Drum Technique - Fundamentals Parts 1-3

[@chadwarren73]

As a new student to the drums, I have to say, that this is the only video that I have seen that truly explains the relationship between grip, fingers, and positions. I have studied hundreds if not thousands of videos, both free and paid, and none are as concise and easy to understand as this. I have learned more in 28 minutes than i have over the last year. lol Thank you from a lifelong musician, who at 42, decided it was time to learn drums.

[@GKMusic54]

+Chad Warren Thanks Chad.

[@karenmoore6561]

I agree! I'm a beginner who has taken lessons for four years, and recently quit because I could never figure out how to strike the drum properly. It's always been down, then up, then down again. Really pissed me off because I'm capable of playing lots of things on the drums. Teachers kept telling me it will come, but I knew it wouldn't. Thanks Gordy, I'm going to relearn how to strike the drum!

[@privacyIsKing]

I've been playing drums for about 4 years now, and I'm on the same boat as you mate...

[@markgabrielatun]

Chad Warren I totally agree with you mate. This is worth watching specially for the beginers like me. Thank you for this video Mr. Gordy Knudtson.

[@mallorga1965]

I'm with you, Chad. At 53 I decided it was time for me to start this path.

[@DaveGoodman]

This is insuperably one of the greatest documents ever produced about properly developing stick control for drumming, if not the greatest. I can say unequivocally that, after nearly 30 years of playing professionally using other great techniques up until May 2018, my introduction to the information contained in here - as well as the improvement in skill I've started to develop as a result of following Gordy's sagely advice - serves as one of the most important pivot points (no pun intended...) in my entire musical career, and it's already started to ignite the fuel I intend to burn for the next 30 years. Everything that has followed on from here for me in my life has been an absolute gift. Thank you so very much for this, and for everything that you do, Gordy. The inspiration and the sure-footedness of the guidance you provide is inextinguishable!

[@roburgosg]

You are a Master!! I have been following some great drum technic teachers online over the lst 12 month since I reencounter drumming and this is definitely the best series of them all. Your explanation of the mechanics behind the stroke and how the hands work is so easy to understand... simlicity that comes from a deep undestanding of the dynamics involved. THANKS SO MUCH!

[@GKMusic54]

Thank you Rodrigo!

[@LesActive]

I wish I had been shown these basics when I started as it would have saved me much pain from overworking my wrists over the years. I am grateful to you for putting these lessons up for free. Thanks Gordy! To others reading this comment pay attention to what the man says and practice like hell. He's on your side!

[@jamz11how]

Absolutely the best explanation I have ever seen! Hands down the best. Thank you very much!!!

[@ewelinanawara1102]

the best workshop on American Grip I've seen so far. Thank you Gordy x

[@GKMusic54]

Thank you Ewelina!

[@gavinremedios7953]

Gordy that's a really beneficial point at 18:22, I have tried it and all my students are now doing this to loosen up their grip, thanks again Gavin from Australia.

[@magpiewhisperer9055]

You have presented the fundamental characteristics of playing drum in the best way I've seen so far in the internet. Very well done mate, your videos are very helpful and thank you so much

[@GKMusic54]

Thank you George!

[@RynnoreThoresen]

I'm Brazilian, and i'm learning drums through on youtube, and this video will help me a lot, especially in the part of you putting a stick on the other is fantastic, and really works. Thank you!!

[@mmabaddass]

Your teaching technique is fantastic.Your videos never cease to amaze. Thank you for your time and your effort.

[@doomroomrecording2347]

Oh my god! The tip around 17 or 18 mins about placing something on top of the stick to make the other fingers, other than the index, work for it. Damn. As I said in my other comment (Thanks for replying by the way!!) that my left hand is not where my right is and I've noticed when introducing finger movement that I squeeze so hard with my thumb and index that it is uncomfortable and didn't quite know how to work on that. It's been getting better slowly over the past couple months but this is just the advice I needed. You are awesome for this. There is SO much info in your videos that it's impossible to pick it all up one time through...I hate that I didn't start wanting to get better til now but am so glad I found you.

[@mallorga1965]

You teach what no one else teaches. Thank you, Gordy.

[@GKMusic54]

Thanks Sergio!

[@funkadiddle]

A year ago I study his technique of open close and really has much changed my way of playing, has increased my speed and my dynamic , many thanks ...

[@netol02]

I’m new to drums and lead with my right hand. Before watching your video I wasn’t able to make the stick bounce with my left hand at all, and my right hand was struggling to make more than 4-5 bounces. After your analogy, it al made sense immediately. I got my sticks and within a minute, I was able to finally make the stick bounce with both left and right hand. Thanks for your explanation and keep the good work and content. You won a subscriber right away.

[@Critic145]

AFTER ALL THESE MONTHS, I'VE FINALLY GOT IT RIGHT!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! GOD BLESS YOU!!!

[@argerm57]

Gordy, this is very valuable information for all drummers. I was a drum corps drummer for many years in the old days (pre-1975) and we were always taught to control each stroke. This has influenced and (negatively) affected my drumset playing since then. I have only recently been exposed to the various techniques that rely on rebound for multiple strokes, and the general relaxation that comes with these techniques.

[@djiembefola]

Amazing! I've been playing for over 50 years now, (re-exploring for my grandkids), and I've never seen anything as comprehensive as this. It's helping me understand my own technique and I plan to explore ways to play more efficiently now that my joints are getting stiff. I'm sharing with my son (closet drummer), so he can help his kids assimilate this information. Thank you so much!

[@GKMusic54]

Thank you, you are welcome! I do Skype lessons too if you are interested. You can contact me @ GK-Music.com.

[@rhrh100]

This is such a thorough examination of the mechanics of drumming technique. thanks!

[@morgankara]

I bought the books and now this is really helping to illuminate this invaluable material. Thank you!

[@GKMusic54]

Michael Hinton Thanks Michael. When you combine the books with the videos you get a much clearer understanding of how and why this stuff works. I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@jklmnug]

gordy i never realized how important technique was until i came across your videos. my skills have improved drastically. thanks man

[@707Russell]

Well, I’m a newbie to drumming and don’t yet have a kit although I do have a practice pad to try to learn the rudiments before progressing. As I’m in my seventh decade, I have no ambitions to play in a band but only want to enjoy myself by playing along to a variety of tracks and styles. One thing I have found difficult to find in numerous videos is a very basic and well presented lesson on how to hold the sticks and perform an open and close technique in order to play doubles. This video more than explains this and although I’m finding it difficult to get right at that moment, I shall persevere and one day hope to emulate a certain Keith Moon.....at least in my own mind! Many thanks Gordy.

[@GKMusic54]

You are welcome!

[@AA-yx2tn]

👍👍👍Thanks kindly. 🤗To be honest, at first moment I got it as soo complicated, then in a few second I felt I like to watch it all. Halfway I start to get that confidence I know what I'm doing.👌 I wish I noticed ot from before.👍👍👍 Thanks kindly. you are realy at the proper spot🎉🎉

[@antlabrincha]

its, just perfect. ive been training these technic for a month, and its like start playing drumms again. i feel a great control, and im not in tension and i can play real fast. great work!

[@merethron]

I've "played" drums waaay too long before finding these videos... I should have watched them long time ago! Thanks for this amazing lesson!

[@actualyogurtmale8050]

The drum lesson I needed a lot but didn’t know it existed. Incredibly perfect lesson thank you so much. I just subscribed 💪🏼🤘🏼💯

[@alensiljak]

This is a fantastic summary of almost everything there is about the technical details of the strokes. As @George Prest said, it is the best I've seen available online. Thanks a lot, Gordy! I'm keeping this video as a reference I'm sending to people when talking about such details. :)

[@raymondhmchew]

You explaination in scientific terms on how to efficiently and effectively using the drum stick playing the drum. Ultimately you don't waste too much energy and tire yourself. Thanks..

[@ianaero8634]

Best demonstration and explanation of technique I've seen by miles. Thank you for this video.

[@mo.s8723]

What a good explanation. thnx. I play for a half years drunms at a age of 42 haha ... I think it's great! If I don't sit behind the drums I continue play in my head to the music that I hear around me. Now I'm going to practice your video step by step.

[@lasimestariful]

I'm very grateful that you share this knowledge. You are a great teacher. I will definitely look into your books later on.

[@GKMusic54]

Thanks!

[@vincentwilliamson8561]

Really good! Clear! Concise! And makes a lot of sense! Technique!

[@smarmit]

Well done. I'm always teaching stick grip. This is a good resource to go deeper into the 'why it works' aspects. Thanks!

[@argerm57]

In trying to re-tool my hands, I have been trying to come up with a system that works in all situations. As you put it, drummers should use all systems that promote rebound and relaxation as there is no one technique that is better than all the others. We should take the good points from all the techniques and use them when the situation warrants. Thanks for a very informative series of videos. This seems worth learning, if for no other reason than you look good playing that way.

[@alexanderdorfman7914]

Thank you for making your teaching available free on KZbin. I will definitely get your book.

[@MrJdstan]

Top notch ....Thanks, very informative I recall an interview with Dave Weckl where he briefly described how Freddy Gruber taught him a similar technique.I can't wait to employ this in my playing.

[@ralphhumphrey445]

Once again, great discussion and demonstration. Your scientific explanations of fulcrum, leverage and hinges is spot on. Much Thanks.

[@vmail19]

Awesome trick putting the stick across to help with keeping the fingers on the stick! My left always wants to do that!

[@clemsb88]

one of the best drum lesson I ever seen on youtube! thx a lot

[@animaysh]

Amazing video. I am just starting the very beginning of learning this instrument (I haven't even picked up my sticks with my hands yet) and this all makes perfect sense. Great breakdown of the physics and mechanics of the hands and sticks.

[@sebastianpino8766]

Maestro...encuentro increíble lo poco que puedo entender de su clase. Ojalá este material tuviera subtítulos. Sería un sueño hecho realidad. Gracias por compartir sus grandes conocimientos.

[@danielalejandrocerecedodig6237]

Gordy i'm only gonna say this: YOU ARE THE MAN". Thx you so much this video is AWESOME! You have a powerfull knowledge i`m glad for watching it (Sorry for my english i a little bit poor). Saludos desde Argentina.

[@SuperLoveablemusic]

This is my first lesson in proper finger technique and holding of the drumsticks. Anyway your video is the best! Thank you so much! Now I just have to practice practice practice!

[@Amazingandyrockt]

What an awesome teacher - greez and thanx from Germany!

[@GKMusic54]

Thank you!

[@1111cowball]

wow its amazing , the most detail in explaining the handling the drumstick!!!!

[@zislec]

Wow, this is the best demonstration video I've ever seen. Too bad I did not stumbled about this before. Thank you for this very helpful content Sir! 👏👏👏

[@GKMusic54]

Thanks Zislec!

[@TaylorDouglasMusic]

This is such a great resource! Thanks so much Gordy 😃

[@GKMusic54]

Thank you Taylor!

[@TaylorDouglasMusic]

@@GKMusic54 no worries at all! Thanks for your lessons and for the ultra phones

[@ujwiersma8482]

Thank you for sharing your expertise. VERY informative.

[@lickitup39]

Thank you Gordy! As you explain, it seems easier!🤗👏👍

[@GeorgeTsiros]

Thank you, it's rare to see in-depth explanations for (of?) the very basics. Usually it's "here, grab this and start hitting that".

[@johnnyappleseed5029]

Gordy, you're a Godsend. Calm, quiet, cerebral instruction anyone can follow, thank you. Do you have or plan any vids on "weak hand" or "limb independence". I'm sure a lot of us would welcome any tips and love to see your own techniques broken down. Thanks again

[@GKMusic54]

+Gowith God Thanks, I appreciate it. At the moment no, but to increase LH strength on drumset try reversing the roles of the hands when time keeping. With sticking patterns on a pad, reverse those as well so non-dominant hand leads.

[@johnnyappleseed5029]

Thanks Gordy, I'm honored that you'd take the time to answer my question. I still can't believe what a difference it made just changing my grip on the sticks, and I've been playing for 30 years! Guess you can teach an old dog new tricks, look forward to more....

[@jwillsmusic]

This is a great explanation of stick technique - thank you!

[@MrDeathyness]

Great video, I’ve started changing my sticking ever since my hands and wrist got tight and starting kinda hurting. I’ve been doing stretches and that helps, and I think this video will too. I might have to watch it a few times

[@tyekilla]

Extremely helpful! Wish I knew this stuff when I started playing at 13 yrs old.

[@MYEHLICHIZDAEPIX]

If anyone wants a more in-depth explanation of the physics,, you can investigate simple machines, mechanical advantage, and forces and moment in general to develop a more personalized approach with calculations.

[@DeanMccormick]

A Master of technique and knowledge ;).

[@LixinQin]

Beautiful technique, very ergonomic and economic, reminds me of Jojo Mayer/Buddy Rich.

[@prateekyadav9811]

This was so good I am surprised it's free. Thank you:D.

[@simonedisarro]

Thank you Sir, such an indepth/amazing work. Love it

[@GKMusic54]

Thank you!

[@Plydrms]

Years ago I was taught to "pinch" the stick between the forefinger first joint and the thumb. The other fingers wrap around the stick. I find that faster/louder playing of doubles and singles requires tightening the pinch, creating tension. Are you pinching at all with this technique? It looks like the stick locates more on the 3rd pad of the index finger, staying loose. Your student Jeff Peterson says its almost effortless.

[@GKMusic54]

Loud is a relative term. When playing arenas and large venues I am holding the stick more in the back of the hand. It's too hard (tension inducing) to control the stick from the fulcrum at those volume levels. However, the louder grip you describe above is valid, but in settings that are not quite as loud as that.

[@btbatterista]

I am practicing this now, I do think this is brilliant! thanks so much.

[@quatzu]

My girlfriend thought I was listening to Jack Nicholson. Now I can’t un-hear Jack in Gordy’s voice.

[@8020drummer]

Goooooooordy! Used his book in college!

[@venkatesand7030]

Awesome ! Well explained, Thanks.

[@8020drummer]

"American Grip" - you mean the only hand position in which you don't need to exert torsional force to maintain the hand angle (hence creating tension) when playing the snare drum? Yea I like that one too. (Gordy's right on and he's more polite than necessary;)

[@s.spambot9095]

This ia waaaaaay harder than what I anticipated. I just started drums at 30 ys of age and just realised I can't even hold a drumstick properly

[@m.rmalakadrums2047]

God bless you brother

[@chiraggajjar]

Amazing skills

[@lolodrums]

Outstanding ......

[@bpalanivel1521]

Good ofter noon sir; My youtube newstudent you tractice i am catch. Very happy thanks sir

[@mr_smellnice5724]

Thanks so much for sharing all this, excellent stuff!

[@anitadavideduo]

Thank you very much! Very clear and useful!

[@GKMusic54]

Glad it was helpful!

[@toddwalker1776]

Fantastically explained, thank you.

[@aymanballouta8665]

امكحد

[@Drumkid0]

This is a great video man great explanation!!!!

[@Nassoud60]

Amazing work thank you 🙏 very Nice explanation

[@GKMusic54]

Thank you!

[@svenkalmar]

Very Good!!

[@atoforson7085]

Very understanding n perfect

[@GKMusic54]

Thanks!

[@ClintGamree]

Great tips, helped a lot.

[@greg3301gfhdydr]

The best!!!

[@tonydir5673]

Great explanation you know your stuff

[@chriswalter8092]

Thank you sir. Great detailed video. I'm going to subscribe

[@thedrumman64]

Brilliant!

[@normanneal35]

THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

[@askaipdebesisslenku1220]

great, usefull instructions! thanks 😉 by the way, would you please be kind and explain what is the exact point on the forefinger of the fulcrum?is it just a first or second joint of the finger? does a stick move and rub againgst the place in between the nuckles or does it strictly stay in place by the nuckle as it beeing pierced throuw by pin axis?

[@GKMusic54]

I think that is volume dependent. Louder - closer to 2nd knuckle, softer - closer to 1st.

[@andriejusradcenko2895]

Gordy Knudtson My stick sometimes goes even above the second knuckle. Is it totally wrong? I notice that people who teach fulcrum do not indicate that exact axis point. Michael Michalkow indicates exactly that it is a first and not a second joint, but after that he does not teach a rebound stroke 😃 Thanks a lot for your answers 😉

[@GKMusic54]

It's OK even above the 2nd knuckle. It's really driven by how loud you are playing. The most important thing is remembering it's an upside down teeter totter, the fulcrum is just the pivot point. Focus on keeping the middle and ring finger in contact with the stick at all times, whether open or closed.

[@CrappyProducts]

Really good video! I like the physics in depth explanation. One question, when your in the american grip, the fulcrum happens essentially between your thumb - 2nd knuckle of the index finger and the middle finger right? that's where the seesaw happens, correct?

[@jonneville5295]

Very concise and clear explanation- you are a natural teacher. I have recommended your videos to some of my students who are having difficulties with stick grips etc. Where can I obtain the books?

[@GKMusic54]

+Jon Ferguson - Hi Jon, Thanks! My books are available at my website GK-Music.com. Because you are at teacher, please send me an email at: [e-mail] with your mailing address and I'll send you a complimentary set of all six books. Thanks for your interest!

[@nicolaiswordart4674]

Thank you :)

[@RETHZAX]

Génial merci

[@cresk]

Gordy, thanks a whole bunch for your lessons. I’m interested in purchasing your book(s) and I have just one question: I watched nearly all your lessons but there’s one thing I just literally don’t get a grip on, and that’s how to prevent the stick gradually sliding away from the fulcrum at the rebounds. Did I miss an important trick how to hold the stick at the fulcrum without it sliding away further to my wrist?

[@GKMusic54]

Thanks, If the stick sliding around you need a more positive connection to it. You have to keep your middle finger and fulcrum in contact with stick at all times, even in the open position. I do Skype lessons, take one if you are still having problems. Contact me @ GK-Music.com.

[@cresk]

Gordy Knudtson thank you! I’m practicing now and I feel it indeed makes more sense. I must admit I have thick Vic Firth 2B stick (and thick fingers :) which might not be the best for practicing open-close technique.

[@macschomo]

Great description for German and American grip. But the french is IMHO not correct. But your tips for American grip are great...

[@jaakkot9661]

Great video. I've been drumming for 7 years. Many years without any focus on technique has lead to a point where my hands seem to have different techniques, so I've decided to start all over again from basic stick technique. How long do you think it gets to ''recalibrate'' my hands from wrongful drumming?

[@GKMusic54]

Thanks. There is no one answer to your recalibration question, too many variables. I would need to watch your hands. Quickest path to what you seek would be doing a few Skype lessons with me. I can help you correct any issues and make sure you understand the basic principles involved so you can continue to teach yourself. Contact me at: GK-Music.com if you are interested in doing this.

[@GeTLaWsTKIIID]

I just got in to drumming/ music all together I’m 27…and I’m really getting passionate about it which is odd but I accept it…the biggest mistake I made though from the jump was getting 7A sticks😂😂😂 I just got some 5A zildjian sticks lol coming, and after I ordered them I heard that their sticks sucks😂😂 I’ll definitely be getting their cymbals though…I appreciate this informative video, I’ve been using a practice pad for about 3 weeks now I have 3 different kinds of pads which help, I just want to be comfortable before I buy an actual kit, maybe I’m doing things backwards…any advice for a fairly new beginner?

[@GKMusic54]

Yes, get some in-person lessons from a good drum set teacher before you buy the drum set. It will help you to understand everything better - music, gear, purpose, etc

[@GeTLaWsTKIIID]

@@GKMusic54 okay okay, makes sense! Thank you! I appreciate you!

[@drumur]

Awesome!

[@DannyBFunman]

Thank you that was useful

[@webstercat]

Here is my issue. When I play doubles the motions and feel in my hands is very relaxed, smooth and fluid. I know the technique is correct because of the way it feels in my hands. I'm using/getting the free stroke. Now singles played with (right down) (left down), (right up) (left up) (the ups being the free stroke) do not feel as smooth. When in reality the motions, using down and free strokes are the same. I know the singles should feel just a loose as the doubles. How to make the singles as smooth and easy as the doubles is my question.

[@GKMusic54]

You have to be patient because it's a very different touch and synchronization. Check out these chapters in my Morphing Doubles series: Parts 1, 4, & 5. They will provide additional insight and methods which can help you get to the Singled Four. If you can get to alternating flams, you are not that far away from the singled four.

[@webstercat]

Thanks Ever So Much Gordy for taking the time to reply.

[@marcosdesouza2937]

excelente!!!

[@martinbursztein9354]

Gordy i find your technique really interesting, i m trying to incorporate it although i m having trouble copying your position of the hand meaning the angle and also the grip when you go from open to finger control, do you give private skipe lessons? I think i definitly need you to point me in the rigth direction because i live in mexico and i dont know anybody who can teach me this moves

[@GKMusic54]

+martin bursztein Hi Martin, I can do Apple Facetime lessons once in a while. Do you have FaceTime?

[@mmabaddass]

+martin bursztein I am having the same problem with my hands. It is almost like they are just untrainable lol. Tho many of the great drummers say their hands and wrists took a long time to develop. I guess I am just impatient, but admit I should practice way more lol

[@GTCband]

thx so much . I understand all )))). tom

[@monksdreem8237]

wonderful video! one question, how do you feel about tony williams' variation on the german grip?

[@GKMusic54]

Thanks! Re: Tony Williams, it worked pretty good for him. There are many grip variations. The ones that seem to work best all conform to these basic principles. While the motivational mechanics change a bit depending on hand position, Open/Close technique can still be done in both German and French position and everywhere in-between.

[@jackblack5623]

16:20-18:40

[@privacyIsKing]

What I've foun out is that, if I grip the drumstick as I would my violin bow, magic happenes, it just becomes so easy to play FOR ME...

[@privacyIsKing]

I've practiced the double stroke yesterday for 5 or six hours maybe; not straight, little rests between little sessions of 10 or 20 minutes non stop and then a 5 minute or 10 minutes rest, on a off like that. I was never able, before, to get a consistent sound on my sticks. It was grueling to re-learn how to grab the sticks again from scratch. But following you advice I managed to completely change my grip over night and I noticed that it is indeed very similar to how one would want to grip a violing bow, so I got home today and used the same grip and it worked wonders for me.