Traditional Grip Technique Explained!

In this technique lesson, I break down traditional grip in-depth and give you some variations and exercises to help develop more control and precision.
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[@abbdrums]

Learn My Top 15 Creative Pad Patterns | Free PDF ► www.abbdrums.com

[@joshpuranen4695]

Hey Austin, did you march at some point or had a drum Corps instructor? I always thought you had pretty drumline esque hands. I marched dci, wgi, and college and I have noticed kit players without the drumline background play with more thumb twitch and arm and not as much wrist turn.

[@abbdrums]

I never did actually! However, when I was at M.I, Rob Carson taught a class that was essentially hardcore marching snare technique and I got pretty obsessed with it then. I spent A LOT of time practicing material for that class and that whipped my hands into shape pretty quick haha.

[@headblower9784]

It was amaaaaaziiiiiing. Thank you!

[@steveromley6982]

I started playing again after 35 years. Match grip just felt too strange. I’ll be able to play traditional again when I’m 70! Something to live for. Thanks. Oh yea, fantastic explanation.

[@andrewklie8061]

Me too!!

[@brucedelaplain7138]

Agreed! Match grip is just weird. Of course, I wouldn't think so if I'd learned it that way. Best thing I saw on TV back then was Joe Morello with Dave Brubeck. Awesome!

[@balenokuski3466]

Here same Iam 60 and I think everything start again over.

[@therobloxspectrum6666]

@@balenokuski3466 unless your marching, it is proven match grip has far more benefits than traditional

[@iwufndowpnfia123]

hell yeah

[@johndeangelo4465]

Best instruction on traditional grip I've ever see.

[@cicero73100]

the second best instruction, the first is Dave weckl

[@Big_C_4205]

Also best instruction I’ve ever see.

[@robertstrobel7237]

Yes.

[@artpereira]

Best quote I heard at a workshop I attended (can't remember who, think it was Gavin Harrison), also paraphrasing: "Traditional grip is really great for showing people that you know what you are doing"

[@danielreily2701]

Another great quote that is worth repeating, " traditional grip is not a natural grip, you have to earn it ,but once you do it will be such a great weapon " .Maybe I just made it up ! I play trad. grip wrong way around ie. my right hand is holding the stick in that method, I keep trying to change but it's hard but I know it is a better grip particularly for ghost notes. Use both grips according to the music.

[@chinautapropertyforsaleorr4018]

Just started practicing after 40 year lay off due to car crash always played match but now definitely going to master traditional thanks for the training love it

[@patrickmoroney9754]

@@danielreily2701 sounds like Rob Brown I think

[@stevenglasl1443]

I’ve only been playing 1.5 years on a practice pad kit. It’s coming along, but I want to get traditional grip down bad. I keep practicing but it’s 50/50 for me. I always go back to traditional. I’m down with your “you earned it” comment 😭 one of these days

[@rilesf4067]

@@danielreily2701 i love using "reverse" traditional but my teacher hates it

[@keg8129]

I played quads in highschool and never learned traditional. After two years of not drumming, I got really into The late and great Peart before he passed. That documentary about him relearning the drums in a circular manner with Freddy gruber was really inspiring. I’ve been playing left hand traditional for the last two months and FINALLY I feel natural. I can’t wait to try these moeller taps and the 4 point control concept. Tapping the sticks with the fingers top down looks so gangster

[@BrockSavage79]

Another beautifully shot, edited and delivered Austin-style video. This is drumming education at its best! Great job man!

[@abbdrums]

Thanks Jack!

[@SpotOnArm]

Ditto!

[@kevinmorrison1553]

The snare is adjusted differently to accommodate the steeper angle, fine, but what about the HH? That is adjusted for the right hand grip and way out of adjustment to play it with your left. And now space needs to be provided for your left hand to the left of the rack Tom. It seems so impractical behind a kit. And, yes, I’m aware there are famous people that play this way. Imho, go traditional grip only if you desire to play/walk parades.

[@MB-ql7rd]

I've been doing Revolutionary War reenactments for decades and began looking for a way to stay involved but no longer carrying a firelock in the smoke and fire battlefield experience. I love traditional music so drumming is my choice--starting out as a duty drummer relaying commands and will learn tunes as time goes on. I'm teaching myself (along with research into 18th-century drumming) and your video is a tremendous help--particularly the exercises. Thanks.

[@NZMateus]

I loved your explanation - simple, efficient and straightforward. I've been playing exclusively with traditional grip for about two years, but it's always good to watch new and different explanations, and especially - a functional one! congratulations.

[@Coastfog]

Preach! I always go back to the most basic stuff from time to time. Sometimes you just find that little nugget of understanding that escaped you before, even if you're already beyond the beginner stage. I reckon this concept applies to virtually everything in life - always make sure your foundation is as wide and reliable as possible. From there, sky's the limit.

[@verawright2157]

How wonderful to see a drummer who can hold his sticks correctly . I learned this way about 70 years ago. Then no one would hold their sticks traditionally. It was a sign of weakness to do that. Now female drummer , aged 82. Excellent video.

[@harrygardiner9001]

There's no 'correct' way to hold your sticks

[@american_warrior724]

Vera - ur 82 yrs old and female drummer???!!! :0 Wow

[@american_warrior724]

I knew a Vera who was Senoir class woman and she operated a big front loader type thing , and she would load dump trucks with dirt from her property.. U cant possibly be the same Vera, right??? St.Louis metro area?

[@mccabemelton5135]

I’m a 14 year old drummer, been playing for 2 years, this is the best traditional grip tutorial out there 😄

[@acrabwithahat4303]

Cool I'm 13 and I've been playing for about 4 years and I've just started playing for my church

[@acrabwithahat4303]

@Javier Cruz well I appreciate you not coming at me because I'm a Christian, what genre do you like to play?

[@acrabwithahat4303]

@Javier Cruz jazz is honestly my favorite genre, but I haven't really gotten into rock. Obviously there isnt a wide variety of rock songs played in church 😂

[@ploiarxoc9008]

I am a 14 yo drummer too I ve been playing for 6 years it is truly a nice video

[@ploiarxoc9008]

@Javier Cruz when you start playing the drums with passion means that you play the drums so good !!!When you have the skills inside you then that makes you want to play more !And if you play more then you get better !It would be a pleasure if you sent me on my Instagram : billycrush_official to have a debate because it is great to talk with others about these things !!!

[@b.p.879]

I'm 44, been playing match grip since age 7, and this is exactly what I was looking for to learn the basics. Great video!

[@MrAlainpoudrier]

Austin..... you did it again! Well presented and explained. I have been playing for about 50 years and I use traditional, matched and French grip. It all depends on the style of music you are playing as far as I am concerned. I love the control and softness that you get with traditional and the power you get with a matched grip. Like you said so well, whatever works for you and the music you are interpreting.

[@marvinpues]

I've just begun my trad grip journey a few weeks ago watching and working through Igoe's Great Hands currently. I like what all you put up here. Your two key pieces of advice from this for me 1.) go all in and do it full time 2.) it's gonna take some serious time to master. Thanks for the video.

[@RazKlartt2512]

0:48 that was clean

[@RazKlartt2512]

@Minecraft Platinum Fireworks bruh

[@Ranger1216]

This video is so comprehensive and so well demonstrated!

[@chickenbeforeegg]

I've been wanting to properly learn traditional grip for a while now, just to be able to switch between, and this is extremely helpful dude!

[@dermur68]

There are some absolutely woeful YT teachers out there. They *might* know what they're talking about but they're useless at explaining it in a way that I understand. Your teachings are clearly well thought out, well articulated and I'm happy to have discovered your channel! Thanks.

[@robertchapman7181]

Awesome lesson. I’ve been toying with learning traditional, as I’ve begun playing to jazzy/funky drumless tracks, which I’ve found to be way more satisfying than copying someone else’s playing. Subscribed, and will be binging on your vids.

[@StockDoc2k]

Totally agree! I love to throw a little drumless Funk into every session. The freedom from rigid structure carries over for when I play the rock/metal songs. I instinctively find myself hitting extra an extra splash, random Ride Bell hit or Ghost notes that get sprinkled onto the otherwise driving engine feel of metal and the hard 4 time of rock.

[@thatonebrokenpixel4889]

This video changed my view on traditional grip a lot. I never really saw the benefits to it before, but I do now

[@thibodaux3424]

Great video and instruction. The two camera angles really help understand the positions as well. Thank you!

[@Shigatoxic]

Your videos are some of the best drum instruction on YT. You are a natural teacher. Articulate, intelligent delivery of super useful information!

[@boutrosboutrosboutrosboutros]

This grip has helped my left shoulder so much, as I have nerve damage. It's just a nice flow as well with the snare angled away slightly. I've been doing this ever since I started playing, because it hurt my wrist if the snare drum was flat to the ground. Great video! still the best traditional grip instruction four years later! I also love that practice pad, going to look for one

[@Lydirius]

I've been playing for over 40 years. This is an excellent explanation for beginners. Great job.

[@KinoHaitsma]

The best instruction video on traditional grip on KZbin, period.

[@rondeangelis7384]

Beautiful demonstration Austin. Notibly, just how to setup the snare which gets overlooked. The main point i got from it was performing a rim shot, you don't have to drop your shoulder, which i never realized if you just raise the snare. Plus, the open and closed hand position strokes. All your videos really come to life. You da man Austin as always. Anyone need advice on recording, checkout Austin's vids on that topic also !!

[@thejawshop-AdventureRecording]

Great video. I was matched for ever, then I took my drums to a cabin for two weeks and came back traditional. I can't go back, as i feel my brain has developed creatively around the traditional now. It is just another mindset.

[@johnnyofast5924]

Watched your lesson last night. I've been playing for about 50 years on and off due to circumstances beyond my control. Have always played traditional grip but never really had much speed built up. Simply by tilting the snare like you said made an instant and noticeable difference. Amazing how something so simple could be over looked all these years. Great lesson, thanks!

[@yougotgroove]

Lookin good Austin! I was 27 years old when I seriously added this grip... Vinnie, Tony, Steve Gadd, ..... Then 10 years later I'm watching and listening to Bill Stewart..... I then learned it doesn't matter which grip, If you have the desire to put in the work good things will happen Austin's putting in the work!

[@elguaripolo686]

The quality of this video is unbelivable. Thanks!

[@user-rb7gb5id4l]

Thank you for the very detail teaching.

[@mikelocke3258]

Many, many thanks. A big eureka moment for me from your video. I played trad grip in my youth for a number of years and now getting back to drumming just for fun, 50 years later Ha! ha! ( that's not a miss print...) Bought a electronic set recently and now really enjoying myself. Never knew about the finger techniques and am slowly coming to grips with this. I was trying to do everything from just the fingers but your demo of combining the moeller technique really was a 'shot in the arm" for me , excuse the pun. Sooo much more natural for me to involve the arm and wrist. I just wish that videos and talented teachers like you, willing to share their expertise, had been available in "my day". To-days drummers are so lucky. Excellent quality of videos, in production, content and your natural teaching skills. Again, many thanks.

[@lrdrums98]

I picked up traditional from marching snare line in high school and have used it ever since. I actually dont subscribe to the drastically different snare drum positioning - I keep it about the same height and angle I'd play for matched. Keeping the traditional hand lower and more flat allows the stick to strike the head at a very similar angle to matched while still keeping the different wrist motion.

[@patallison8137]

Currently the music teacher in a school in Mongolia. Thought I would get better at the drums during lockdown/no school. Great video. Really helped. Thanks dude.

[@John-rw2zf]

Great lesson on traditional grip. I started out using this method on a marching snare with a single shoulder strap and no leg brace in the 60's. The snare just hung down on your left side. The traditional grip was the only way to play the marching snare with a set up like that. When you graduate to a set of drums I think the matched grip is more advantageous if you want more control and more speed. It always amazes me to see the finger control that great drummers are able to achieve using both styles. I really liked the four step practice exercise for the left hand. Thank you very much for this excellent lesson.

[@frankfrankenstein5933]

Of all the drum lessons I have seen on KZbin, yours is the best, period! New subscriber! 👍

[@skittlepuff]

I was doing “closed grip” this whole time and I saw all these videos saying that you do traditional grip “open grip” and now I’m realizing that the way I do it is normal too!!! What a relief because I just could not get used to the open grip and kept changing back to closes naturally while I play

[@vincentbuonora8477]

...Excellent demonstration of the various positions of traditional grip. Lesson for all! Thanks!

[@CMcMahonDrums]

Thanks for such a detailed and well-produced video! Learning traditional grip is my resolution for 2024. I incorporated it, sort of, into my right hand when I had an injury a few years ago but haven't been able to get it going with the left. I'm eager for that to change!

[@king-manu2758]

I was struggling getting a powerful stroke and instead I was getting like a buzz stroke every time I wanted to hit hard. But watching this video you mentioned the elbow thing and karate chop and that seemed to do the trick. Thanks a lot man you're awesome

[@StockDoc2k]

Cool, calm, full explanation of techs. Teaching is in your blood, man. Good Stuff!

[@UncleBobC]

Thanks . Just learnt my snare drum has been set too low. For over 50 years 😆. Playing like a pro now ❤🙏🙏🙏

[@MrOngor]

This is hands down the best instructional video I have ever seen. 100% Perfect

[@dsdm407]

Best video on KZbin about traditional grip. Big thanks to you!

[@kcChicken123]

I sliced open my right forearm muscles and tendons fall through an old glass door. I needed surgery and was out of commission for over 7 months. The silver lining was I had a chance to learn traditional grip with the left hand. I am not great around the kit but pretty fierce with rudiments on a pad or snare. It is worth having it in the arsenal id say

[@Coastfog]

That is some clean technique! Just perfectly clear and intentional notes, sounds *so* pretty. I'm too busy working on other stuff right now, but when I tackle traditional grip eventually, this is the video I'll return to. ✌️

[@Summervibes12-t5z]

Best traditional grip video on KZbin. Thanks Austin, great vid as always.

[@groovewithpassiondrumlesso2348]

Excellent demonstration of how to play traditional grip Austin. You’ve done a great job of breaking the technique down and showing how to improve on this. Very well done!

[@DrUmSensitive]

Thank you, thank you, thaaaaank youuuuu!!!!! I was dreaming of a video like this one for 30 years!

[@Maximill888]

I’ve struggled with traditional grip for years. No power or coordination. This will definitely help. Great explanation. Thank you.

[@robcrow07]

How's that traditional grip going? I'm having the same problem with power and coordination...the progress is slow and matched is much easier.

[@judyburmeister4145]

Thanks for showing us this traditional hold of the sticks!

[@jdallassword]

This was well explained and well demonstrated. Nicely done!

[@rorykoenen5027]

Very clear and didactic explanation with great examples how the traditional grip can improve technique. The best video around. Thanks!

[@Mayhxmmmm]

from what ive seen with a lot of marching drummers (if anyone's interested in how we do things): take the "open" position, curl the index finger in slightly so the thumb is between the first and second knuckle. instead of turning from the forearm, always turn from the wrist at low/medium heights (turn from the arm only when you need to play loud as balls ), and drop the back two fingers at the faster tempos (use the thumb control). most importantly, and listen up drumset players. if you want to adapt to a more rudimental approach, ALWAYS KEEP YOUR INDEX FINGER AND THUMB ON (middle finger usually stays on as well ;D) (you're welcome for anyone who wants to join the marching side)

[@glennracoma7481]

Best tutes on traditional grip techniques in my estimate. Thanks!

[@thomaswilson7655]

I'll put it like this. Neil Peart of Rush (RIP) used matched grip for 35 years then one time he ran into Steve Smith of Journey and commented to him that he really loved the fluidity of his drumming after having observed him in action with Journey and again at a workshop. He said he'd gotten some really great tutelage by a man whom he referred Neil towards. Neil put in some work with this man as a coach to learn how to incorporate traditional with his repertoire. Neil explained it as how he came to envision his technique becoming more fluid and circular. Personally I am a matched grip player at present and only because I've never put in the work to become proficient but when many of my heroes (drum mentors at a distance) have used traditional and matched intermixed with their chops I will eventually follow in their footsteps.

[@jaypeters9762]

Many thanks Austin.. just what i was looking for, All the best Jay

[@tobyjohnson2771]

15 years a drummer and I've never seen or used a ball joint snare stand. Just changed my life. Been frustrated as hell with my current stand with its fixed joints (not of which work for me) Its never felt right! Rushing out to get a new one and start practicing this asap.

[@Tyrell_Corp2019]

Great videos as always here on this channel. As for traditional grip, I think it’s worth mentioning that there are only four muscles involved in the left hand when playing like this. Therefore, it is much more difficult to develop as opposed to matched which uses over 20 something muscles. Even a guy like Max Roach switched to matched grip as he got older to make it easier to play. Thankfully, his playing didn’t really change too much. Just something to think about.

[@mhp2766]

Thanks Austin, the 5 to 10 years learning curve is a spot on way to set expectations right.

[@jgdevoe]

Superb! I’m a lefty and have an injured right thumb causing stick control . Have been wanting to try traditional and this video was perfect.

[@yohenson]

amazing dude. finally someone who explains it well!. i was BIG struggler on double strokes trad!

[@mattryan6886]

This is fantastic traditional grip lesson. I will definitely be recommending in future.

[@jimbarcelona1078]

Ive never could do match grip well always used traditional since 60s ,learned it that way ,total comfort that way,for those who are just learning this grip, as Austin have patience. You ll love it down the line, Buddy Rich total traditional too

[@3RTracing]

buddy rich reversed his stance on matched grip at the end of his career and actually used matched grip often. Early, he criticized matched grip, but later admitted that it made more sense on a drum set. This video does not adequately explain why traditional grip existed.

[@kufufisher9744]

Thank you for being a patient instructor!!!

[@shoppingamericanarecording5808]

You are very kind to put this great info online. Many thanks. Brilliant.

[@voltsu]

gotta be honest, i don't even play the drums or any type of percussion. this just seems like useful info, thank you!

[@marcoaguillon4926]

I love traditional grip. This video is just great. Thank you!

[@Thedrummersalmanac]

Great traditional analysis, Austin. Very nicely explained and executed. Great work!

[@samcohen1185]

Hey Austin. Great video, very insightful and helpful! I’ve been playing traditional grip I guess “full-time” for about 2 years now and all the tips mentioned in your vid are just bang on! Also when you brought up the two types of grip, that being “opened” and “closed” grips I also thought of Vinnie and the Virgil. Keep up the good work man!

[@jmag579]

I’m a pleb. Never learned tradition grip. Partly because I’m lazy and love my matched grip, and part because I don’t have to carry a rifle. 😆 good shit though man 👍🏼

[@Giannis_Papageo]

There is a lot of misinformation on the internet but never in your chanel...nice video as always

[@Shevock]

Great instructional video. I learned match grip but I have a studio and sometimes have a high schooler who needs to do trad for marching band.

[@themole2024]

Very through explanation and nicely presented. Great job! and thanks!

[@johnbelfiglio562]

I have been playing for 42 years and never got traditional grip down. This is the first video I came across that explained it well enough to take another crack at getting better at it. May biggest issue is that when I try to start using fingers for faster speeds, my stick goes everywhere but straight down! How do you train your fingers to keep the stick straight? Is there a specific excessive to “train” your fingers to keep the stick in an even path as it approaches the drum? I’d love to know WITHOUT someone saying either “you just do it” or “practice”. I get both of those answers. I really just want to know what exercises to use. TIA

[@reichsbahnfan6346]

Awesome! The Moeller- technique played in traditional grip is very, very elegant! I'll try to learn it, although I played the matched grip for many years. Looks very fine!

[@davidmirza1366]

thank you so much for this lesson, Austin

[@VinceCho]

4 point control practice is very helpful. Thanks for your detailed explanation.

[@martinbonderer2227]

Thank you very much for this post, your explanations and help! I'm not a drummer, music is very close to my heart, therefore, the drums too and that's how I came across your channel. Ps. Steve Gadd... for me, one of the greatest - certainly the greatest - that I was able to experience live❤️

[@mzambo666]

Was I in need of this. Thank you so much

[@suprchompas]

Thanks man, I always wanted to get into traditional grip and this helps a lot. keep up the awesome content!

[@EverythingsConnected.]

I've been researching KZbin videos for a drummer friend of mine trying to find something helpful that addresses muscle fatigue and after watching this video it dawned on me that alternating between different grips might help with this. Am I on the right path with that line of thought? Any additional insight you could add would be most appreciated. Excellent teaching skills!

[@Mike35858]

First time I have found your video, I am really glad that right near the end you told the honest truth that to master those techniques takes years of practice, would have been good if you had demonstrated how difficult it was in the very beginning.

[@AlexSlavenDrums]

i love that little flick between matched and traditional at 0:47 , very nice

[@unclestevie9841]

Thanks Austin for another fantastic video, great insight there... that practice pad looks very nice I will look into one of those, really nice exercises to practice and you are right you have to put the work in. How about a quick video on your effortless transition from matched to traditional??👍🏻

[@banez]

Great video and explanation! This is exactly what i needed with all this extra free time!

[@ibig9361]

That was amazing . I subscribed based on this alone . I appreciate your relaxed and concise while thorough teaching style.

[@ryanl3260]

This was extremely helpful. Thank you

[@michaeldavis1308]

Thumb bounce...awesome bro. Im only 40 years into playing

[@lawrietelford7986]

Excellent explanation. All your presentations are of a very high level - I haven't seen any better.

[@ravilow-beer525]

A great lesson. Thank you very much.

[@aaronbones4290]

Loosing my grip on ring and pinky and muscles gettin stiff and paining bad, so i decided to change to trad from matched. gonna visit a doctor soon, fingers crossed. Thanks for the video ❤️

[@jello-tarzan]

Good job! The best tut I found on the subject. Thanks!

[@masterofnaan]

Fantastic lesson. I’ve seen this guy on KZbin a few times and this is the video that made me subscribe

[@simonlesaint-sls2586]

watch a zillion videos on this subject, this one is the best.

[@danielgross535]

Another great video, man! Thanks for the work you do. Drummers of the world unite!

[@BrianH020]

Great job as always, Austin. You are so right, to really master traditional, you must commit 100% full time. I go between the two, and there are some things I can do better traditional than matched, but I would in no way classify myself as having mastered it. If I may be so bold, the only thing I would add is how your individual physicality may influence whether or not you are an open or closed traditional player. For me, the shape of my right hand (lefty here) definitely dictates that I be more of an open player, rather than closed. I just cannot, no matter how hard I try, make it 'work' in a closed type fashion. Also, I thought for sure you would say Steve Smith is the prototypical 'closed' player, I believe that's what I see. As loose of a grip as he employs, it almost looks as if he's closing his entire hand on the stick sometimes. lol. Finally, you, no pun intended, nailed it by describing the stick resting just behind the nail on the ring finger. For years I thought it was strange for me to do that, until I saw evidence of others doing so. So thank you for pointing that out, in case there are others out there who wonder if they are doing it as well. Again great work, looking forward to the next!

[@squint753]

just what i was looking for. Bravo, thank you Austin.

[@ringmasterblaze]

Thanks for this. I was getting frustrated because I couldn't do the open traditional grip, but the closed grip feels great.

[@lenwalker7393]

This is a great explanation and demonstration. Thanks.

[@Bryman1970]

Great instructive video. I've always wanted to learn traditional grip.