How's your grip?

How you hold your drumsticks will effect the way you play the drums more that almost anything else. I currently play the drums using the Matched grip. If you play matched grip, remember these three key elements:

1. Keep your wrist flat. This allows you to have the most power and allows you to have more control over the stick.

2. Choke up on the stick. Don't hold the stick too far back. You must find the pivot point that is right for you and your sticks.

3. Keep your thumbs on the side of the sticks. Don't let them fall under the stick or fall on top of the stick. This will also give you the most control possible.

Keep in mind that you will find this to be most effective when you also have your drums set up properly. That is another blog topic that I will address soon. Another very important thing is the type of drumsticks that you play with. I prefer a hickory 5B wood tip made by Customstix. They are well balanced, feel great, and last a long time. I also like having a custom drumstick that represents the image that I am trying to get across to the audience.

Never settle for the same old normal boring sticks that everybody else plays. Be different!

Check out the new designs at www.customstix.com

Jeff