Traditional Finger Control Part 2: Index Finger

[@ffupelffuh5230]

There's tons of traditional grip lesson videos out there, but yours really help a lot. Tqsm

[@ChuckBarchuk]

Thanks a ton. I appreciate that and I'm glad they have helped you. Be blessed. :)

[@juansebastianfonsecaalvare6705]

Thank you for this explanation, I couldn't find someone who explained it better. I saw your video and I was able to understand the movement, thank you bro!

[@ChuckBarchuk]

Juan, thank you my friend. I really appreciate it and I'm glad it helped you out bud.

[@andrewcutter1785]

Another comprehensive tutorial - thank you.

[@ChuckBarchuk]

Yea traditional grip really is very customizable. It's not one size fits all. There are so many different approaches you can take that it's important to make it your own.

[@alensiljak]

Well structured videos and very useful and graphical advice. Thanks a lot! You've broken down the different techniques used with the traditional grip, which used to confuse me as everyone has a different explanation of the traditional grip technique.

[@ChuckBarchuk]

Alen, thanks so much for the comment. I really appreciate it and I'm glad my videos have been helpful to you. If you ever have any questions, don't hesitate to ask my friend. Blessings.

[@beyondthegong]

I love your videos, they’re super clear & concise.. however this ‘finger-over’ thing is freakin’ impossible for me as a beginner drummer. It would be great to see a more in-depth video on this specific technique, if you have the time & inclination. Thanks for your time and dedication to teaching.

[@thinkpad20]

Agreed on both counts! I'm learning a ton from Chuck but man, I'm a beginner and getting the finger bounce to work is friggin hard. I can do ok with just the thumb, although it took a ton of repetition. I guess the story is the same with the finger. Just have to do it a bajillion times until the muscle memory develops.

[@briancaldwell283]

Chuck, awesome. Watched some of the "best" and you are up there. Many thanks!

[@ChuckBarchuk]

Thanks Brian. That means a lot.

[@jojomayerfan4356]

awesome man. I been trying this traditional grip for years. Never ever got it to where i want. Just doesnt feel natural. But these tips makes it awhole lot clearer than older clips that offered tips on it. Thanks alot . I will get to work on these

[@ChuckBarchuk]

Thanks for the comment JoJo! I'm glad this video is helping you. If you any additional questions don't hesitate to ask. Be blessed my friend.

[@natedobas6437]

You are an absolute life saver!! Can't wait to get to work on these!!

[@ChuckBarchuk]

Sweet Nate! I'm glad you found it helpful.

[@jaime_coca]

thank you so much for this series. I've watched most of the videos on traditional grip and none of them explain this as well as you do. They all kind of skip to the and bounce part

[@cassiuspereira3373]

your videos have been extremely helpful, thank you so much!! I've been playing traditional grip for about a year now, but have had problems incorporating my fingers (been mostly using the thumb method). I haven't seen other videos specifically talking about the fingers, so thank you again!

[@ChuckBarchuk]

Absolutely my friend. If there's anything else I can do, let me know. God Bless.

[@michaelmarotta5947]

Great insight and great lesson. Thank you.

[@ChuckBarchuk]

My pleasure Michael.

[@hirammutschler4869]

The best video I have seen jet. Thanx a lot!!!!!

[@ChuckBarchuk]

Thank you sooooo much for the kind words my friend. I'm glad it helped you. Be blessed.

[@hirammutschler4869]

I will recommend it to all my students!!

[@ChuckBarchuk]

I'm honored and humbled. I hope it provides some helpful insight.

[@divepeace1]

Awesome stuff Chuck! Thanks for the vid, I'm really catching on now, thanks to you!

[@ChuckBarchuk]

Dave, glad to hear it bud. If you have any further questions don't hesitate to ask. Hope your well man.

[@divepeace1]

Chuck, thanks so much for the reply. I hope I can ask you a question... I find it easier to use my middle finger to bounce the stick in my left hand as opposed to my index finger as I can't seem to get my ring finger out of the way of the stick if I use my index finger. Have you ever seen this?

[@ChuckBarchuk]

That is interesting. So what's happening exactly with your ring finger when using the index finger? Sounds a little strange that you're having issues moving the ring finger out of the way. If you're able to use your middle finger in comfortable way then go for it bud.

[@divepeace1]

I know, it's hard to explain. When my ring finger and pinky are curled up underneath the stick, (while doing a single stroke roll with index finger), the stick hits my ring finger, now when I point my ring finger and pinky outward, it's all good. I guess a better question is...should my fingers (ring and pinky) be curled up underneath the stick or pointed outward while doing a single stroke roll bouncing with index finger? Sorry for all the questions Chuck, but this is really great stuff, to hear it from the horse's mouth! Thanks Chuck!

[@ChuckBarchuk]

Well the ring finger is allowed to 'graze' the stick here and there. It just shouldn't be holding on to the stick while it's in motion. Think of the index and ring fingers like bumpers or springs that the stick bounces back and forth between. Ultimately you don't want the ring finger to interfere with the rebound of the stick. Do whatever you have to do to prevent that. I normally just pull them in close to hand and that's usually enough to get them out of the way.

[@dianecan1454]

Thank you for another great lesson!

[@ChuckBarchuk]

Diane, your absolutely welcome. Thanks for stopping by.

[@MrCongamike]

great lesson, thank you for the explanation.

[@ChuckBarchuk]

No problem and thanks Michael and thank you for stopping by. Be blessed my friend.

[@leorbear]

Chuck, how can I keep the stick from slipping forward out of the webbing between thumb and index?

[@johngeorges1510]

Stick crawl

[@scottloveday8598]

I think Tony Williams doesn't depend on any kind of bounced it's all in his hand. It's good to learn different techniques though, thanks for the help.

[@ChuckBarchuk]

You should always use rebound. Try this: Grip the stick in either hand real tight and do 8ths at 200 bpm using no rebound. Now loosen up and use rebound. It should be substantially easier plus you get a better sound. With no rebound you're doing 100% of the work. With rebound you're doing 50% of the work while the stick does 50%. It's just like dribbling a basketball. You'll be faster, using less energy, with a better sound if you simply allow the stick help you. Not to mention that using no rebound is very very bad for your wrists. But at the end of the day you gotta play the way that feels best to you. Cheers!

[@jackleaves4948]

Thanks dude!!!

[@ambroulard]

Hey,, your instructionals are really good-- I have a question!!! I think this is all great to practice--. I don’t really envision playing a long series of notes this way but understand the practicality and necessity of practicing long series of notes,, to build strength and dexterity with the method- My more likely practical use of something like this would be a much shorter series of notes played with the left hand- say between 4-9 or ten notes-- Which in my brain one should be able to play somewhat faster than a much longer series of notes-So my question is any advice on playing a short burst of faster notes? Perhaps there’s an added element that could facilitate this??

[@ChuckBarchuk]

Hey there! Thanks for the comment. You are exactly right. The amount of mileage you get from these techniques is entirely based on what you are playing. For example if you play a lot of rudimental snare drumming then these techniques are a must. If you're only playing ACDC then you might not need any of this. That being said the overall better your hands are the better you will sound. Your execution will be more precise and fluid even with simpler things. As far as shorter passages the idea is the same. You only use as much fingers as you need to keep the notes even. So with doubles for example you would bounce the first stroke and then finger the second. With three's you would bounce two of the strokes and finger the third and so on. The idea ultimately is to use as much rebound as possible and finger whatever is left to produce an even and consistent sound. How this plays out practically will vary depending on what you're doing. I hope that helps. :)

[@hayek218]

May I ask how the stick goes up? Because of the bouncing?

[@EricLee-nr5jp]

Yes sir!

[@gazbuck73]

amazing video tutorial dude. Q? Why is it when I get the bounce going with the finger, the stick begins to slide away from the fulcrum?

[@ChuckBarchuk]

Well it's a balancing act for sure because you're no longer holding onto the stick with the thumb. Also make sure the angle of the stick to the head is parallel otherwise you'll get a lot of sliding as well.

[@MattMusicianX]

This is awesome!! Thank you!!

[@ChuckBarchuk]

No problem and thanks so much for the comment. Peace.

[@fluffmallow1159]

thanks for the great lecture. Where can I get your practice pad? I REALLy like the look of it!

[@ChuckBarchuk]

No problem Fluff. Thanks for the watching. The pad is the Vic Firth Slim Pad.

[@mohdamiruddinsulaiman1383]

This is hard. But I will keep trying and practicing

[@ChuckBarchuk]

It is hard but like everything else the more you do it the better you get at it. Don't give up. :)

[@mohdamiruddinsulaiman1383]

@@ChuckBarchuk Thank you so much!

[@leorbear]

Chuck, can I arrange private virtual lessons with you?

[@ChuckBarchuk]

Absolutely. Look under the About tab here on my page and you will find my email. Shoot me a message and we can set up a zoom lesson. :)

[@Mik3yjay]

Awesome lesson. Started working on applying this grip to become my main grip and boy does it feel like learning drums from the start again! you make it look easy and your hits are so nice and even. How long did it take you to feel comfortable using traditional ? Blessings!

[@ChuckBarchuk]

Hey Mike! My teacher started me with this grip back in elementary school. So I've been playing traditional grip since the very beginning. Don't let that deter you though. It does take some patience to learn but will worth it in my opinion. But ultimately either grip is fine to use. It really comes down to what 'feels' right when you're playing. Good luck my friend.

[@FilipusWisnumurti]

How do you practice this slowly? Because my left index finger can not move that fast. Also how do you keep the stock not moving around?

[@ChuckBarchuk]

Hey there, make sure the stick is balanced in your fulcrum and make sure the angle of the stick is parallel to the playing surface.

[@mariosoberanes1950]

Increíble video, aun que hablo español le entendí muy bien.

[@howardmanley3388]

Amazing...

[@zensir]

what's the poster on the background?

[@KeannuArroyo]

Weird i can do this technique but the thumb i cant

[@jackleaves4948]

same dude

[@porsupollo9349]

I've been using this finger control technique for a while without even realise it's a finger control technique haha, i just need to keep practicing my speed because i don't do it as fast as you do :p

[@ChuckBarchuk]

Good job Porsu! Using the index finger is pretty difficult for many drummers so you're ahead of the game my friend. :)

[@porsupollo9349]

Haha, thanks man, great videos about finger control your teaching skills are just perfect, take care :)

[@ChuckBarchuk]

Generally speaking I think it's the hardest finger to develop so if you're not having too much issue I would say you've already bypassed a major hurdle. So well done my friend. Sounds like you've had an easier time with it than I did. :)

[@porsupollo9349]

Thanks, those are good news :D

[@ChuckBarchuk]

It is for sure Porsu. If I'm playing a fast single stroke roll I'm better at using my thumb. If I'm doing double strokes, I use my index finger.

[@EWDrums]

My stick just walks forward and falls out on the pad! Grrr

[@ChuckBarchuk]

With this method the hardest part is keeping the stick balanced in your fulcrum while using the index finger. Without seeing what you're doing in person its to know for sure what to tell you. But one thing I can suggest is to make sure when you're playing that the angle of the stick to the head is parallel. If the angle is too high then gravity itself can cause the stick to fall forward making it much harder to keep the stick in the proper position. And lastly time and patience is key. I know that's a bummer. Hang in there. Good luck. :)

[@ipguyman108]

Very excellent videos, but have trouble hearing your voice ..

[@ChuckBarchuk]

I'm going to look into re-shooting these.

[@johnflock7233]

Wish they made drum heads that gave the same bounce as the rubber pads. I bet Nikola Tesla could have invented one.

[@SlavaNesmeianov]

Nah, I'm trying this for a week and still have no any bounce with this grip. I think it's some kind of CGI or even black magic.

[@ChuckBarchuk]

Black magic indeed...lol. So funny. Make sure you aren't holding onto the stick with your ring and pinky fingers. It's just like dribbling a basketball. It's learning to move your finger or fingers in sync with the rebound of the stick. It does take time and a ton of patience. Don't give up.

[@sonortubelug3853]

Just play fucking matched. It's not 1890.

[@ChuckBarchuk]

Well there are a couple of reasons to learn & play traditional grip: 1. Out of tradition 2. Most drum corps snare lines march traditional 3. Has a completely different feel 4. Great for control, doubles, and ghost strokes. Ultimately it really doesn't matter what grip you play. I play both but simply prefer traditional. It's a very popular grip despite its age. I don't get many views on my channel except for the my traditional grip videos. It's quite astonishing really. So there's gotta be something to it that draws people to try and learn it. Cheers.