
STICK TECHNIQUE

Matched (Germanian) Grip
- Hold out your hand with your palm facing down.
- Pick up the drumstick with your thumb and index finger.
- Find the balance point of the stick with the same two fingers.
- Curl your other fingers underneath the stick while keeping your thumb and index at the balance point.The balance point is where the stick pivots from when you hit a drum.

Hitting The Drums
It’s important to bounce the stick when you strike a drum. Aim for the middle of the drum and strike with the tip of your stick. Cymbals are usually hit by the shoulder of the stick.
Have a Go!
- Practice picking up the stick and finding the balance point.
- See if you can name the four main parts of the drumstick.
- Practice striking a drum while using Matched Grip and bouncing the stick.
EXERCISES
Rudiments: Single stroke
Rudiments are drumming exercises which are great for warming up and practicing good stick technique. The first of these is the Single Stroke Roll. Have a go at the following exercise while counting to four steadily (R = right hand stroke, L = left hand stroke). Use the metronome tracks below to keep your timing steady.

100 bpm
140 bpm