Just curious, how many members hold their snare hand stick position off their web between their thumb and index vs. a straight grip like they would hold their off-hand stick?? I initially learned to web-style my snare, but switched to straight because it worked better for my hands and style.

This sort of follows a few "how to play" threads, so if you have a student, which snare-sticking method would you suggest and why??

I see that in the Acoustic Drum, Pawnage thread, that Zildian, and MJS use the "web" sticking for their snare hand, and that Solitary and {I'm fairly sure} Jack123 use the straight stick method for their snare.

Great question, Tam. Usually, I hold my hand in the "traditional" grip, with the web hold, although I still occassionally practice with the "matched" grip.

In essence, most guys would use their index finger for pressure and control - I usually use my middle finger - a method I learned through Dave Weckl. It allows for more control and speed, with a more relaxed feel.

Truly, if you are using your arms and wrists in the right way, it shouldn't matter which grip you use - they both have pros and cons.

I think with the snare sticking hand, it depends a lot on what drummers you look at when you are developing, what your teacher/mentor does, and what you aim to acheive... ill explain

i watched a lot of more metal drummers when i was growing up, so people like Lars Ulrich, Joey Jordison, and others like that impressed me, which made me want to play like them i guess... In that, the sticking hand would come with it.

My teacher uses the traditional grip, but he encouraged me to use the straight grip because it was more comfortable for me.

Also, i listen to drummers with heavy backbeats on their songs (by backbeat, i mean the snare accented louder than usual on the 2 and 4 or whatever time signature you are playing in). This is common with Lars ulrich, Chad Smith (chili peppers) and lots of Funk/Rock drummers. So especially when im keeping time, i tend to use straight hand, as i feel like i get a stronger backbeat with that style.

Good point, jack. In fact, I may make a video and post it here showing the two grips and various applications, as it is something I have studied a lot over the years.

Cool, good points MJS and Jack, but I again ask which stick-way would you suggest to a student?. Myself, I'd just look at how they grab their sticks and go with that. There certainly are pro-con thoughts to the "grab". My experience has seen that every "new" student starts with the straight-stick, and I guess my thought was how or if you should suggest a "web" to your student.

MJS, certainly certain fingers are used for control, specifically the index and thumb on both sticks, and secondarily the fifth. Usually the third and fourth are grip mechanisms only. Although< I agree that Weckl uses his third above just a grip, again it's rudiments, IMO, where he uses that finger to push his rudiment play to his great level.

But, a new guy/gal doesn't understand that, drum lessons, right? Unless we are going west again?

Yeah, I thought you straight-gripped, Jack. It's all good.

No, no - my apologies for missing your question, Tam. . .
Usually, I suggest that the student learn both matched and traditional grip when beginning - most of the time, the student will prefer one over the other - once that trait is apparent, we can go from there.

And no - most beginners don't really want to go into the middle-finger control aspect - I didn't refine that until I had been playing nine or ten years, at least.

Good point, bro.!!!!!!!!! No apol. necessary. Try them on both, see what they prefer or are more "natural" with, yeah, I see your idea. The weird thing {actually it really isn't weird} is, most students I've worked with have no formal training, and therefore tend to straight-grip immediately, from their influences of most of the TV video drummers they see and are influenced by. Jack sort of reinforces that point. { no diss to ya, Jack}.

You are right, the other fingers aspects are more advanced learning or more experienced playing, per se.

>snip<

Also, i listen to drummers with heavy backbeats on their songs (by backbeat, i mean the snare accented louder than usual on the 2 and 4 or whatever time signature you are playing in). This is common with Lars ulrich, Chad Smith (chili peppers) and lots of Funk/Rock drummers. So especially when im keeping time, i tend to use straight hand, as i feel like i get a stronger backbeat with that style.[/quote]
>unsnip<


yeah, in certain genres, Jack, a straight hand stick gives the heavier and stronger 2/4 feel.