Matched Grip For Drums

Here I describe in detail the matched grip for drums, the most popular stick grip used by the vast majority of drummers.  It is called the matched grip because both hands hold the stick in the same way.

Having both hands use the same grip has many benefits.  Utmost of these is being able to compare not only the grip but also the movement of each hand.  it is very common for the dominant hand to have a better grip and movement than the opposite hand.  With this in mind we can teach the weak hand from the dominant hand.  Be sure to look closely at how each hand is holding the stick.  Likewise, pay attention to how the stick feels in each hand and have them be the same.

Aim for the middle of the snare drum and have the sticks come to a point. Always maintain a relaxed grip.  There should not be any squeezing or pinching of the stick.  The stick should jiggle within the grip because of this relaxed approach. 

Be sure to keep all fingers gently wrapped around the stick.  Do not have your back fingers hanging way from the stick. You should feel the stick being carried equally across all fingers. 

Generally speaking there are three hand positions when using the matched grip for drums.  The first is with the back of the hands facing directly upwards ( German Grip).  The second is with the thumbs facing upwards (French Grip).  In between these two grips is having the first knuckle of the back of the hand facing upwards ( American Grip).  This last approach can be considered to be in the middle of the previous two. 

Most drummers use all of these hand positions depending on where on the drum set they are reaching.  For example, if you are playing the Ride cymbal with your right hand on the right side of the drum set you will very likely be using the French grip (thumbs up).   When playing directly in front of yourself (Snare drum, first tom) you will likely be playing either the German or American grip.

Whether you are just starting drum lessons or have been playing drums for years, the stick grip is always a consideration when practicing drums.  Having a good drum teacher can help you avoid bad habits

In this video lesson I bring attention to common problems when first developing you matched grip for drums. Watching out for and avoiding these pitfalls will give you a head start when it comes to executing various techniques on the drums.