How To Hold Drumsticks

[@arianarivadeneira]

A drummer friend taught me first how to hold the sticks properly, that happened 18 years ago; then I continued improving my guitar skills, no drums. Now that I own a drum kit, I was able to identify with Drumeo that I was holding them correctly; so it was (and is) a highly valuable lesson that lasted in my muscle memory to this day :)

[@yakfishutah8132]

Turned 48 last month and decided I want to learn drums, and so I bought a practice pad and I searched out a video like this to make sure I'm getting a good start. This was exactly what I was looking for...now on to more basics. Thanks!

[@rush8280]

How's it going now?

[@Armatige]

Yea, how is it going?

[@GarrySK8s]

YES.. Bought the drum kit yesterday. Today I'm here. This was my very first drum lesson, so thanks a lot. I'll be 'stick'ing' around this channel for sure!

[@artboy990]

‘stick’ ing around lolz! Love the puns

[@ellie27144]

SAME!!!

[@tristanhoneyford]

Good One ☺️ "Sticking" Around, thrammatrollox!

[@davidbillyard6629]

This is the most important drum lesson.

[@alexthelion335]

Which drum set did you buy?

[@fincajabali6049]

I am 51...just got my first Drum set after starting with my Mom's kitchen pans aged 3! Loving your educational videos..thank you for taking the time and effort to share!😁

[@0616jacob]

Hey I'm slightly older than you and have always wanted to play the drums. Which drum set did you buy? Let's face it, I'll never be a pro and don't need to spend a zillion $$ on a set.

[@rogersegginger170]

I have never

[@tomerbaz6954]

@@0616jacob I am 52 and started drumming on and off probably 6 years ago. I got the Alesis DM6 electronic kit which was around $400 back then. Like you, I am not planning on a professional career as a drummer and for my modest needs it is quite sufficient. I would go with maybe a more modern electronic set for the same price range.

[@oliivagroft5975]

Wow!

[@Thisisaweirdthing2makeusdo]

@@0616jacobroland zdk - 07

[@rhondablake]

I've seen a few short videos about how to hold them, but you are the only one who really took time to explain and demonstrate the different basic ways. You didn't rush through and I appreciate that!

[@leecook6101]

I've not really had any lessons I'm 95% self taught so nobody told me that. Very helpful. I'll be trying it later 😁

[@aidan8728]

Same lol

[@filipb.1010]

Me too man!

[@ArcticW0lv3s]

I am about 75% self taught 😂

[@ArcticW0lv3s]

@Azalia S I play trumpet 🎺 but want to play drums🥁

[@The3337hunter]

Haha I’m the same!

[@philop7108]

Been playing for five years and never had a lesson. No one ever mentioned there was a proper way to hold the drum sticks. Found this channel here recently and will be going back to square 1 to help build a better foundation. Appreciate what all of you guys do!

[@louisphilippe2011]

When i started to play,i really learned everything by myself. No internet back then unfortunatly and no money! Quite a few years after, got some private lessons. And now still getting lessons and using all the tools available on internet . Drumeo is absolutely great.

[@KowalMTB]

I was unlucky and nobody (even 1 of my 4 drum teachers) didn't pay atention for my technique and how I hold drumsticks. After 8 yrs of playing I reach THE WALL in my technical skills. I was 25-26. I felt something is really wrong with my grip but I couldn't found anybody to help me with that. This short material on drumeo tells me more than enybody earlier. After 13 years break from drums I decided go back and now I focus on background hand technique to play again on the drums (and with more fun and loose!). Thanks DRUMEO for helpful materials like this.

[@gabrielgafui6451]

I really need this, never been taught how to hold the drum sticks before.

[@DavidOakesMusic]

I've been shoving them up my nose

[@crashsmash1461]

@@DavidOakesMusic 🤔.

[@JohnSanderson-d9l]

I have never done any drumming in my life, except of course the steering wheel drumming and gear shifter hi-hat while in the car LOL. I spoke with a drummer friend who suggested to start with an Evans RealFeel snare practice pad and bass practice pad to first get down the sticking and kick drum technique. He tried to explain the drumstick techniques for holding and playing through text messaging and short video clips he made and sent to me, but with me being autistic it is incredibly difficult for me to learn a completely new thing when the instructions aren't fully explained in order and in great detail, including why something is done a certain way. This intro video clearly and completely explained everything I needed to know to pick up the drumsticks for my first time, at 43 years old, and by the end of the approximately 8 minute video already feeling comfortable with how I was holding the sticks and playing on the practice pad, including getting some excellent rebound playing! I was so excited with how well I was able to follow and understand this instructional video, I will definitely be continuing through the lessons from Drumeo.

[@johnmercurio340]

No matter how long we've been playing I truly believe there is always room for improvement and that's why I think these types of videos are very helpful .Take what works for you and if it does not feel natural then simply don't do it. I do suggest take a good look at all of it. Thanks guys!!

[@AidanMmusic96]

Beautiful, I'm just thinking about starting teaching and this has lessened a lot of nerves! I wasn't properly taught how to hold sticks until I started orchestral percussion lessons 5 years after I started drum kit!

[@bjornage82]

im in this exact process, im waiting for my first drumset, and im watching this video as i am waiting, to prepare myself for whats coming. love your videos btw, find them easy to follow, easy instructions for people like me, who has no clue yet! keep it up! Love from norway!

[@scottishross91]

My name is Ross and this freaked me out briefly.

[@alecboi777]

federman

[@october1820]

​@@alecboi777 *buddy holly lick*

[@TheJoGeLu]

I got a lesson, from y'all. I forget the dudes name, but I watched a video on him having a realization about paradiddles too. Then from there I've been experimenting with grips to find out what's best for me. Once I find a limiting factor I change the "base grip" again, and go from there. Learning how to hold sticks has honestly been the single greatest thing ever. When I first started playing I made sure to start from the ground up. Holding sticks, practicing singles and doubles while doing right foot on 1,3 and left foot on 2,4 for the first... 4 months, along with only the basic rock groove (Adding a double kick here and there) was such a strong foundation to start from. I've been having a blast learning the drums, it's one of the best things I've done in my life I feel. It filled a void I didn't even know was there, haha.

[@sallyhubert9027]

Yes , my teacher taught me the matched grip. , but the French grip feels best. Great instruction thank you

[@Crazy_killer-qm8ju]

French is the weakest as in German is really strong hard to drop sticks you have much more control

[@totallyfrozen]

French grip and matched grip are not mutually exclusive. You can hold a matched French grip.

[@UncleBobC]

I started learning and taught to read at age 11. My teacher often became annoyed with the way I grip the sticks. He was so right. The bad habit has stuck and over 50 years later I am only now attempting to retrain my grip. Videos like this are of great assistance. Thanks.

[@Ripperx121]

Yes! You taught me how to hold my drum sticks. Thank you... I am in my 50's and no pains or problems with this advice from Drumeo. I actually have watched this a few times to stay on track. Sometimes I feel like I am wrong.

[@cynthiabehr1870]

I've only had one lesson and, no he didn't teach me how to hold the sticks but it was a fun session, and i learned names of things& how to beat to Billy Jean. I'm practicing and it was a great session!!!

[@parislife82]

Very helpful.Im just a beginner and my electric drum set just arrived today.Hope I can learn more to your channel.Thank you Sir! :)

[@MM-vu3ps]

How is it going with the drums?

[@cooper638]

never had a lesson sooooooo helpful

[@bdbuds1]

I’m 50. I’ve been playing the drums on and off since I was 13. This is my first lesson on how to hold my drumsticks properly 🤣 When I first started and until now, I just played without thinking about how I was holding my sticks. And by just watching this video and using the fulcrum technique, I already feel a difference

[@tinaesparza-lavin6676]

I watched one video on how to hold drum sticks but thought that only one video was enough. I like how you said I need to find my own and I did not learn about the rebound or volcrum AT ALL!! Makes so much more sense now!! Roughly 3 months playing, newbie

[@josiek5989]

Nobody talked about grip when I first started playing! Developed wrist pain/tendonitis, stopped playing for a while - when I came back to it youtube had been born, and it helped a lot. When the grip is right - playing becomes a joy. Love the beard.

[@ZeEduardo95]

I'm self-taught so I grabbed as it felt comfortable for me. When I film myself playing I think it does not look that good, so this video has helped at being more confident about my technique.

[@jazzma761]

I’m 70 and a female vocalist who always wanted to play the drums. I’m staying with my nephew for the winter and he has a full kit in his basement so I looked up some beginner videos and I found you. I’m so excited to practice my first lesson today! Thank you for the great videos!

[@shadowryder1018]

Hey, I am looking at comments and wondering how those my age age are doing with the drumming. So, you atill enjoying it?

[@shirleyrebecca723]

Hey! Drumeo I'm Benny, growing up as a kid no one never ever taught me how to hold sticks or the positions, but fast-forward NOW this a revelation for me, and not to injure myself. Thanks! Jared for really giving the drummer's community the SOLID Foundation needed.👍

[@rupashiborakakati2517]

I have learned to play drums by watching you. Thanks for making me get started.

[@robinsartoretti7343]

I was never taught how to hold my sticks so it's french on the right and american on the left... Might have to fi that at some point but it's been 10 years and it works great!

[@jf-yi8wg]

Robin Sartoretti if it works for you keep it like this man, I personally like to play French timpani grip on the ride cymbal and floor Tom even if I play American grip most of the time. There’s no really right or wrong, but it’s good to learn all of them !

[@DavidOakesMusic]

@@jf-yi8wg I switch depending on the feel i want. Sometimes I go french on the cymbals.

[@Dabest_18_PB]

Thank you so much... this is my very first online drum lesson. I had been taught the American grip two years ago... but due the coronavirus issue, I had completely forgotten how to play. Thanks again, I'll stick with the channel for further practice.

[@Aryan-ii6nn]

I really needed this, thank you sooo much!

[@feather9677]

Wait... but I'm Aryan

[@adagamer8817]

Me two my hands are so mest up

[@richstevenson7955]

Great video, this is my guide on holding my sticks and starting my journey to play the drums....

[@chrismacolley]

I have never had a lesson but bought a practice pad on Amazon and got it last week along with the book stick control for snare drummers and needed to find how to hold the sticks , so much appreciated for seeing how to hold them. Going to practice on the pad till I can actually buy the kit, but thought it would be a good idea to practice awhile before I bought the drums. Great videos

[@arthurschwieger82]

When I started percussion, we were taught traditional grip. Our band director had been the drum major at the University of Tennessee and our study book was Haskell Harr's Drum Method. It wasn't until Jr. High that I learned matched grip. It was for tympani and mallet instruments. For kit I switched between traditional and matched depending on the type of drumming. Jazz and big band stuff tended to be traditional and rock was matched.

[@onehotpepper]

Teaching myself for the past 2 years. Used some Drumeo starter videos and ebook, among teaching materials from other sources, and play along with songs to figure things out on my own. It's been fun and I learned a lot, but I got so involved and impatient that I really didn't care for looking at details like how to hold drumsticks. Heh, glad I took some time out to view this short video. Thanks for posting all of these.

[@koertjanlisaschonewille4338]

Our 4 year old toddler received a kid’s drum kit today. I have never played before either. Your clip has been an excellent introduction. We’d better get the basics right from the beginning, hey? Thanks for your upbeat enthusiasm and introducing the family to a whole new world!

[@andrewbertok5703]

My first set of drumsticks ever just showed today.. mid 30s just learning to play the drums!!! and you're the first person to show me how to hold sticks!!! haha

[@yesitasnow]

I'm a bassist and love the drums, I'm learning little by little because I don't have a drum set. I follow this awesome channel to learn and improve when I have the opportunity to practice. Thanks!

[@donstevenson2170]

I'm a keyboard player who wants to learn to play drums late in life. When taking classical piano as a child, I was taught proper posture at the keyboard and how to relax to play difficult faster passages. I purposely sought out your video on how to hold sticks and how to place a drum kit. I know those two concepts are very important in maximizing technique and minimizing injury. Thanks for the tips...

[@chadyoung6224]

I purchased a drumming book from a music store that showed the palms down German grip as proper... of course that made it harder to play with speed and knew nothing about finger control at that time... Thank you Jared !!

[@wargod7578]

Haha, someone taught me but he was wrong! the way he taught me is like 'death grip' so it's hard, I also get alot of complaints from them (my team) if they see my grip and thinks that its bad, watching this video made me realize that if every drummer has different grips, then isn't it normal to experiment and find my own? I mean I dunno, doesn't matter cuz I now know french, german, and american grips and I will cherish that knowledge. Thank you so much!

[@kaneparks2721]

Since I got stuck with the Trompboner, in 6th grade I wanted to try drums, im 40 I bought sticks on Amazon then a cheap roll up drum noise thing..a few days ago...all I've thought about is how to hold them. Thankful for KZbin and especially to you. I was kinda holding them correct but I like the middle finger hold. Plus finding fulcrum was key hurts hand muscle lol I work construction so not sure how ill hold up. My hands always hurt but need to grow the muscle apparently. Thank you. I like to learn from a wide range of things and stuff.

[@3headeddawgdawg]

Thank you for creating your channel. Your videos are helpful and inspiring.

[@qwertyuiop46853]

Great, detailed, concise lesson! Looking forward to becoming a competent drummer.

[@mikehasshaw8815]

I’m 62 years old it’s on my bucket list, so I bought a drum set. I set it up and I’m ready, I hit the drum 4 or 5 times and the wife went off, it’s to load lalala. So the next day I went a bought an electric set. Im going to learn, I have to. So a couple of hours ago I’m thinking how are you supposed to hold them. I would hit the sticks together. So thank you for the heads up and I look forward to more of your teachings.

[@jonbarto9146]

I bought an electric set at age 51. I've been playing for about a year now and I love it. So fun and keeps my mind sharp!

[@karenkalasy8251]

Were u srld taught?​@@jonbarto9146

[@dalechimenti8601]

I have been concerned all these years that my grip has given rise to bad habits that have inhibited my ability to improve. This video was very clear on how to hold drum sticks. Excellent presentation.

[@johnz4412]

Took lessons for years from my teen years, and was instructed in traditional grip. Works well for jazz, especially brushes. With that said, I think matched grip is the best way to go today.

[@davidallen527]

Thanks man keeps swaying to the music nice Talent dedicated to the music that you have talent

[@StamatisKekes]

When I started drumming back on 80's in my area ewre no private teachers to show me proper technique ... started from the ground 3-4 times as I got in a point where I was not able to level up my chops ... so this is a great great help to all newcomers to the drumming world that will help people learn faster ...

[@robertkaminowitz7968]

I remember getting my first drum pad and my first lesson was all about exactly what you talked about. Problem was I was 5 and didn’t understand. Thank you now that I am 52 and getting back into drumming now it makes a lot of sense hearing it again. Thank you!.

[@richardliles4415]

Thank you.

[@r0m0x]

I also bought the kit yesterday and Today I am here! Thank you:)

[@markanderson6690]

Thanks for the VALUABLE lesson!!!

[@josefinacupido9872]

Hey guys No body taught me! and it was well before internet, so I just check my hands every few year to review my hand tech. By the way love the Goatie beard Jerad! Jx🥁🌈

[@guillermogamboa1480]

Yeah, I am just starting out. This is one of the first drumming videos I have seen. Great mini lesson; thank you.

[@GarrySK8s]

Cool! Same here! Enjoy the beating.... let's roll.... :D

[@robertryder1097]

REALLY HELPFUL to understand there’s flexibility and variation in how to hold the sticks based on individual anatomy and the various sound you’re playing. Thanks!

[@johngold1849]

I grew up idolizing guys like Peter Criss and Tommy Lee. All I saw was their hands flying around the kit and thats how I played for years. My grip was horrible and as a result I sucked and tore up my hands. Getting ur basics is crucial to playing. Thanks for the vid.

[@methamphetaminematt3946]

No one taught me. And I wish they did. My left hand was sorely under-developed due to bad stick grip and not knowing how to practice... Practicing and playing are very different and I'm glad for these tutorials... The lay man's guide to playing! Love it!

[@danyrowesalazar901]

Thank's drumeo for all your lessons, in my case nobody thought how to hold my drumsticks or the differents positions that exist

[@scleto1]

Yes, I got this lesson....and actually was told that as a begginer I should stick to the german grip! Great video!

[@jonbarto9146]

I watched some online videos. Shout out to "The Non-Glamorous Drummer" and his technique for holding sticks. This video was really helpful, too. Love Drumeo!

[@joueurs4065]

Awesome video! It's absolutely important to know how to hold your own sticks because I didn't use to hold them in the right way and sometimes after I finished playing my thumb was in pain a bit. I really liked the video and I had no idea that they are different positions to hold the sticks. Now I know:) Thank you Drumeo! To be honest this is my first lesson in what way I can hold my sticks.My teacher had told me to just hold it in a some way once and that just it! But when my thumb started hurting I thought that I must do something for that and here I am!

[@Tired_drummer]

This videos really helped me I used to death grip the sticks so now I know thanks a lot but i never knew you had a certain way of holding sticks learn something new every day

[@FBXL5]

This is my first lesson I am using a drum pad but I have also bought an electronic drum set not yet set up. Thanks for the tip on holding the sticks. Not sure where to go to from here , I guess I will stay on all the beginner tutorials any chance you could perhaps do a lit in order of which to do first.? Thank you in advance.

[@djsarumawashi]

GREAT!!! Thank for sharing. Greetings from Cabo Verde Islands. Cheers

[@G4GuitarAshfield]

Nice. Very helpful to know the different positions

[@panthergirl1256]

I just got my first drumsticks and practice pad yesterday, and this video was a really helpful starting point. Thanks for the great video!

[@christopherharv]

I didn’t know Nick Swardson knew so much about drums!

[@FreedomPrivilege]

Best explanation on YT yet. Very thorough. Thanks man!

[@r3dbar000n]

I don't even know this dude's name, but as a guitarist who is a beginner on drums (if that matters), he is so talented, easy to follow, logical, and anti dogma. He represents everything a good teacher (in any field) should be. He respects our intellect, while giving strong and widely used techniques. Sry, English is not my first language, but anyway, I could continue forever like this. Thank you sir

[@MosesStaly]

This is my first lesson .Thank you so much.

[@lindasmith3978]

Jared, you are my first virtual drum instructor. Thank you!

[@Snarethedrummer]

Fun editing, appreciated the bounce counter, rex, and stick rocket. I'd been taught that you use different grips for different situations, but predominantly taught German for snare work (I usually grip with my index and sometimes middle), and you can relax that a bit for drum set (aka American, which for me features a bit more grabass/butt for set work... fitting). I was also taught that French can lead to more injury/strain from RSI and possibly tendonitis if you're trying to achieve power using wrists in that grip (depending on your body), even to the effect that one should only really play tympani or light cymbals with that technique. I understand with French you employ your fingers way more than your wrist, but I'm curious to know other teacher and pro perceptions (and teachings) on this. Ultimately my higher brain function tells me some French is ok sometimes, but that could just be my Canadian speaking ;P Also, Jacques Delécluse may have some opinions on this.

[@tomerbaz6954]

My drum teacher taught me the German hold (although he did not call it German hold). He explained that with this hold the wrist moves in its natural position up and down and not sideways which overtime will hurt your wrist.

[@maya25891]

My drum teacher only showed me the German position.. I've been struggling with doing a roll using my fingers but i realize now that I should try it with the French position. Thank you for this video

[@catherinemcdonald5641]

Yes, my teacher did. Thank you for your lesson!

[@makayla1374]

I’ve been watching a good drummer on KZbin for like a year now. Got inspired by him and decided to buy a drum kit!! :)) I can’t wait to learn 😁

[@Itsme42_Official]

Actually, had a drum this Christmas, and i looked at one of your other vid before that. I had some trouble, glad i found this video to set up myself more confortably🤘

[@chrisvanvoorst2125]

I am WEEK TWO of my drumming and I found the video very good!

[@M1music811]

Thanks!! 15 year music producer and pianist just bought a snare and hat I’ve been playing all three German French and American but I’ve been trying to get more rebound and more controlled rebound

[@pdxgrl1]

Yes, I just got my kit. This is the first video I watched. Thanks!

[@xthexpunisherx]

My favorite part of this "how to hold drum sticks" video is when he talks about when he wants to drum really fast and then his hands are completely hidden in the example. That's quality work guys

[@err0rtheglitch307]

nope. i'm teaching myself and my sticks always tend to change position when I play, so I came here to learn how to make sticking less annoying. this helped a lot, thanks for taking the time to teach us :)

[@Marnie-hates-winter]

I (at age 54) started learning drums earlier this year. My instructor did not show me how to hold the sticks (or what the drums were called, or anything). Taught me basic rock beat lesson 1, then lesson 2 was basic rock beat with a ghost note. Lesson 3 was Aenima. (I kid you not. I started learning Aenima on my 3rd lesson. It was fun, but I was very concerned that I was immediately getting into bad habits that would be later hard to break.)

[@許建中-n4m]

Such a great teacher !thanks so much.

[@geocam007]

My practice pad just arrived, unboxed and assembled. I play the guitar with zero drumming skills. I was watching another video before this, The Secret to Faster Hands by another drummer, but I think I should start and master this one. Thanks for this video!

[@jossheaton6148]

I've always struggled with my left-hand grip in particular. This video has been really helpful - thanks!

[@youteran]

Thanks! Very useful video. I am learning by watching videos like yours.

[@anitaelisepianostudio]

Thanks so much for this video. I teach piano lessons and have been getting my beginner piano students to drum during each others performances instead of using a metronome. This helps - we're doing pencil drumming and I'll at least be able to teach them how to hold their pencils correctly.

[@richardtallenallen6083]

Yes this is my first lesson in drum stick passions very good thank you.

[@Robynartist]

I just got my very first electroniic drum kit today. This video was exactly what I was looking for. Thank you so much!

[@trey370]

I had an amazing teacher back in 1983 when it was unusual for a girl to want to learn to play. He taught me 1st lesson to hold German style initially, then switch to an American grip for that swing cymbal ride etc. He'd been taught a non-matched grip which he said had less control so taught this. He was always hot on stick grip technique with correcting looseness, control etc.

[@w.taylor4949]

Was just gifted an e-kit for my 73rd birthday. Banged on a few kits in my youth. Still got the passion but would like to start learning some technique. Thanks for the lesson.

[@shadowryder1018]

You still practicing? Am new to all this and am 70. Wondered if you stayed with it and if so how it is going?

[@hegemon3]

Yes, my first drum lesson was about drumsticks and snare only. I really helps to start properly!

[@Muzzie0323]

Thank you so much for this video. I am a new drummer, and this video really helped me out a ton.

[@carlospdiaz]

This was fantastic thank you, very entertaining as well.

[@JetBob84]

Excellent, thank you!! I have had three lessons with a teacher (percussion degrees from Belmont and U. Arkansas M.M.) and now I know the guy cannot teach well (he may be good, idk), as he cannot verbilise these concepts well....THIS video is golden!!!

[@lenyazdi]

Learned so much!!!! Thank you!!!!!😊😊😊😊

[@penelopepadmore3248]

Just picked up kit and sticks today, this was very helpful