How to Hold Drum Sticks: 5 Tips for Beginners

Hey everybody!
Are you new to playing the drums!?
Or are you a band/orchestra teacher who needs some help teaching your percussionists?

Here are 5 tips and checkpoints about picking up those drum sticks for the first time:

Tip 1 Grip: Hold the stick between the fleshy part of your thumb and the first joint of the index finger; the last 3 fingers are for support.

Tip 2 Relaxed hands: Create some space between your thumb and first finger.

Tip 3 Stick balance: Make sure that you are holding each stick in the same place for a balanced sound. I aim for about an inch of stick below my hand. That said, the weight and balance for sticks (there are so many!) varies.

Tip 4: Palms are facing down and the back of your hand is facing the ceiling.

Tip 5: Start with a "triangle" position on the drum; aim to have space between your hands and side body.

I hope you find some or all of these tips and checkpoints useful.

For more information, check out: ginaryanpercussion.com/

Happy drummin'
-Gina