Step ONE: Find a point on the stick that is about one third of the way between the butt and the tip. Grasp the stick between the 1st and 2nd knuckle of the index finger and the "meaty" part of the thumb. Pretend that I hammered a nail through the second joint of your index finger, through the stick & it came out through your thumbnail. I know it's a very gross thought, but it's one that highlights how the stick PIVOTS like a "teeter-totter" on this point that we call a "FULCRUM." Watch that you don't let the stick roll down to the tip of the index finger - this will not provide a strong enough fulcrum for that serious MTV style of drumming!

Step TWO: The shaft of the stick should fit in the heel of the hand, with about an inch sticking out from the edge of the hand. Make sure that the stick doesn't gravitate to the center of the palm (along the "lifeline"). I know many teachers that put a strip of electric tape on the stick in the correct fulcrum position to keep students from choking up too high.

Step THREE: Wrap the fingers loosely around the stick. All of the back three fingers should touch the stick, but don't squeeze it. Squeezing the stick only produces tension that will make it difficult to play drum rolls or really fast single stroke rolls later.

Step FOUR: Simply grip the left stick the same as the right (this is called "matched" grip). The matched grip is highly recommended for beginners! If you'd like to play the traditional grip (even though it is HIGHLY discouraged!), click here to get an in-depth explanation on how to hold the left hand.

Now, put the bead of the sticks in the center of the head at a 90 degree angle (playing off center produces a thin sound). Usually, when students don't have a 90 degree angle, it points to bigger problems with the grip or arm position.

One great idea is to take a 50 cent piece and trace a circle with a pencil or pen in the center of the drum (for those of you in Mississippi, I'm told that using a can of "Skoal" to trace the circle is more appropriate). This will serve as a reminder to keep both sticks in the proper position . Many students get into the bad habit of playing with the sticks spread apart - usually producing different sounds from each hand.

Whew!! That was a serious amount of information - I hope that you've not glossed over any part of that stuff. Truthfully, most of the serious problems that see with drummers after a few years of playing is caused by poor grip. Bad habits are easy to get into & almost impossible to break!