Jazz Drummer Q-Tip of the Week: Traditional Grip!!

INSTAGRAM: / qdjazz
WEBSITE: www.quincydavi...
Match vs Traditional
3:35 - Hand positions
4:57 - Fulcrum positions
5:36 - Basic motions
Exercises
6:19 - Finding your fulcrum
6:31, 7:06 - Wiggling the thumb
6:45, 7:20 - "Turning the door knob"
8:13 - The Single Stroke rudiment
Finger Technique
8:42 - The thumb
8:58 - Thumb + Pointer finger
9:06 - Fingers on top
Skype Lessons
I offer Skype lessons to those interested in more personalized lessons.
Whether it's a technical, conceptual, creativity issue, or even getting ready for auditions. I’m happy to help out with any issues you are having with your playing. I can help you!!!! Click on the following link for more information on lessons: www.Quincydavi....
I am a proud endorser of Yamaha, Zildjian and Vic Firth and am using the following equipment:
YAMAHA DRUMS
Stage Custom 18, 14, 12.
Snare - 6.5” Yamaha Recording Custom Aluminum
ZILDJIAN CYMBALS
22” Dry Complex II
19” Kerope Crash/Ride
14” K Custom Special Dry hats
Quincy
University of North Texas
Assistant Professor of Jazz Drum Set

[@izzimichaels2892]

as a traditional grip drummer, I appreciate your stressing the use and history of the orthodox style, I enjoyed your lesson, thanks!

[@arsonne]

Not a traditional grip player but the wisdom of growing through imposing limitations on yourself is so powerful. It even helps with creativity. Being creative within confines is much easier and sometimes more profound.

[@drumqtips]

Bingo!!!

[@midnightrainstoparis]

i've always loved traditional grip. it looks cooler

[@Migouelin]

It's snob jazz attitude.

[@allenlumeyer2428]

@@Migouelin OK. And ........?

[@paulevanalamer2219]

Klmlkmlbnmk​@@allenlumeyer2428

[@maxsimas9699]

Q! I literally started practicing traditional grip yesterday and I've been playing match for 11 years. This was real helpful and perfect timing!!

[@drumqtips]

So happy this helped you Max!

[@albertmerlew]

i got into drums because of jazz so ive always used traditional grip, i switch to match grip when its more comfortable, like when im playing the tom to my right

[@drumqtips]

That’s a good approach to switching back and forth between the two grips Al👍🏾

[@pickinstone]

Quincey is back! If you ever make it to Washington state, I know A LOT of drummers who would love to hear you play and watch a master class or two--know what I'm saying? I love these back to basics videos. I think the key to being musical on any instrument is to know and respect the fundamentals.

[@robertdowler8105]

I go with traditional since 4th grade.- 1966.,got first kit in '67 @ age #12, practicing to Harry James,etc. Jazz.

[@themole2024]

Thank you for a very clear and straight forward lesson. No nonsense, just good practical instruction. Nice playing too!

[@mindaugasvenclovas2656]

Those intros in all his videos are burnin... 🔥🔥🔥 and a great lesson!

[@Proghead88]

Great lesson! Definitely going on my favorite list. That stick drop at 9:59 was awesome by the way: (Rest..2..3.)Et.Tri.Pl.Et|1 2 Et.3 Et.4 |1

[@tomelizalde7838]

I play like that just because it looks cool !! I dig your Japanese !!

[@sz-ll9iq]

Is that a Bill Stewart ride in a trad grip tutorial?

[@bonzomio]

Subtle, but I get it. :-)

[@rachelwhite438]

Starting off the new year right, Q!

[@brotherbroseph1416]

I’m just beginning drums after 20+ years of bass. Thanks I’ll be tuning in!

[@drumqtips]

Welcome onboard the groove train🥁

[@jf-yi8wg]

Wow thanks a lot! While watching this video I noticed my fulcrum was not firm enough, corrected that and it feels so much easier now! Thank you for this !

[@drumqtips]

Glad it helped!

[@davidsuprenant893]

Sir I just came across your site.Thanks for the great tips. I'll be watching for your postings.!!!

[@jazz4asahel]

Professor, you're hired. And less notes and quieter is absolutely something many would do well to consider.

[@drumqtips]

Ha! Thanks but what am I hired for?? 🤣🤣

[@jazz4asahel]

@@drumqtips For online instruction. I am a beginning drummer and need expert help. I appreciate your posting solid info. Best regards!

[@danlc95]

Subbed. Love your delivery! Fellow Michigander here from Rochester Hills.

[@danlc95]

Here I'm playing traditional in a heavy rock situation. Please excuse the horrible double kick. I forgot to untie my shoes... kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4rThmilnaaFhK8

[@drumqtips]

Awesome playing fellow Michigander:)

[@drumqtips]

Thanks for the sub!

[@jeffreyondrums]

Great Lesson, Q!! I love it~

[@drumqtips]

Thanks Jeffrey. I hope all is well up in OKC!

[@justinreynolds3935]

Thanks for video! Answered some of my questions!!! Great stuff

[@drumqtips]

You bet Justin!

[@claudiosbrolli]

Great! Thanks a lot!

[@drumqtips]

You are welcome!

[@vikitheviki]

Thanks man! That really helped me get going! 🥁👍

[@mcolley]

Great Q!

[@drumqtips]

My main man Max!!! (Look at that, quadruple alliteration:)

[@mcolley]

@@drumqtips If this drum thing doesn't work you for sure have a career in comedy! LOL Happy New year!

[@jehouse86]

After watching the intro 14 times I figured I should watch the tutorial.

[@A.ChristopherJohnson]

Right On Prof !!

[@ochocabra1542]

"today's lesson is on traditional grip" -cut to him crashing with match grip. excellent.

[@drumqtips]

Ha! Can't get 'em all right. Thanks for watching Ocho.

[@ochocabra1542]

@@drumqtips it's my pleasure. I watch as much of your stuff as I can.

[@tmaddrummer]

Thanks and Blessings Quincy!!!

[@co0kiedrummer]

I love your videos Quincy!

[@drumqtips]

Thanks Micha!

[@massimoa2361]

Well done. Awesome lesson

[@drumqtips]

Thanks for watching!

[@gregmcdermott3285]

I was taught how to use traditional grip back in 1967. Therefore, I take a lot of pride in being very proficient in it. It's foriegn, to many young drummers today. It's almost an lost art. Don't get me wrong, many of my drum hero's play match.(ringo). I just feel it's a crucial element in jazz drumming.. I remember Tony Williams stated something along those lines. Of course, there are exceptions to the rule, like Benny greb and others who swing there butts off. But at the same time, I personally feel, that one could line up ten traditional players against ten match players and chances are the majority of the traditional players would fair much better in a jazzy situation. In addition to this, many times when I play a funky groove, I will lock it in playing match grip. I just think, traditional grip lends it self better to jazz(especially swing). Enough said, I'm talking to much.. Anyway Quincy, keep up the good work.

[@drumqtips]

I appreciate you sharing your thoughts on Trad grip Greg. It's the jazz grip historically for sure. Glad you're carrying on the "tradition":)

[@bobweber4140]

Thankyou bro

[@derek5168]

Quincy has to be one of the best teachers on you tube to many others don't teach anything of real value and are just showing off the only other one really worth watching is John Riley

[@drumqtips]

You’re too kind. Thank you🙏🏾

[@kbj2459]

Thank you for lesson

[@airmike._.]

very helpful, thanks man

[@maharg32]

Right on, Grand Rapids!

[@JulianFernandez]

Happy New Year, Quincy!

[@CSGgabriel]

You’re awesome, Mr. Q. Thank you!

[@bonzomio]

Hi Quincy...What are your cymbals in this video? Love your lessons. You are a funny guy. Thanks! Mike

[@drumtwo4seven]

Bill Stewart match grip 👍 Elvin Jones traditional 👍 Roy Haynes both 👍

[@joewar-booker5485]

Great... thanks 👌

[@friedpicklezzz]

As a matched grip player I quickly get pain in the fingers or wrist. Not sure if it’s technique or just not being used to it.

[@colaiuka]

Hi Quincy! Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. Great information. I have a question: What Yamaha model do you play on those videos? Stage Custom or Tour Custom? And how do you like them? Would you record with those models? Thanks!

[@drumqtips]

These drums are Stage Customs. I love them and yes I would record with them. Thanks for checking out the video Uka.

[@Terry-oj2bi]

I have Stage Customs also and would Absolutely record with them! Just add a Recording Custom snare drum and your set for life!

[@colaiuka]

Terry hi Terry, thanks for the feedback. I do have a 18 Stage Custom bass drum and was thinking of upgrading but was wondering if it was really worth.

[@Terry-oj2bi]

Uka Gameiro I love my Stage Customs, but hope to purchase Maple Absolutes in a few years.

[@takeotakahashi1921]

Hello Quincy, amazing drumming, really! Please, could you briefly describe the way you recorded the drums? In case you remember it? Thank you for all your info.

[@policeluber6720]

I still prefer the Afro Grip.

[@drumqtips]

Whatever works for you. Cheers!

[@permpress]

Late to the party here. I started out learning traditional and years later switched to matched. Now, I want to get proficient again in trad but whenever I try it gets very sore in my fulcrum (web). Very annoying but I keep trying. I wouldn't say I'm overdoing it either. I just love the sort of feeling like you're tossing a salad when playing traditional but it starts hurting every time 🤥

[@DavidHimmelPerforms]

Do you know of any examples of drummers playing Roy Haynes-esque vocab (think H&H off Metheny's Question and Answer) with matched?

[@drumqtips]

Ha! Absolutely. Bill is the man!!

[@DavidHimmelPerforms]

@@drumqtips Can you recommend a record or two where he is playing that sort of vocab? I've only just started checking him out, but so far the sound is very different when he swings with matched. Badass! But not the Roy sound I'm kind of obsessed with.

[@Channel-xr5rs]

Thanks for the great video Quincy! What would you say are your favorite Jimmy Cobb records?

[@drumqtips]

I love Wes Montgomery Live at the Half Note, Joe Henderson Four!, John Coltrane Stardust Sessions, Wynton Kelly! and of course Kind of Blue. Thanks for watching SMFMCA...:)

[@thinkpad20]

You've got great speed. Have you experimented with alternating between thumb and index finger, or thumb-middle, or index-middle, from within the standard traditional grip position? I think I've seen sdjmalik doing this. Also, I'd love to hear your thoughts on Kiichi Kobayashi.

[@drumqtips]

I've experimented with doing that but I'm not great at it. I don't know Kiichi Kobayashi. I'll look him up. Thanks for watching!

[@thinkpad20]

@@drumqtips he’s a snare player with chops through the roof. You’ll dig :) also he does speaks in Japanese in some of his instructionals, if you’re looking to practice 日本語 :)

[@tylerpons5887]

What sticks do you use?

[@Yanepia]

How do you mix this kit, it sounds so warm and comforting

[@drumqtips]

Very carefully:) Thanks for watching Raphael!

[@ethanht9668]

Of course traditional grip looks cooler hahaha

[@drumqtips]

That's subjective...but I agree:)

[@michaeldangelomusic]

Yeah Q!

[@drumqtips]

Big respect to you Michael! Means a lot coming from a great musician as yourself.

[@michaeldangelomusic]

@@drumqtips You're too kind! (Also, I love Dry Complex Rides. 😊 )

[@EdgardoPlasencia]

And I was reluctant at the beginning to practice traditional grip because it looked cool ! ....( Suspiciously cliché ).. i thought it was just a pose..

[@drumqtips]

Lol! It looks cool but it also sounds good when used properly:)

[@EdgardoPlasencia]

@@drumqtips yeah. I know that now.... Thanks for your lessons and advice !

[@luiszuluaga6575]

You’re massively cool!

[@Migouelin]

If one learnt to play snare drum in a brass band or in a classic percussion class he plays like this because he use to. If you don't adjust your snare tilted like Quincy Davis it serve to nothing IMMO.

[@christianwagenseil9621]

5:16 *middle finger, not ring finger

[@drumqtips]

Thanks Chris👍🏾

[@hamfanny]

soooooo tasty

[@karimelzein9115]

That wasnt very helpful

[@drumqtips]

…to you. To others it was helpful. Thanks for stopping by anyway Karim.

[@karimelzein9115]

Im relieved someone has benefitted

[@drumqtips]

@@karimelzein9115 Not sure why you need to be nasty with your comments Karim.

[@TheGuitologist]

I have toyed with trad grip, but not good at it yet. Videos like this help. Thanks for making it seem achievable.

[@darkknightenberg]

yooo

[@luboetr]

Thanks for the lesson man! And for sharing your gear. :) Keep the good job!

[@pqpanda1107]

This is an important lesson for me as a jazz beginner. Thank you for the Q-tip. 🙏🏻

[@drumqtips]

Glad it helped!

[@Terry-oj2bi]

Thanks for the Mechanics refresher on using Traditional grip, Quincy! I learned the trad grip years ago and switch back and forth depending on the situation. Your 5 1/2 x 14" Aluminum Recording custom snare is Beautiful! I Purchased mine last year and absolutely love the sound of it. Who needs a wall full of snare drums when all you need is this Bad Boy!

[@drumqtips]

Agreed! I love that drum Terry. Thanks for watching!

[@Terry-oj2bi]

Quincy Davis You are welcome Quincy....Love your channel!

[@vincentbuonora8477]

Really helpful for thumb workout grip Thanks-great lesson

[@drumqtips]

Glad it was helpful Vincent!

[@ryan0000e]

Ha! Alarms at 8:24. What a great vibe. Thanks for another great lesson

[@sytekanddavies9216]

Thanks for this lovely video!!

[@manuelgchapajr2000]

GREAT LESSON I STILL TEACH AND USE TRADITIONAL GRIP!!!

[@rodrigoguzmanleroy4915]

ahahaha

[@MrEmanuelw]

you're back! thank you!

[@salthedrummer1]

How can you guy this guy a thumbs down? I don't get it.....

[@caniplaydrumsforyou]

Very important video for young drummers! There is very little of this kind of quality content from a great drummer on youtube. Traditional grip press rolls next!

[@SuperDrumsforever]

Thanks for posting .Very helpful information.

[@CourtneyAnneMcNally]

Great info! A couple things though-at 5:10 you say “ring finger and the thumb”, but then demonstrate with your middle finger and thumb (I’m guessing you meant to say middle finger). At 5:46 you say that in traditional grip the wrist supinates (“soup”inates) and pronates-it’s not the wrist that’s supinating and pronating, but the radio-ulnar joint in your forearm (about an inch from your elbow, toward your hands), and the wrist‘s orientation changes as a consequence. You can verify this by tightly gripping the middle of your forearm and attempting the rotation-your wrist won’t rotate because the motion is coming from behind the point you’re holding.

[@carlupthegrove262]

Great video on the basics...thanks it really helps

[@KAKA-kk4ti]

wow awesome Japanese...!!!

[@thinkpad20]

One of the best traditional grip tutorials I've seen. You're a great teacher. ところで僕もアメリカ人ですが、日本語も話せます。今は大体弱くなったけど。

[@drumqtips]

おたがいドラムも日本語も頑張りましょう！ビデオを見てくれてありがとうございます！

[@markazinker3212]

Fantastic advice!

[@tevang3136]

that kit sounds gooooooood

[@goneaway8759]

Excellent advice

[@uriamjmader]

My teacher taught me an amazing exercise for strength and speed for the left hand with traditional grip It’s called matched grip And now it’s better than ever!

[@williep3426]

Impove....?

[@stevepruittmusic]

Loved it!

[@dylangatenby9928]

Hey Quincy, I use both traditional and matched but prefer traditional due to playing jazz techniques frequently. Anyways good tutorial and keep playing

[@drumqtips]

Thanks for watching Dylan!

[@ROCKNROLLFAN]

It's going to take a while for me to gain control and get comfortable with traditional grip strokes on the left hand.

[@drumqtips]

Don't rush! Take your time.

[@JoeL-de7tx]

Does he know we can’t see the view he’s looking at off to the side. The one that actually visually shows the grips??

[@mikekelly9851]

I played the first 10 or 12 years traditional grip (started 1968) because it was the norm & in band we still had the drum hanging from neck - tilted to right side. I switched to match grip and found it easier to get a clean strike on left crash as well as cross sticking (like when I played timps in orchestra). What you can do on left with traditional grip you can do match grip. I'd call it a matter of personal choice. Think about guys like Tony Williams. What he plays with right hand on ride cymbal he can do left handed. Billy Cobham is ambidextrous and doing it matched grip.