across the top of your palm and above the ring and pinky finger. Fig. Other grips, like the traditional grip, are out of scope here. Thank you for signing up to get updates from Christian Johnson! There are a few ways to hold the sticks with matched grip, let me explain them. They provide a lot of the control for rebounds and rolls in traditional grip. A relaxed grip will also coax a better tone from the drums. 1 Matched Grip - Germanic or American Style Source: www.ChristianJohnsonDrums.com, Fig. Hold the sticks with your thumbnails facing the ceiling and your palms facing each other. Too many times I’ve seen drummers having to go back to the basics because bad technique and poor habits are holding back their progression. Source: www.ChristianJohnsonDrums.com, Fig. Place that spot in the webbed space between your thumb and index finger. Germanian Grip - The Germanian grip is very common for rock drumming and corps drumming. This may seem easy, however developing correct technique early on will be the best thing you can do for your drumming. Source: www.ChristianJohnsonDrums.com, Fig. The stick needs to move and breathe.

It has certain advantages and certainly has a very different approach then matched and traditional grip. 6 - 9). Matched Grip. My pinky and my pointer don’t grip the stick at all. 12). How to Hold Drum Sticks: Traditional Grip vs. It’s by far the most common grip used by drummers. Extend your hand with the palm facing inward. There are two basic grips: the matched grip and the traditional grip. 12 Extend your hand like you’re meeting someone for the first time. The thumb closes the gap and rests on the first finger, somewhere around the middle knuckle. Very good advice on how to hold drum sticks Keep up the good work. As a result, the drum stick is able to move freely and will bounce when a player strikes a percussion instrument. This allows you to use both wrists for power and your fingers for control and nuance. Traditional lets you sit closer to the drums. The Spirit of ‘76  Archibald Willard. Traditional grip is often used for jazz and drum lines. Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. The main thing, and you might have noticed that I said this A LOT, is that you do not squeeze the sticks. Fig. In reality, no single grip is “the rule” and having the ability to switch between the various styles of the grip will give you more freedom of expression, and better endurance as you will be able to give your hands some much needed rest while playing. It’s a bit like shaking someone’s hand (Fig. Curl in your index finger, and place the drumstick between that finger and your thumb. The angle of the drum made it necessary to turn the left forearm under, so that the stick would comfortably clear the rim. Nowadays, drums are flat or tilted toward the player for the most part. Count how many bounces you get. For these grips, your thumb should rest opposite of your index finger on the stick, with approximately two inches of the butt-end extending from the back. 16 Rotating the wrist will start the movement of the stick tip upward. You fingers loosely fall around the rest of the stick and provide control when rebounding and playing rolls (Fig. 17 At full height, the butt of the stick is pointing downward. Fig. Currently, this is the standard style of holding drum sticks for most music styles. Rest the tip of your thumb lightly on the first knuckle of your index finger and put your middle finger on top of the stick, slightly in front of the index finger. Be sure to find the same balance point at about 4 inches from the butt of the stick and place it in the valley between your thumb and index finger (Fig. So many excellent players still use traditional grip to this day. This position allows for maximum finger control, and it’s favored by timpanists for this reason.