Mastering the Traditional Grip

Here is a lesson on the Traditional grip. Lots of you have asked for closeups of my left hand and I have addressed that here.

[@palfishessentials7042]

Dear Rick, I have virtually no online footprint. No social media and I almost never sign into my KZbin account. I think I have subscribed to maybe 3 or 4 channels. However I Gladly subscribe to your's. You are literally the best teacher on KZbin. Many drum training videos are more show then substance. I salute you!

[@snorhyveln]

Same here 🇸🇪

[@cristianmolina8637]

same here..

[@totobs1]

word for word

[@GregHurrell]

What a gem. KZbin recommended this one to me a few weeks ago and I thought, "Gee, this is one of the clearest explanations of traditional grip I've seen", and Rick plays nicely. Then I got to the bit where he casually mentions making his own sticks and I think, "Woah, this guy is serious - I've never encountered anybody badass enough to make their own sticks". Then I start exploring the world of Rick Dior and I find he has videos on riveting cymbals, he's written a book, and has a huge backlog of great content published over years. What a teacher! I've spent so many hours watching drummers on KZbin over the years and am quite amazed that I hadn't run across Rick until now. Thanks for the channel, Rick. It's great!

[@rickdior]

Thank you for your kind words Greg and thanks for watching.

[@spiratustreviso9885]

This is the best explanation of Traditional grip I have ever seen. Thank you, Rick Dior! 5 Stars!!!

[@davidmayse315]

Hey Rick, thanks for the refresher course, great information! I took my first drum lesson in 1967 while in the 5th grade, learning to play in the band orchestra. Your teaching took me back almost word for word the way I was first taught, I’m 67 years old and wondered if we are close to the same generation of drummers. Love the videos, keep them coming! David Mayse.

[@rickdior]

Hi David Going by your age we are of the same generation. The good old days! Thanks for watching.

[@SM-xt5gl]

Great tutorial Rick , I’m going back and trying to unlearn my bad habits . On a funny note , if your shirt buttons were solid black - you would look like your head and arms are floating or no body inbetween . Cheers

[@tmaddrummer]

Rick, the content you demonstrate and the quality of this video is second to none. I think about how I first started on the drum pad at Summer School when I was about 9, and that was some 60 years ago. I took lessons, I learned how to read, and I played until around 71, and soon into the military I went. Life happens, I met my wife 51 years ago and we were soon married. I found myself dashboard drumming for the next 30 years and I really needed to play again. Christmas 2001, I got a kit, and I re-entered my drumming journey. I found that so many thing had changed during my drumming hiatus, and it was overwhelmingly fun getting back into drumming. Now I'm battling the effects of career injuries and age, and my hearing loss is really hard to deal with at times for me. I once heard you say "We don't retire, we just play until we can't play anymore" or words to that effect, and as far as I'm concerned, that is me, and I will play until I give up the ghost. Thanks and Blessings Rick, your lessons mean a lot to me, and I truly enjoy just watching you play. I hope to meet you some day!

[@rickdior]

Thanks for this I always enjoy reading your comments

[@templejazz82]

Rick, I just found your videos, and my god, this is the best percussion instructional series on the internet. The fact that you are just giving this information away for free is amazing. I would pay for this content. Thank you so much.

[@deppurple700]

2 words describe your technique " holy crap" many many many many hours of practicing right there my friend

[@juniorwiley4656]

HAD to subscribe, excellent instruction and entertaining to hear the effortless chops, really shows the power inherent in the traditional grip for me.

[@derrickholmes7416]

This is great. Just what we beginners need to hear and see.

[@jauntyj3257]

Thank you Rick. You are the best on KZbin!

[@richardburger317]

Thanks again Rick! Your channel has everything a Drummer is looking for to study. Normally I would have look in 4or 5 channels to look up topics I want to study. You are like a dictionary of Prercussion. Thanks again! God Bless!

[@clevermedia]

The Rolls Royce of drumming videos. Beautifully shot video and Rick’s explanations and demonstrations convey the overall concept and fine detail better than anyone.

[@rickdior]

Thanks Clive I really appreciate your comment.

[@williamsanborn9195]

This video is fantastic! I’m so glad I found it as a novice drummer. My knowledge of music only really extends to wind instruments, so I’m constantly learning about percussion. Thank you for supplementing the knowledge my drum captain friend taught me in 2016!

[@markehm941]

Thanks Rick. I appreciate making this public. 🙏

[@electraluxx]

This is a fantastic lesson for traditional grip. I am a lifetime traditional grip player. This lesson really pointed out a some ways I can improve my grip. Thank you!

[@rickdior]

Glad the video will help you Thanks for writing

[@mattryan6886]

This is a fantastic resource for traditional grip. I will save and recommend this video. I’ve been working on traditional grip myself to badly emulate Levon Helm

[@csomi69]

The Man with the best hand technic ín the business!

[@lochday]

Best explanation I have heard and seen to date, esp as regards the 3 stroke roll in traditional grip : 2 bounces and one clinch (thumb plus bottom finger). Bravo and thanks :)

[@dominikteyke5356]

Best video on the topic of developing left hand in traditional grip by far.... again by far!!! Thanks Mr. Dior

[@Kiko-we3td]

I haven't seen a simpler, deeper, and better explanation than this one among the plethora of videos I have seen about traditional grip. Thank you sir!

[@reesehsu5577]

After watching the vid once and playing through some of the exercises and fixing my technique I already sound better! Thanks!

[@rickdior]

Hi Reese That's great! Thanks for watching

[@dariodentino5279]

A gem indeed. This is the best single video i have encountered on trad grip. Thank you!

[@brianstooksbury45]

Thank you so much for explaining this fully with great detail. I have been trying to learn traditional grip and now I am getting into rolls with it. This will definitely make me faster. Thanks again.

[@rickdior]

Hi Brian Glad I was able to help Rick

[@barakdrums]

thank you master, this is priceless. very clear, professional, fun and relaxing to all levels

[@stevenwiedel3122]

I’m a sixty year old musician and a one year old novice drummer. This is the best KZbin tutorial I’ve seen. It’s hard to find a good teacher. Where are you located? I’m in southern Oregon. Any teacher recommendations? I’ll continue to follow your videos, although I think it would be beneficial to have feedback first person. Thank you for this excellent video tutorial. Sincerely-

[@jacksmith5045]

Fantastic explanation

[@petegonewild2022]

What a great teacher!

[@rickdior]

Thank you Pete

[@obrunoheitor]

Man, tks so much. From Brazil here.

[@MatthewBishopCounsellor]

Really helpful, Rick - thanks so much.

[@gman2013]

Very informative, great video! At almost 60 I’m going take up drums...a bucket list thing. I love jazz drumming!

[@joshuaallen7385]

Hi Rick, super helpful tutorial! I just realized that my issue with traditional grip is the action of the two bottom regulator fingers. Although I do incorporate them in clinching, I haven’t yet been able to get them to engage in that circular motion, which seems key. Thank you!

[@BRANDRUMZ]

Awesome video!

[@MrPetedrums]

Excellent demonstration! Thank you very much

[@Chevyteddy]

Really great explanation of Trad.Grip. Best I've ever seen! It motivates to go on and dive deeper in! Tnx. for this vid.

[@stevenelson3540]

Rick, beautifully clear explanation & demonstration .. Thank you so much, man .

[@snorhyveln]

Great video.. I mean there's a lot out there but this one 'sticks' out!

[@simonpaa9086]

Thx. Watched a few videos on traditional grip. This one gave me the best understanding and fastes progress and success.

[@gustavoborchert]

Excellent lesson. Regarding the type of wood, I loved those old Vic Firth Bolero (I still have a couple), which were made with completely different wood than the ones nowadays. Best...

[@danlc95]

I feel like I need to send you some money. Not often I come across this high of level tutorial. You remind me of the great working drummers / instructors around Metro Detroit in the 90's, like Miguel Guiterrez, Joe Chila, Billy Cairo, Todd Degg, etc, etc.

[@rickdior]

Thanks, I appreciate that. Instead of sending me money please donate some to a food bank near you. Take care Rick

[@danlc95]

@@rickdior - Will do, Rick! Thanks so much!

[@ricardoe.aliceanatal2287]

Thanks for this Mr. Dior. I would really love to take lessons with you.

[@crobar_]

Thank you!! Finally found a great explanation. Been playing match grip for 11 years now and I've always wanted to get proficient at traditional.

[@daviddylanharris]

Great lesson. Thanks

[@scenicacoustic953]

Great video and helpful for my homework. I had a fantastic one to one online lesson earlier this week to. Thanks, Rick. Look forward to my next lesson.

[@phil-nz5nh]

Very nice 👍

[@Mudge07]

The 1/3 point (approx) on the stick is where it’s natural fulcrum exists. Best way to check it out is that you get the most tip bounces at or very near gripping that place. This applies to all grips.

[@michaelinglis8516]

This was truly very helpful for me. Im a guitar player of 20 years who finally picked up drumming around 7 years ago. Luckily i got to skip the phase where i didn't practicing routinely that i went through in my first few years of playing guitar lol. Its easier to learn new instruments when youve already taught yourself one i suppose. So ive been playing matched grip the whole time. And its like this, I naturally gravitated towards heel toe as my bass drum technique cause it felt right. But i knew the slide technique would add a new tool to use to broaden my technical and musical abilities only slide was very difficult for me to learn. For some reason it just didnt click and i thought maybe it was my longboard but a couple years ago the lightbulb went off and i finally got the slide technique down. Now I fluidly move between heel toe and slide and neither negates the usefulness of the other entirely. Some things are easier to play with heel toe and some with slide. Point being i have a feeling this will be the same with matched vs traditional. And like with the slide technique ive found traditional grip difficult to get a feel for. But when you broke down the 3 (or 4 if you want to get specific) playing positions i was instantly able to relate them to German, American and French grip and how in reality they are all fluid with one another. So now i have a much better understanding of how to properly utilize traditional grip and i can perform each position. So now as i practice each one ill work on fluidly moving between them. Anyways, this was a great lesson that instantly helped me and gave me a better understanding that with serve as a guide while i continue to work on my traditional grip. Thank you!

[@rickdior]

Hi Michael Thats good news with your foot technique. You might want to try to find a good local teacher who plays the trad. grip well to help you. Lots of things can go wrong with that grip and you will most likely need feedback from someone who knows how to play it so you don't develop any bad habits. Playing the traditional grip wrong over a long period of time can injure your wrist and elbow.

[@frednovaes5888]

Great class!!!!! TY

[@TheQuestion31]

Thank you, this helped out my doubles a lot!

[@arnfinnjacobsen9791]

Class🤩

[@chappydrums]

Thank you Rick!

[@leviszendro]

So amazing video (all of them!)...i am re learning this as I have been taught the trad technique differently an never worked well.. so far is going ok but the bottom two fingers... just doesn't come with the right motion. :( thank you for these amazing video lessons!

[@rondeangelis7384]

thankx for excellent video on this topic. so important to learn correctly. btw, i use cooperman which at persimmon, but due to supply and realiable matching they gave switched to hickory also. tim genis leggiero firth stick has a nice barrel tip also

[@johndiraimo1444]

Thank you Rick .. this is such a great video.

[@deportedtocanada8683]

Wacky thing; I played trad professionally for 30+ years, but I make it work holding the stick(7a or 5a) right near the butt, and using the thumb or any other finger aside from the pinky as the real fulcrum. It's sort of like the thumb is just there as a slight guide for the stick. I have arthritis, so I had to learn how to use other fulcrums. I know I'm not normal, but humans figure things out to their needs. I did that for drum corps(got yelled at) and every other type of music. Just chiming in. Great video man! Inspiring. Hey, never missed a gig because of it :)

[@deportedtocanada8683]

I didn't explain that very well. I usually tell people to just videotape me.

[@GSA_Drums]

Thankyou 👍😎

[@phillipclarke8871]

Thankyou master

[@ochocabra1542]

man those sticks are crazy

[@midwestmodelrailroadworkshop]

Fantastic video, very helpful!

[@noahclark8335]

I have to stop my add from trying to find the outlines of the black shirt on the black background but I love your info

[@porsche911power]

Great Presentation. Superb Control and just a beautiful sound from your drum head. Does anyone know which one it is and where you can purchase it. Is it just a ring that goes around the periphery of the snare or something different. I would appreciate your help in finding the answer. Thank You for your cooperation. Kind Regsrds,

[@TheMASDrummer]

Those sticks look very interesting.

[@ourbrightnewworld]

great video and explanation indeed!. I 'm intrigued by the idea to be able to play double roles on a blanket, so without bouncing surface. I wonder if Rick's technique would allow that. Anybody? I watched the hilarious video about the blast push-pull technique of Wanja Gröger, playing it on a (practically) bounceless surface and wonder if Rick's applied techniques are suitable for that too. Anybody?

[@DerMensch1]

What the heck am I doing wrong if I practice the two techniques in the karate chop and thumb position and the stick still keeps sliding away from me (i.e. so I wind up holding the end opposite the tip)? Just not gripping hard enough, I suppose, huh? Even when I adjust to hold it a little close towards the tip it happens-no matter how much I practice this. Anyway. Thanks for any reply. Fantastic video.

[@benmccullough5962]

I don’t comment very often but wow Rick this is a great explanation and demo. Plus you’ve got the skills to back it up. I’d be really interested in a pair of those sticks. I solely practice with Jim Kilpatrick KP2’s. also that pad looks great where can I get one?

[@elijahbreakbee8217]

Mr. Dior, thank you so much for this lesson. one of the most in-depth videos on trad grip technique i've watched. Sticks seem to be great. Are you making them for sale?

[@rickdior]

Hi Yes, I make them You can contact me at [e-mail] Thanks

[@菊地優樹-s4z]

Thank you for the video! It is very interesting. However, Flam tap etc., I would like to see by slower tempo. I don't understand what is going on with some stuff you showed us because it is too fast.

[@rickdior]

You can slow the video down using the video settings on youtube.

[@菊地優樹-s4z]

@@rickdior OK. I will try. Thank you!

[@josefinacupido9872]

Hi Rick My stick keeps slipping when I isolate each component?

[@rondeangelis7384]

rick on your next video could you explain how to properly execute rim shots with traditional grip ?

[@KinoHaitsma]

Fantastic, thank you! Can you do a vid on single strokes traditional?

[@rickdior]

Hi Kino You can check this video out kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3uuXpiFZrKApdE as well as many videos in my hand technique playlist where I show you how to play fast singles. These 2 come to mind kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIqxg2aXjdWUqZY Joe Fingers kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJeqp6t9edOUhqs Ricks Chop Builders

[@KinoHaitsma]

@@rickdior thanks!

[@kp6880]

What a great lesson, thanks! I am transitioning from matched grip to traditional. The second one, controlling with just the thumb, is way harder for me than the third (top 2 fingers.) Wondering if anyone else is finding that?

[@YanickDrums]

I think its different for everyone.

[@howardmanley3388]

Thank you for getting back to me rick about practice pad with drum head ...

[@ericcarr4787]

What kind of head is that??

[@oreoandoz7723]

Hi Rick, love all your videos!! There are two things missing on KZbin that no one seems to be addressing - how to play a good rim shot with trad grip, and how to play stick clicks with trad grip. My main problems are that my snare is a bit angled (marching band style, which is where I started) so rim shots seem weird - and when doing stick clicks the usual way, how do I get the stick up and into my hand for trad grip quickly enough to move from the click portion of the song to playing the other portions, especially if that transition is a faster one? Is it possible, or should I just learn matched grip? Thank you so much!

[@rickdior]

Hi Search Rimshot on my channel, and several videos will come up that should help. I am not sure about what you are asking as far as stick clicks go but you can see me do several stick clicks in one of my most recent videos on fills and lead-ins so search for that as well.

[@alazartessema3444]

I really found the core foundation of this grip.

[@miguelalfoya2031]

Hi, lovely video, I really need to Master my traditional grip, I feel I'm not doing it right :(

[@JoseFlores-ny5xk]

My bottom fingers circle in a clockwise direction not counter clockwise. Am I doing something wrong??

[@RigSMP100]

Great demonstration however when I try and replicate what I see you doing the stick literally slides forward through my thumb so The degree of friction or the degree of compression is not clear from your demonstration what do you recommend?

[@rickdior]

You have to develop strength in the traditional hand so that the stick will not do that. Spend lots of time on the grip exercises I show you....especially the first one.

[@juniorwiley4656]

Rick, when you do the overhand thing, at around 5:40, when you use the index and middle finger to move the stick, what makes the stick go upwards? I can't see it or get it.

[@rickdior]

Hi The stick is bouncing so you drop it for the first bounce, and it bounces up. You then use the first 2 fingers to move the stick down each time it bounces up. It's tricky but keep trying and you will get it!

[@juniorwiley4656]

​@@rickdiorOkay, thanks.

[@tonysnow8359]

Excellent!!! I’m a new subscriber.what brand,drum mute is on that snare?

[@rickdior]

That is an old Quiet Tone drum mute. Sabian makes them now.

[@tonysnow8359]

@@rickdior thank you!!

[@todounpalopercusion5612]

genio

[@akmalaslam3167]

Hello sir I'm following your lessons. Unfortunately I don't have a drum kit right now. May I practice this on my pillow.. Thank u

[@YanickDrums]

You can maybe first get a practice pad? That way you can already practice these things.

[@akmalaslam3167]

Would be a good idea But as long I start iam following my pillow . No offense on practice pads ! 😊

[@Downshift1-6]

Is it common to get bruising on the thumb webbing?

[@longtallshorty8340]

For the face down palm technique, can we use our fourth finger to help pick the stick up?

[@Maurio1996]

Where are the main points of control for left hand

[@nicksaume5192]

Ric can I purchase a pair of your sticks and how much are they. Lessons with you is all on line

[@rickdior]

Hi Nick Please contact me at [e-mail]

[@jedi_417]

I think marching band messed up my idea of traditional grip. I was taught (especially my college instructor) was strict about the thumb and index finger always touching with the thumb pad being on the little joint of the index finger. But I’ve seen so many great players who had a more relaxed and free left hand on the drum set.

[@rickdior]

Hi Jedidiah That is the case for many young players these days. Hours and hours using that tight grip will definitely hinder your ability to play relaxed and expressively. Most notably on the drum set.

[@ChuckBarchuk]

@@rickdior Well I would say you play a more "Scottish" version of traditional grip which is almost entirely based on the thumb. I learned traditional grip from a gentleman in the US Army Band who taught me as well to keep the thumb pressed against the index finger. I use both approaches these days depending on what I'm doing. When I need greater control the two fingers are better than one in my view. When I need more volume and height then I will usually break that connection. Both work at the end of the day based on what you're more comfortable with. Cheers.

[@Bebopin-69]

Hi Rick, when you let the stick bounce, should i expect the same bounce from the center of my snare drum?

[@rickdior]

Yes, but it depends on the tension of your drums. The center of a drum is the tightest point and also will have the driest sound. You can see and hear this when you play on your floor tom.

[@glennracoma7481]

What may be your thoughts on practicing with the Moon Gel (non-responsive resistance) for strengthening? and normal practice responsive pads for the bounce technique. Thank you.

[@rickdior]

Hi Glenn I only practice on a real drum or a pad with a real drum head. I do not like playing on anything else and I attribute my problem free 50+ year playing to this.

[@wormtownpaul]

Who makes the Drum Mute pad you are using? Thanks.

[@rickdior]

Sabian makes the new version. Mine is the older quiet Tone Drum Mute.

[@rademasi]

rick - i keep finding myself going back to this, i have a few questions - for the left hand two finger exercise, is the left bowed backwards / upwards, or just like it is when playing; ie, flat/straight. also, in general especially for left arm, is the elbow bent outwards so there is a gap between your left arm and left side, or it tucked straight against the left sode of your body? lastly, does the right stick motion go at a 90 degree angle to drum head, or straight up and down, with a more angled drum, i often see people angling the right hand, almost like a side armed pirching motion? thx again for all of your posts.

[@rickdior]

Hi Ralph Left hand is up. If you just turn over your normal grip and lift the wrist slightly you will have the position. Do not tuck your left hand in to your body. There needs to be space there to facilitate motion. The sidearm thing for the right hand would only be used for the Moeller technique and then just slightly. Otherwise it is straight up and down.

[@robertwaldman9919]

Where can I purchase your books?

[@jamiebrillus755]

I'm trying to use my fingers as best I can for traditional grip when playing doubles, however it still seems that my second note is quieter then my first note. Is there a motion from the wrist that helps with this? or is it just fingers? Awesome video by the way 👍

[@rickdior]

Hi Jamie It's probably the distance between your bottom 2 fingers and the stick. Those bottom fingers regulate the amount the stick bounces. They work with the top 2 fingers to create space so the stick can bounce. you shouldn't lose any volume on 2 strokes but anything after that you will, so then you would use more fingers. Also if you use too much wrist and not enough bounce that would cause the problem you are having. I teach Skype lessons if you are interested and then I could see whats going on. [e-mail] Thanks Rick

[@TheMrBobC]

Referring to solid practice sticks

[@TheMrBobC]

What's your thoughts on aluminum and brass sticks?

[@rickdior]

I have some old hollow Hinger Touch Tone aluminum snare sticks that are ok. I general I do not like the way metal sticks feel in my hands.

[@DannyNatale]

I’ll come back in a month and hopefully have an improved grip.

[@arthurfranca5516]

wow

[@osumdman]

So for every double stroke with the left, I get that the bottom fingers regulate the stick, but do the top fingers clench down while doing a double stroke or do they just rest? Thanks.

[@rickdior]

They just rest and create a space for the stick to bounce between. Those top fingers should just barely be touching the stick when it bounces up. The bottom 2 fingers are moving in a small circle. The space between your fingers is what regulates the stick and creates an even bounce.

[@owendurkin6292]

mind blown @ 20:33

[@pacmanlp8876]

Nice video. How did you make that snare sounds like a practice pad?

[@rickdior]

Hi That's an old quiet tone practice pad. They are now made by Sabian.

[@Rogersdrumvideos]

Hi Rick Which model Reamer stick offered today is closest to what you have there ?

[@rickdior]

Hi Anthony That is not a Reamer stick....those are sticks that I make (the wood is Zebrawood). They are heavier because I use South American, Australian and African hardwoods that are generally much more dense than North American woods (except for Persimmon) If you want the Reamer sticks find some older ones made of Persimmon wood ( not Hickory). That is what I would recommend. Either the Reamer concert stick (they are lighter, around 60-65 grams) or the thicker Alan Abel model (around 68-74) grams.

[@Rogersdrumvideos]

@@rickdior you showed a Reamer stick ... do you know which one made today is closest to the model you bought all those pairs of 30 years ago?

[@rickdior]

That would be the Reamer concert model. They are now made only in Hickory so your mileage may vary. I also have several pairs of the Alan Abel model which is thicker and heavier.

[@Rogersdrumvideos]

@@rickdior thank you Rick... I'm interested to look into those