Proper Stick Holding

Dustin07 · Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 10:44 am Post subject: Proper Stick Holding

How do you hold your sticks, what is considered "proper"? I just mean in the hands, but your sticks in relationship to your wrist and forearms as well. What I've been told by "experts" is somewhat confusing to me because it's a more awkward hold, and when I watch a lot of youtube videos of drummers that I really respect, they play totally different.

I've been told basically to form a "V" (upside down) with the sticks pretty much anywhere I'm using them... but when I watch a lot of guys they're sticks and forearms are pretty much a straight line when they move around the set.

Dustin07 · Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 10:45 am Post subject:

I should say, one of the benefits to the straight arm approach is it's easier to work my fingers on the sticks then when the sticks are a bit sideways...

CrazdDrumr · Ferret Joined: 06 Dec 2006 Posts: 109

To me, Having ur thumb, and pointer finger in the correct position on the stick is the only thing Im worried about.

When I practice rudiments I hold the sticks just under half the length of the stick, but when Im on the set I hold them lower and I see alot of professional drummers doing the same. I try to hold them at the same mark as when I practice rudiments, but things flow easier for me when I hold them lower when on the set.

Dustin07 · Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 11:14 am Post subject:

yeah when the wrist action is going to town I get a good bounce when I hold them lower, but I know it's not exactly correct how low I tend to hold them. I really want to develop a proper technique so I an focus on speed and and a more relaxed form.

punkrocker7341 · Lion Joined: 23 May 2004 Posts: 926 Location: AZ

Go to www.vicfirth.com and find the dom fomularo videos. Watch the videos on american, maybe german too. Thats what I consider the proper technique for set, it makes it easy to play all of your drums and I think it yields more power than french grip.
As for where exactly you grip it, I'd say that if you have vic firth sticks your thumb should be on the H in firth, or one third of the length of the stick from the butt. Then if you want a little more power move just a tad bit further towards the butt, but not much as a little goes a long way with a fulcrum. Maybe just a cm, but I wouldn't advise going any further back than that.
_________________
The Silvertones

TRIB · Lion King Joined: 18 Jan 2004 Posts: 1242 Location: AZ

You see a lot of different grips floating around out there because there is no RIGHT way. Check out the different grips: American, German, maybe even French.

Just keep your wrists inline with your forearms

Dustin07 · Posted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 8:21 am Post subject:

cool thanks guys! Smile