Drumstick grip - How do I hold my drumsticks?

In this lesson, we will guide you through the proper method as well as other different ways to hold the sticks. 

Today we will show you two different ways a drummer can grip the sticks: Traditional Grip and Matched Grip, as well as the right and proper way to grip the sticks, finding the fulcrum point.

Let us get started!

Correct Stick Grip

One of the key points a drummer must note is the right way to grip their drum sticks. Oftentimes, many drummers neglect the important foundations of drumming which results in them getting injured. The incorrect grip could lead you to expend a lot of excess energy, causing painful muscle tension and could probably damage your hand and wrist too. 

Fulcrum Point

Fulcrum point can be known as the balancing point or pivot point of the stick. The fulcrum point is located at the point where you pinch your sticks.

To create the fulcrum, grip a drumstick between your thumb and index fingers, (insert picture of fulcrum point) you should be able to tilt back and forth like a seesaw and create a bounce like an elaborated lever.

Make sure you grip your stick tightly, but not too tight. Now try to give it a go and hit the drums.

Once you have found the fulcrum point, you may refer to the different ways to hold a drumstick below.

Ways to hold a drumstick

Matched Grip

Matched grip is the most commonly used grip today, with both hands holding the stick the same way or a mirrored image of each other. With the matched grip, you are mainly holding the stick between the index finger and the thumb, finding the balance point. Over time, you will find this point easily. 

Matched Grip has three variations and the three are:

German Grip:

Hold your sticks 90 degrees to each other, making sure that your palms are facing the ground. It provides more power as the movements are done with your wrist.

French Grip

Face your palms parallel to one another as you hold the drumsticks. This method relies mainly on your fingers so you get to have more finesse over your drumming.

American Grip:

The American grip is a combination of both the French and German grip together. Both the sticks are 45 to 60 degrees apart from each other. With this drum grip, your fingers, wrists and arms will be used. This grip is a general go-to grip by many people as it combines the power and larger wrist motion of the German grip with the quick finger strokes of the French grip.

Traditional Grip

Historically, drummers held the sticks with the traditional grip because they held the drum sideways with a strap on their shoulders. This was before the drum set was created. With the angle of the drums held sideways, they could not grip the sticks using the matched grip on the left hand. As time passes by, the traditional grip technique was passed on to generations and therefore, this is how the traditional grip was formed. (Insert top view video of someone explaining the history)

To this day, you'll find that the traditional grip method is popular among jazz drummers.

With traditional grip, your right-hand grips the stick in a matched grip manner while your left-hand uses a different grip (holding the stick this way). (insert top view picture of both hands in a traditional grip manner.) 

With the stick in your hand, turn your left hand with your palms facing up and slip the stick between your second and third fingers. Then closed the rest of your fingers around the stick with your thumb atop your index finger at the first knuckle. (insert close up picture of left hand)

When you start playing, your sticks should form a 90-degree angle on your drum head, with your left palm facing down and your right palm facing up.(insert top view photo of both hands)

Note to drummers:

It is important to hold the grip correctly to avoid getting injured, and even though they say that practice makes perfect- proper practice will help you to make perfect!

Happy practicing!