Why You Should Keep Your Stick Grip Loose - Todd Sucherman

[@Jazzyblackdrummer]

You’re so incredibly correct Todd it is impossible to play a powerful, fast, and clean swing beat on the ride cymbal with a tight grip on the drum stick

[@adamdiazzz]

Todd is so good at drums it’s insane

[@rhythmetist]

Todd is such a master! Thanks for posting this memphis drum shop

[@Tr3v0rUnKn0wN]

It’s EASIER sure, but “no physical way” is an extreme overstatement 😂.

[@artemcultura6191]

Thanks Todd!

[@eltonjohnson]

I've been playing for over 20 years, and I play mostly rock and punk (by ear, for better or worse). I've always loved funk, r&b, jazz, etc, but could never really do that flash stuff while staying relazed...I honestly think my grip is what's holding me back.

[@hanginon1293]

I started playing when I was 12. I wish someone would have showed me how important your grip was. My thumbs used to cramp up all the time. About an hour in to a set I was hurting. Something so simple can have tremendous results on your playing

[@hugorezende199]

he is indeed right, everybody got their own way od playing but in this case you really loose a little of the possibilities

[@user-mz8yd7ny6u]

The rock drummers they grip the bottom of the sticks V french grip butt. The British grip most common for swing and I use the British grip but it's cool to bounce back forth on the for what you deliver on the drum set. 🙏🥁😏👍

[@nakedeyez]

Steve Smith should immediately come to mind, especially since Todd was/is greatly influenced by him. Steve "Machine Gun" Smith, approaches the drums with same mindset and you can see, hear and feel the difference in his drumming. It was Steve Jazz, Fusion, technique and background that he brought to 'Journey' that made his drumming standout and help elevate the songs. Virgil Donati, an absolutely powerhouse monster, brings that same Jazz, Progressive Fusion genre background, relaxed, soft and hard approach to his drumming. Buddy Rich, snare drum work and solo performances are 'still unrivaled by today's' standards, and yet he plays with extreme looseness and power. The technique is useful in all genres.

[@Allison_Chaynes]

I wouldn't say "No way." I grew up playing rudimental snare, DCI drumming. We were taught to have the more firm grip. Mainly cause it looks better down the line. It looks more uniform. I can do the patterns you played, easily. I do agree that it would better your way for people that aren't used to it to do it your way. I love marching drumming and I love set drumming. However, they usually don't go together well. Set drummers usually aren't great at marching style and marching drummers usually can't play set grooves to save their life. It takes a long time to make someone go from technical snare lines to sitting back in a groove in the pocket. It is really hard actually. They're usually too stiff and not relaxed.

[@AdamTheRaptor]

If you're playing metal, you won't be playing like that and you'll likely be using a different technique anyway (for blast beats)

[@hugorezende199]

same, blast beat folks dont hold the stick tight, the for sure have space and use fingers for leverage

[@KKruel]

What’s the name of the grip called that Todd recommends or where can I learn it

[@billmint8122]

they're rock drummers... I assume they don't care about uptempo swing

[@ristretto24]

I bet Todd can punch in a solid rock beat though.

[@danielnunan1179]

When I did roadie work for a Styx gig, he played and grooved harder than any other rock drummer I've ever seen live

[@powbobs]

Whooosh!

[@hanginon1293]

​@@danielnunan1179 I don't think Todd has a certain style. He's just a Master Drummer. Don't think there's much he couldn't play or learn. The man is phenomenal

[@billmint8122]

@@ristretto24 I'm not talking about Todd. Did you guys even watch the video before replying to my comment, or are you all that dense? I'm aware Todd is one of the best rock drummers in the world, he's one of my favs. But that fact has nothing to do with the VIDEO I'm commenting on.

[@Marreroortiz]

What cymbal is that one?

[@mexicanmaggot666]

Yo, what's that crash cymbal on his left?? Todd is a fantastic drummer btw!

[@kennethnashe5461]

If they're playing rock then why would they play that?

[@bobc.5698]

Alex Van Halen can do it with 17.75 sticks. Girl gone bad.

[@redlightclinicdrummer]

I mean seems like dude was saying don’t pronate your hands and play with fingers when that’s exactly what he did lol. Only a beginner is death gripping a stick. No intermediates drummer is watching this and having an “ah ha” moment.

[@nickdenardo6479]

the reason i don't watch more shorts. I DO NOT NEED EVERY WORD ON THE SCREEN. they have a feature for that.

[@athena_the_hun1097]

The big texts is so annoying while trying to see what you’re doing - sorry just being honest

[@robertandrade8452]

If you’re going to show the wrong way of holding the drum stick then, please show the right way.

[@michelboudreau3801]

What was that ride tho

[@memphisdrumshop]

Sabian 40th Anniversary 22” Artisan Raw Bell Ride Cymbal - Limited Edition: memphisdrumshop.com/search/A2272LE

[@YoupHummelink]

But maybe you don’t need to

[@adamalexanderray]

Yeah but rock drummers don’t want to do that on a ride cymbal do they ya doofus.

[@hannes1734]

He was just showcasing speed. Rock drummers want to play fast, don't we?

[@powbobs]

Whooosh! I think we all know who the doofus is here.

[@adamalexanderray]

@@powbobs go on then ya donkey, tell me how many rock songs have a ride pattern like that played at that tempo?

[@powbobs]

@@adamalexanderray That’s not the point. The point is to increase speed, precision and articulation.

[@adamalexanderray]

@@powbobs I know. And I agree choking up on the stick isn’t exactly good technique. But if you’re trying to talk to rock drummers at least play a rock beat not a swung jazz ride pattern.

[@henryspragens6430]

Not true. It’s called finger technique. That would be the correct grip to use for that

[@mattwood1562]

Todd mentioned finger technique. And he’s entirely correct. Try playing a fast swing beat when your entire hand is so tight and tense that the stick can barely more half an inch.