How To Nail The Correct Grip

You'll find tips on the 'correct' hand grip in just about every drum book, magazine and web site you come across. You'd think there really isn't all that much to it. You hold the sticks like you'd hold a hammer (note that there's no direct comparison implied here) and if you're more of a traditionalist, there's the old ash tray grip.

Whatever your situation, your grip determines what you can do on your drums. As for standards for the grip, I'm going to go with just three.

Good
This is the grip you're likely using, and you've come to a workable solution on your own. But unless you've studied the techniques of the masters -- including how grips change to accommodate different techniques and situations -- you may not be getting the most out of your hands.

Really Good
Making improvements to your grip takes time and effort, and it's usually worth it. Some grips simply do a better job than others. Rudimental drummers have different needs than symphony drummers, and so each will tailor their hand grip to maximize their potential on that instrument. Hard rock drummers have a different grip than lounge drummers. Same reason. And that goes for the fulcrum too: It changes according to need and desired result.

Not So Good
There are grips that simply are limiting ... too limiting in some cases. The worst example I've seen was a fellow, a hard rocker, who played with his left hand in the traditional grip. But as he was left handed, he played his hi-hat and ride cymbal with his traditional grip left hand. I can't think of anything less practical. Had he used matched grip, he'd be perfectly set up for open-handed playing (let’s hope he’s seen the light).

Show Me
Drummers have a long tradition of learning by watching other drummers to see how they get it done. We can do the same with our grip. Every capable drummer is showing you how best to use their hands every time they sit down at the set. Watch a video of Tony Williams with Miles Davis and you'll see exactly how to play a fast jazz ride. His later videos show how to play powerful single and double strokes. And you may be surprised to see how relaxed John Bonham's hands were, or how hard Elvin Jones could hit while barely gripping the sticks.

Conclusion
If you're getting all you want out of your sticks, that’s great. But if you think you could up your game by working on your grip, I suggest you spend time watching highly skilled drummers and perhaps working with a teacher. It will be time well spent.  

Photo credit: Rvvelde | Dreamstime.com