Developing Your Fingers - Drum Lesson

I know it looks silly, but I promise you, doing this for a few min. every day will help you develop your fingers, in both speed and strength! Enjoy - Mike J
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00:00 Intro
00:21 Han is THE MAN
00:33 The Techniques You've Likely Heard Of
00:53 We Are All Different
01:40 Demonstration vs. Teaching
02:14 Developing Your Fingers
03:24 8-4-2-2
05:26 Goal Tempo

[@SPACEMAN_fkYT]

Arthritis has taken a toll over the years, but I still do a similar exercise every morning to try and keep some of the speed I used to have.

[@PedroBellora]

Probably the most helpful video about finger control I've ever seen, thank you so much!!

[@mikeslessons]

Much appreciated Pedro!

[@joshualewis8077]

I like how the dog came in on cue in the intro.

[@johnrosso1139]

And for “Best use of a small potted plant in a social media video” the award goes to… Enjoying the new production techniques. Thanks for shaking it up!

[@jakekeller326]

How the heck can someone make their forearms sound musical?! Gdang! Can’t wait to start work on this one.

[@peterford7238]

Great lesson, and great inspiration Mike. Again. And your comment about how everyone is different and there's no one way to play is a major help to me. Thank you Mike.

[@isihernandez9752]

Sure. Every technique is just a tool in your box. It's on you to decide wich one to use on any situation, alone or combined, and also those that work better for you, give better results and feel more comfortable to play.

[@Tekkerue]

Your doggo is welcome to get in front of the camera anytime. 🤗

[@ChrisInmanDrums]

Developing the fingers has been one of my biggest challenges with students over the years. I have a similar-ish exercise, but the muscle-building aspects too many people are too keen to skip…perhaps because it’s boring, or it’s just indirect enough for them to not see the point, however passionately I preach 😂 This video is getting sent to them all from now on! Both to prove a point and because the forearm exercise is a stroke of genius!

[@rsmittee]

THANK YOU for explaining this! And for explaining the difference between demonstration and explanation. So maddening when someone says "Just do this." If I could do that, I wouldn't need a teacher! :)

[@NikolaiSchlottDrumming]

Have been doing this every morning while the water cooks for my tea 🍵✌️

[@lm8404]

I just stared using my fingers from someone’s advise, because I play 205 double time in my band.. And I thought, how come Mike hasn’t done this lesson!? Lol, here it is, I just missed it 5 months ago.. Thank for the exercise tip though! I’m on it!❤

[@tmaddrummer]

Thanks and Blessings Mike!

[@nandopolesel]

Dude that finger exercise is GOLD. I did it tonight for 15 min. I'm going to do it everyday for 15 min. Small steps lead to giant ones

[@mikeslessons]

Awesome to hear!!!

[@nandopolesel]

I know 3 Mikes and they are all wicked drummers, just saying@@mikeslessons

[@lucaswedderburn]

Ayyyyyyeeeee me too man. Let’s get this finger strength!

[@alexr9213]

Just started getting into Nate Smith and fearless flyers. This helps sooooo much with my speed and control. Thank you Mike!

[@crackweasel1418]

any update on Nate Smith practice?

[@thebeardedkozak]

Duuudeeee.... I totally forgot about that forearm stick workout!! I remember way back in the day when I wouldn't have a pad or drums, we would do this to practice and "noodle" around between classes or waiting on the bus or whatever. Definitely helped build up control and finger dexterity.

[@Mrmistershesh]

Hey Mike. Thanks for this and all the other great lessons! I started drumming at 7 years old, stopped taking lessons at 13. I'm 28 now and feeling my own technical limitations when I drum. Your contagious love for drumming and enthusiastic teaching inspired me to really practice again and I feel the results. I just wanted to extend my appreciation for you and what you do! PS love the transition ride :) what a musical cymbal.

[@jasonh2490]

I'm glad you brought this up again. I forgot about it and I've kinda stalled in my finger development. I think this should help!

[@deant8562]

Where have you been all my drumming life??? I love your energy for teaching and your mad skills on the drums! I am one of those that have some pretty severe limitations with both shoulders, elbows, and hands (won't "gore" anyone with the details, but clearly beat the hell outta my body when I was less than my current 63 years!) but I am determined to push through and do everything I can develop skills that I had when I was younger AND learn the skills I never had! Thanks Mike, I will soak up as much as you keep posting!

[@jphifer2848]

This is outstanding, Mike. Thank you!! Indeed, as you point out, one of the key issues with hand or kick drum technique instruction is that much of the time only the “end result” is being demonstrated. Very often no one explicitly lays out, “There are many small muscles involved in doing this demonstration, and developing the speed and stamina is going to take some SPECIFIC exercises over a SUSTAINED period of time. So don’t be discouraged if you not crushing it in 3 weeks.”

[@Smartee_pants]

Wow! Thank you Mike for breaking down the difference between demonstrating and teaching. I don't mean this comment in a negative manner. I appreciate the knowledge on technique to accomplish the goal.

[@meytal_rockz6669]

Just pulled out the grey remo practice pad with the mike johnston vater drum sticks, both are 6 years old( sounded sooo good!) Your the man, thx!!

[@360.Tapestry]

mike is my first online drum teacher from youtube's early days. that's where i picked up heel-toe kick pedal technique lol

[@drumrjoey]

WoW!! Excellent video! Thank you so much! After all these years, maybe I can start playing with my fingers and better!!

[@boarhead5573]

Did finger practice for years and now getting into push pull, because you are daaamn right buddy it's a mixture of all these techniques to get really smooth and comfy in playing the things you want. So look into all of them. But take your time. One after the other! :)

[@15emo15luke15]

Was taught that forearm idea from my drum teacher aaaaages ago and it's really stuck with me and helped my finger strength. Great to see your brilliant perspective on it being shared 🙂

[@drummermomcjs]

Love the exercise Mike! Been playing with it all morning since I watched it. I made a small tweak that has increased my enjoyment of it. I play the 8 on a hand, 4 on a hand and the 2 on a hand, but the last 2 I play RL or LR so that it switches between right hand and left hand lead. I have developed the habit of turning every exercise that I can such that it switches between right and left hand lead to improve my feel. I find that as I become more comfortable playing things leading with either hand, it opens up possibilities for creativity in grooves and fills. So, once again thank you Mike for yet another drumming puzzle to explore and learn from. Your content is most appreciated. :-)

[@bretjohnston9519]

What a cool exercise! I can’t wait to incorporate that in my practice! Thank you for the great tip and advice.

[@stufromsaturday3957]

This is absolutely brilliant, thank you so much for sharing Mike. The number of demonstrations rather than lessons I've seen both online and live is immense, but you've given everyone a wonderfully helpful, simple practice technique here and a great method to get to the goal. I could hug you.

[@The_Other_Ghost]

I've been using my left wrist to blast forever, I'll practice this.

[@erikdanielczyk7666]

Mike-- you are the man!!!

[@Alaska_MD]

Yes, love this. I love when Mike talks about teaching philosophy. Everybody is different. I tried for so long to play fast doubles heal-up, but my foot just won't do that. Now I'm pretty fast [ on a good day ] playing heel-toe. The problem with that technique is you kind of need a long board. You can't just sit down at any pedal and drop doubles. The heel-up guys are pedal independent. So going to the open Jams I either have to bring my own pedal, which gets looks from the other guys, or just go on nights that the hosting drummer has a pedal I can play. We need a whole podcast devoted this, because it feels so good to hear him say that not everybody can do every technique.

[@kristiangustafsson4568]

Wow, that was so interesting. I struggle with my finger speed in higer tempos and especially my left hand. I will absolutely try this. Thank you so much for uploading this lesson.

[@CarlHamilton1914]

This is gold! Can’t wait to try this out!

[@jandrogarcia1641]

Thanks Mike!

[@marshal-a-mciff]

I totally forgot about playing on the forearms! This was something I learned in like 9th grade for marching band. I'm teaching a beginner lesson tomorrow so it's really good for me to revisit this stuff

[@danielcasimir2018]

been doing this for years but never realized that this was actually developing my fingers haha

[@jwlee1059]

Awesome advice.

[@MBlast666]

Beast mode activated 💪thanks for the great content!

[@bimercool3172]

Thank you!

[@jonashellborg8320]

This is a great exercise, the forearm one. Just have to stick with it, I’ve been bad at just that. Have to put in the time. I loved the examples of when we’ve not used our fingers, like when opening doors. :-) Mayne Bruce Lee did.

[@chadcarrdrums]

The flipping the stick backwards fingers exercise is one I introduce to students on day 1. It's also a great way to practice when parents aren’t wanting to hear drums, or even husbands that drive their wives crazy. lol Great presentation as always, Mike.

[@etienneduhamel6999]

Nice lesson, Mike. I was wondering if you have a tip to develop the left hand for traditional grip. Thank you.

[@LeonardSipes]

Thanks. Very useful.

[@slavisajelenkovic7398]

Like these forearmadiddles!👌

[@akshitdas2012]

Thank you so much for this amazing video!!!

[@jobaecker9752]

Really helpful! Thanks for a very simple approach to a very useful skill!

[@stevegrantley378]

Great lesson. Thank you.

[@mikeyrichey3912]

This was amazingly helpful! Instantly subscribed. Your greatly appreciated bro!

[@Mike-sf5cg]

The chance to meet Mike in person or meet his dog . . . decisions, decisions.

[@mikeslessons]

Han the dog EVERY time. He's 100X's cooler than me. I can promise you that!

[@mothabod]

Great lesson thanx man...nice mindset

[@noobASIL]

What a practice hack ! Thx Mike! This is my focus for couple of months already - and the weaker hand is driving me nuts 😅. The stick is just bouncing all over the place 🙄😬

[@mauriceflatts8590]

Mike, awesome finger technique. Maybe some day touch on the 6 stroke roll.

[@djcamilogYYC]

you made my day!!! big thank you!!!!

[@LickShareSubscribe]

You should walk into the room for the beginning of every sentence 😆

[@xE4syCoreX]

Always so inspiring. Great and fun lessons. Need that practice pad btw!!! :D

[@twenteee]

Thank youuuuu for this videooooo

[@derekscherzerberlin]

Yes! Great lesson!! And I like the pad 🙂

[@cfusilier2]

Well, now I want a gig where I perform on my forearms.

[@mikeslessons]

I'll be there, front row!!! lol :)

[@FadjarMoeljarto]

Great, thanks the lesson...👍🥁

[@ignacioperezdelcastillo3182]

Gracias

[@glennkelly4058]

I've been working on fingers in the last couple of weeks using 8422 although I use the second finger as the fulcrum. As my right hand has no problems but the left is much weaker I do unisons of groups of 2,3,4 etc so my right hand "teaches" the left. I also start with Corpmaster sticks because they are easier to hold and easier to rebound.nI the work down in stick sizes to 7a.

[@Tamatushi]

Quick question on the pattern - you mentioned that the 8s are 1 wrist stroke, 6 finger strokes, followed by a final wrist motion...And the 4s are wrist, 2 fingers strokes, then wrist. All good. But what are the double strokes? Is the second stroke still fingers, or is it wrist because it's the final stroke? I have been trying out the forearm exercise and surprised myself by finding out my left hand can do this faster and more consistently than my right! A bit of a crazy realisation, as I always felt my right was the dominant hand.... Thank you for the eye opener.

[@bonnieholmes5787]

Thanks for making this exercise more interesting! I had been just tapping my forearms aimlessly before but got bored very quickly, never thought to make it more challenging by using patterns! And my husband was happy that I stopped doing it during British Bakeoff but GUESS WHAT HUBBY I AM BRINGING BACK THE FINGERTAPS Mwah ha ha ha ha. I wonder how long I could get away with it on an airplane…those long flights from AK to Pittsburgh for the holidays would be so much more fun if I could hit the pad.

[@DrumTipTuesday]

OK everyone listen to this part again 0:40

[@tpohjol5]

Gddmmnh! Thanks. Also, great looking video. 📺🕺🏼

[@rockytoprecordingreviews4167]

Great video as always Mike! I've seen you teach this before, but I'm glad you showed moving it to the pad with the 8422 pattern 😁

[@0kills]

Awesoooommme 🎉🎉🎉

[@neilcalanca9882]

Well, I'll add my own story here..... Not sure what you guys will think of this... I started back playing about a year ago after about a 25 year hiatus... Practicing pretty regularly and making some strides, but eventually plateauing on speed... My speed limitation is entirely weak hand limited. But basically tried playing some of my pad drills with thumbs pointed up. (French grip you might say). Right hand made the transition seamlessly. When I tried playing thumb up on my left hand the stick basically came out of my hand sideways.....So now I am a little bit obsessed with being able to play my practice drills with my thumbs pointed up... Anyways, it is a painful and arduous and somewhat boring exercise, but I believe in the long run it will pay dividends for my overall playing...... I have been studying some of my favorite matched grip players (Jeff Porcaro, Chad Smith, etc.) and even guys that play traditional grip (Steve Gadd, Dave Weckl, etc.) are basically with thumbs up on their right hand.... At least when they are playing stuff really fast. Anyways, long story short, big weakness in the finger strength/coordination especially ring and pinky finger on my left hand and I think stuff like this will really help correct that issue..... I also started looking at the techniques the guys from the drum and bugle corps use for the quad/quint players and basically identical to what you just showed here.... Thanks for another great video, Mike!

[@calebkayyeboah893]

I just like how you treat Han

[@mikeslessons]

He’s my son, so he gets everything I have to give!

[@jacobydrums9724]

I’m gonna start waving at people with my fingers only

[@mikeslessons]

Hell yes! If you ever see it at a clinic or drum festival PLEASE wave at me like that, LOL :)

[@sickpocket]

Hello Mike - Great lesson! what is that metronome?

[@CamiloMoyaBaterista]

Mike , cool lesson as always But if you see the thumb it’s out of the stick, the big part of this muscle not have a total control of the support at the stick , so this creat a blister immediately, an is a big mistake at the moment of use fingers on German grip or American grip, on French grip it’s much better because you put the muscle of the thumb on the stick and this take the control of the grip. I swear…if you keep the thumb out of the stick = blister

[@mikeslessons]

Then why don't I have blisters? To me it sounds like you are gripping your stick too tight. That being said I would have to see you play to really help you.

[@CamiloMoyaBaterista]

@@mikeslessons no man, you don't use fingers like a blast beat player, that's the point, take it or not.

[@mikeslessons]

@@CamiloMoyaBaterista like I said Camilo, I’m more than happy to help you with your technique. I would just need to see you play first 🍵🙏🍵🙏

[@buddylove3640]

What about traditional grip?

[@ignacioperezdelcastillo3182]

💪💪💪💪

[@christophed8515]

Any suggestions for traditional grip ?

[@tillgerke9481]

Probably my favorite Video of you so far! Awesome video, bro!!! :)

[@juliechan8626]

✔️🖤

[@danielmacca7268]

As always, great stuff. Thanks again Mike.

[@colinmckernan7360]

"When else in your entire life have you used those muscles?" 😏

[@Sean-vy3ev]

👌

[@yalda9071]

👍

[@Jazz-vf4cr]

Hi hat sound and ride with a chain pleases the ear.❤❤❤❤❤

[@rong8280]

Hey, Mike; another good lesson but at 4:56, it looks like a lot of wrist going into each stroke. Isn't that what we should be avoiding? If I'm wrong, just tell me to shut up. Love ya

[@mikeslessons]

100% Just like I explain right after at that speed it's still mostly wrist. The real goal is to have your wrists be there when you need them, and have the fingers take over when they are needed. Hope that helps :)

[@VeloVios]

Have you got a video with the opposite? Im a beginner and have only been practising on a pad, pillow and my legs. My fingers are doing all the work it feels and my arms arent doing much at all. Im an ex mechanic so i assume its because of the ratchets i used to move fast. Dont get me wrong, its fun playing rudiments fast with my fingers, but i think im developing bad habbits that will only show when i finally buy a kit. I feel like my left arm isnt as coordinated and when i try play on pillows its not easy to keep accurate or as fast as my right arm. I also feel like I'm not using my wrists at all, just my fingers and forearms. What you recommend me to do?

[@AiArtsyArtistry]

How dare you judge the way I wave at people and open doors! 😅😂🤣

[@tor2112]

This has always been a mystery to me and I want to say thanks Mike for posting this! I am going to try this and see if I can ever figure out the technique and speed. If I can learn to play doubles I will be on cloud 9!!!

[@frederickfarmer6008]

Thought I invented this😢😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@julesdrums6167]

Let’s see them tats baby

[@nandopolesel]

AWESOME

[@RythymBeast]

You are the man, Mike!