If you are a music lover, there is a chance you have always wanted to play an instrument. It could be a guitar, drums, piano, etc. However, this article is not about the guitar or drums. In this article, we are going to talk about how to hold a drumstick. You feel surprised, right? I mean, why would you need to learn that among thousands of other important things?
Well, let me tell you a little secret! It might sound weird, but actually, there are several styles of holding drumsticks! If you are new in drumming, the first thing you have to learn is how to hold drumsticks. This is the initial step to start your path towards the drum journey.
In this article, we are going to explain all the specifics you should know about holding drumsticks.
How to Hold a Drumstick:5 Different Techniques
Are you still wondering why the drum stick holding technique is so important? Well, it is a crucial element if you want to know about how to play drums. Different parts of a drumstick play a different role while playing. The proper technique and posture can make a solid basis for your drumming future.
And with the wrong methods, you can end up with disappointing results! The two basic styles of grip are currently trending worldwide: The matched grip and the traditional grip. At first glance, you may not be able to pinpoint the difference. But once you start learning the method, you start noticing how they are not that similar!
Even if you are not a smooth drum player, you would be able to figure out what style your favorite drum player follows! That’s impressive, right!
Also, after buying your own drum set, don’t forget to use drumstick grip tape to have better control over your sticks. They also protect you from any type of injury.
Matched Grip
The matched grip is the technique of using the same gripping style in both of your hands. This one is great to learn when you are just about to start playing drums. A professional teacher is undoubtedly the best way to learn to drum. However, if you don’t have a teacher, you can be self-taught by following matched grip drumsticks. Buy a beginner’s drum set and start playing.
This technique is based on the evenness of your both hand grips. You can always assess your stick arrangements and strokes with this. You can always use your stronger hand to be positioned first, and the weak hand can follow the lead.
For strong snare hits, higher volume resonance, the side shots excluding extra shock to the arm and grip, your left hand can create the best-matched placements in the drumstick. If you need to have a large amount of control in your drumming, the matched grip is the best for you. This style also complements the songs of the contemporary genre a lot.
There are three forms of the matched grip style. Each one has its unique characteristics and benefits. The French grip uses your finger to control the drum sticks, the German grip uses the wrist, and the American grip is the combination of the other two. This one is the most popular as it is a fusion of both the German and the French grip method.
The American Grip
This is the easiest style to learn as a beginner drummer. You can also balance the control and power which is essential for all types of music.
- First, bring one hand up and turn the wrist like your palm is downward. The forefinger will be directed forward and parallel to the surface.
- Twist your forefinger at its second & third finger joint. Thus, your fingertips will be lined up with the edging of the palm. You would see a pouch-shaped form that acts as a center for the drumstick and play key support as well.
- Now, put the drumstick in that pouch-like structure of your hand. The drumstick should be draped by the forefinger like a trigger.
- There is a balance point when the drumstick creates an automatic bounce after hitting a drumhead. The stick naturally resonates and hits back the drum without the drummer’s effort. You will know your balance point if you see 6-8 bounces after every hit.
- After finding the balance point, position your thumb on the rim of drumsticks. You don’t need any extra force to the thumb, this is just to give some extra grip when you are playing drums.
- Bend your middle to the last finger around the drumsticks. Don’t make it tight, they are only a backup to the sticks.
- Now, take your other hand and do the same procedure from the start. Both hands show the same matching grip, hence it is called a matched grip.
- If you are ready, hit your drum by bending your wrist and move the stick in an upward and downward motion. Adjust your thumbs and fingers whenever you need to control bounces.
The German Grip
A German grip is a common form of matched grip, a technique many drummers use to have extra power, especially in classical and rock music.
Find the balance point like the American grip style. The drumstick should bounce back 6-8 times once it hits the drum head.
Most drums are set up horizontally, whereas some drums like bass drums are positioned vertically with the surface. Place the palms parallelly with the plane of the drum.
The middle finger is the key support in German grip. Bend your middle finger around the drumstick to provide extra backup.
Don’t bend in your elbows if you see them going outward. It is common in German grip. Letting it act its way will make the playing easier for you.
If you are ready, strike the drum by twisting your wrist. Adjust the grip if the sticks don’t deliver a good spring after striking. Don’t use your fingers, arms, or shoulder.
The French grip
While it is not the most popular matched grip technique, many drummers like to use it, especially for the speed and stamina. This saves a lot of energy due to the minimal use of the wrist.
Find the balance point like the American grip style. The drumstick should bounce back 6-8 times once it hits the drum head.
Keep both your palms a foot apart and place them in each other’s direction.
The middle finger, ring, and the little finger are the key support in French grip. Bend your middle to little finger around the drumstick to provide extra backup.
Bend in your elbows if you see them going outward. It is common in French grip. Letting it act its way will make the playing easier for you.
If you are ready, strike the drum by moving your fingers. Adjust the grip if the sticks don’t deliver a good spring after striking. You don’t need to use your wrists, arms, or shoulder.
Traditional Grip
Traditional grip is very different in aspects with a matched grip. This is mostly used in Jazz style music. You can hit delicate strikes for low volumes using this grip. Compared to others, it is a tough style to learn. You must get lessons from an expert to understand how to hold drum sticks by using traditional grip. Incorrect and careless postures can result in injuries.
In this style, the palms are not held the same way. Hence it is not considered a matched grip. It was originally used by a military drum player who couldn’t play drum using the matched grip.
Bring up your least using hand and turn the palm upward facing the roof.
Position the drumstick in between the index finger and thumb of your non-dominant hand. Find the balance point by sliding the stick up and down.
Drape your thumb on the top of the stick. Use the index finger to wrap around the drumstick.
The 2nd or 3rd knuckle of your middle finger should be touching the drumstick side.
Bend the index finger, the ring finger, and the little finger at the bottom of the stick.
Your hand is now all set to play drums. Next, use your dominant hand in an overhand way applying any matched grip technique suitable for you.
Hit the drum by moving your wrist in a downward position.
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Final Thoughts
Who knew holding a drumstick could be this tricky yet so much fun! You can try any of the drumstick grips to find out the best one for you. And when you find your style, you can focus on the later part like reading a music sheet, what is the best way to learn drums, etc.
After learning these details about how to hold a drumstick, I’m sure your enthusiasm for playing drums has escalated higher! If you are a new learner, buy a beginner level drum set and start practicing! Because practicing is what’s going to make you a successful drum player.
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