Snare Drum Technique

Holding The sticks

     There are two ways of holding the sticks. Try both and find which one works one works for you.

Matched Grip

     Matched grip is a very natural and effective technique in which both 

     hands hold the sticks the same way.

     Grip the stick between the thumb and first joint of the index finger. 

     Hold it about a third  of the way, about

     five inches, end of the stick. Use the other three fingers to help control

     the stick.

     Make sure to avoid any unnecessary tension in the hand, using just 

     enough to hold on to the stick. Keep a gap open between the thumb

     and first finger.

     To play, turn the hand so that the back of the hand is facing upward. 

     Think palm down.

Traditional Grip

     In the traditional grip, the right hand holds the stick as in the matched grip, while the left hand holds the 

     stick in a sideways fashion as described below. (If you are left-handed, you may want to reverse these 

     instructions.) This technique originated from military snare drumming in which the snare was slung around 

     the neck and held to the side.

Step 1. Place the stick between the thumb and index finger, with one-

             third of the stick (the butt end extending beyond the hand.

Step 2. The index and middle fingers should rest lightly on the top of the

             stick to act as guide. The stick should rest across the top of the

             ring finger for support. The pinky should rest against the ring

             finger.

The right hand holds the stick matched grip, the left hand traditional grip.