Buzz
When playing the drums, it’s essential to start with the fundamentals. Properly holding the drumsticks is a critical aspect of drumming. There are numerous techniques to grip the sticks, and your chosen method can significantly influence your power and control while playing. Whether you opt for the traditional American grip, the German or French grip, or even the traditional grip, the correct hand shape and precise technique can make the difference between a flawless strike and a muffled sound (not to mention avoiding wrist pain!).
Steps
Playing with the American Grip Style
Point your index finger outward. For beginners, the easiest grip to start with is typically the American grip. This style is highly versatile, relatively easy to learn, and provides a balance of power and control. As a result, it’s suitable for most drummers and various music genres. Begin by lifting one hand and rotating your wrist so that your palm faces downward and your index finger points forward, parallel to the ground.
- For this grip (and others mentioned below), ensure your hand is positioned 2.5–5 cm above the snare drum’s surface (if you’re playing a standard drum kit). However, if this feels uncomfortable, adjust your hand to a more suitable position.
Bend your index finger. Next, curve your index finger at the second and third knuckles so that the fingertip aligns with the edge of your palm. This position creates a small "pocket" that acts as a hinge for the drumstick and serves as the primary pivot point.
Place the drumstick beneath your index finger. Insert the drumstick into the "pocket" formed by your bent index finger. Your index finger should comfortably wrap around the drumstick, similar to pulling a trigger.
Find the balance point. When drumming, your stick should have a natural bounce upon hitting the drumhead. The drumstick should rebound several times without requiring extra force. Experiment by sliding the drumstick up and down within the "pocket" until you find the spot where it bounces most effectively on the snare. The correct balance point will allow the stick to rebound 6-8 times.
- While each drumstick may vary slightly in weight, the balance point is typically located about two-thirds of the way from the tip.
Position your thumb on the side of the drumstick. Once you’ve found the balance point, rotate your wrist so it’s parallel to the floor. Place your thumb along the side of the drumstick. Keep your thumb on the side, ensuring your palms don’t face each other, as this would place your thumb on top of the stick (this applies to the French grip as well).
- There’s no need to press too hard with your thumb; its role is simply to stabilize the stick and provide better control while playing.
Curl the remaining three fingers to grip the drumstick. Wrap your middle, ring, and pinky fingers around and beneath the drumstick. Avoid gripping too tightly; these fingers should support the stick without restricting its bounce. As you advance and learn finer finger control techniques, you’ll use these fingers more delicately to play with greater finesse and precision.
Repeat the steps above with your other hand. You need to apply the same grip technique to both hands, and since the grip for each hand mirrors the other, this is referred to as the matched grip.
- The American grip isn’t the only matched grip. You’ll learn a few other grips with their own advantages and disadvantages below.
Play the drums using wrist and finger movements. When you’re ready to play, strike the drum by flexing your wrist to move the drumstick up and down. Keep your palms facing downward and nearly parallel to the floor to ensure maximum wrist flexibility. Adjust the tightness of your thumb and supporting fingers to control the stick’s bounce as needed. Keep your shoulders, forearms, and elbows relaxed, but avoid moving these parts unless transitioning to another drum or cymbal. The drumming motion should come entirely from your wrists and fingers.
- The American grip is highly versatile. Since it offers excellent control and significant power, it’s suitable for various music genres, from jazz and rock & roll to funk (a blend of jazz, soul, and RnB) and even classical music!
Playing with the German Grip Style
Hold the stick at the balance point, as with the American grip. Today, the American grip, as described above, is often considered the most widely used matched grip. However, it’s not the only matched grip. For example, the German grip is a common variation of the basic American grip and is often used to add power to drumming (especially for timpani and bass drums in classical music). To use the German grip, start by finding and gripping the stick’s balance point, just as described earlier.
Adjust your palm to face parallel to the drumhead. Once you’ve secured the drumstick, rotate your hand so that your palm faces the drumhead. Since most drums are set up with their heads parallel to the floor, you’ll need to turn your hand so your palm faces downward. However, for vertically mounted drums like bass drums, rotate your hand to face the side of the drum.
Use your middle fingers for support. Curve your middle finger beneath the drumstick and let it rest comfortably on the stick. The ring and pinky fingers play a less significant role in the German grip compared to other styles. If desired, you can use these fingers to secure the stick by wrapping them around it or simply curling them gently underneath.
Keep your elbows pointing outward. When using the German grip, if you’re playing a standard drum kit set up horizontally (like most snare drums, toms, etc.), your palms should be parallel to the floor. Rotating your hands this way naturally causes your elbows to point slightly outward. If you notice your elbows in this position, don’t tuck them in. With the German grip, keeping your elbows out helps you generate more power and control while playing.
Strike using wrist movements. When ready to play, hit the drum by moving your wrist downward in a striking motion. The drumsticks should rebound strongly upon hitting the drumhead. If they don’t bounce well, adjust your grip slightly up or down. Keep the motion limited to your wrists and avoid using your arms, shoulders, or fingers.
- The German grip emphasizes power. It allows for loud, resonant strikes, making it ideal for heavy rock, marching bands, and lively classical pieces. However, it may be less suitable for fast, intricate playing, such as in jazz, technical rock, and similar genres.
Playing with the French Grip Style
Hold the stick at the balance point, as with the American grip. Another matched grip is the French grip. Among matched grips, this style is unique because it primarily relies on finger movements to generate power rather than the wrists. To hold the drumstick in the French grip, start exactly as you would with the American or German grip: find and grip the stick at its balance point using your thumb and index finger.
Position your palms facing each other. Next, turn your palms inward so they face one another. Ensure your palms are perpendicular to the floor.
- Your palms should face each other but don’t need to be close together. Maintain a natural distance between your hands, typically around 30 cm for most drummers.
Use your middle, ring, and pinky fingers for support. Curl your middle, ring, and pinky fingers beneath each drumstick. These fingers will support the sticks and help you maintain control. This is crucial in the French grip, as it relies more on finger strength compared to other grips.
Bring your elbows in. Since your palms are facing each other, your elbows should naturally relax at your sides. If they aren’t in this position, gently tuck them in, keeping them about 2.5 cm away from your torso.
- Don’t overthink this—while playing, your elbows will naturally find a comfortable resting position close to your body. Just avoid flaring them outward, as it can reduce your playing power.
Strike the drums using your fingers. Once you’re in a comfortable position and ready to play, lower your wrists slightly and use your fingers to control the drumsticks. While some wrist movement is inevitable, the power of your strokes should come primarily from your fingers, not your wrists, forearms, or shoulders.
- The French grip enhances control and dexterity, making it ideal for styles like jazz, technical rock, and marching band pieces. However, since fingers lack the power of wrists, this grip isn’t suitable for loud, forceful playing required in hard rock or heavy metal.
Play Using the Traditional Grip Style
Turn your non-dominant palm upward. Among drumstick grips, the traditional style stands out as asymmetrical, meaning each hand holds the stick differently. To adopt this grip, start by raising your non-dominant hand in front of you and rotating it so the palm faces the ceiling.
- Note: The traditional grip originated with military drummers who found symmetrical grips impractical during marches. To maintain uniformity, the left hand typically uses this upward-facing grip, regardless of the drummer's dominant hand. However, some modern left-handed drummers reverse this, using their right hand for the upward grip.
Place the drumstick between your thumb and index finger. Position the stick in the gap between your thumb and index finger of your non-dominant hand. Move the stick up and down until you find its balance point, then align it so your hand supports the stick at this spot.
Wrap your thumb and index finger around the stick. Curve your thumb comfortably over the drumstick, then lift your index finger and place it on top so the inner side touches the stick. This might feel less natural than curling your thumb around the stick, but it’s crucial for maintaining control in the traditional grip.
- When done correctly, the pad of your thumb rests on the first joint of your index finger (or as close as possible), while your index finger curves and rests atop the stick.
Rest the tip of your middle finger on the side of the stick. Position your middle finger along the outer edge of the stick so the inner side of the second or third joint touches it. This posture might feel awkward initially, but complete comfort isn’t necessary.
Curl the remaining fingers beneath the stick. Next, lift your ring and pinky fingers under the stick. Place the stick on the cuticle of your ring finger or the middle joint, and adjust your pinky beneath the ring finger for added grip. When done correctly, your ring and pinky fingers should curve similarly to your index finger.
- With your index, ring, and pinky fingers curled and your middle finger extended, it might look like you’re “flipping the bird.” Don’t worry! This is perfectly fine and actually a sign of proper technique.
Use the matched grip for your other hand. Your non-dominant hand is now ready to play! Next, hold the other drumstick with your dominant hand using the matched grip style, as described earlier. You can choose any grip that feels comfortable, but many find the American grip (or slight variations of it) to be the easiest.
Strike the drums using wrist motion. With the traditional grip, your primary movement should come from your wrist, directing it downward to hit the drum. The key difference here is the upward-facing grip on your non-dominant hand, which requires a slightly different wrist motion than you might be used to. However, both hands should still rotate in the same direction as usual.
- The traditional grip is commonly used in jazz and marching bands. Since it’s harder for your non-dominant hand to match the striking force of the matched grip, this style isn’t ideal for loud, powerful drumming like that found in heavy metal music.
Tips
- Relaxation is key. Play as comfortably as possible, as if you’re in a deep, restful sleep.
- There are two things to consider. For your hands, the trick is learning to grip and release the stick simultaneously.
- Ensure the tail of the stick extends past the back of your hand, and the stick passes through the fleshy part of your palm. Many people let the stick rest in the "hollow" of their palm, which is incorrect—the stick should touch the padded part of your hand!
- Don’t forget your feet. If you’re playing a drum kit, your feet are your foundation, like the base of a house. A weak foundation will cause the house to collapse.
- Once you’ve secured the drumsticks, avoid pointing your fingers.
- While the grip described above is a good starting point, playing with power, finesse, and most importantly, control requires more than just holding the sticks. Many factors evolve over time and influence your grip, such as your body’s physical changes. Drumming truly involves a combination of fingers, wrists, forearms, and shoulders.
