Hey! Due to a hand problem I've developed in my LH I'm temporarily going to switch from my woodwinds to the mallets. (till my hand gets better)I've always enjoyed watching the mallet players and have always wanted to be one of them! So this is my question... How do you hold the sticks? I'm pretty sure I can do it without aggravating my hand. You're moving your wrist more than you're fingers\hands right? Thanks for any input!

Hey! I had some pain in my hand too. Try this video to help.

http://freedrumlessons.com/drum-lessons/holding-the-drumsticks.php

Well, it seems we've seen each other in the oboe forums...

I play oboe in Concert Band and percussion in Marching Band, so I guess I know where you're coming from.

Anyways, there are two basic grips, commonly known as the Matched grip and Traditional grip.

The Matched is usually for beginners, or for Concert Snare. It's basically putting the drumsticks in your hands, which should be placed like fists (thumb on top). Take your index finger(s)and slide them out from under the

The Traditional is used for advanced percussion and Marching Snare: Right hand is matched grip. Take left hand and hold the drumstick in it like a pencil. Take middle finger and slide it under index, so two fingers on top, two on bottom. Place thumb on 2nd section of your index finger (the second section where it creases from fingertip). It's also traditional (ha ha...) to hold the left hand's drumstick like a pencil.

For rotation, you'll see this in the wrist, and feel it in the forearm. Try to be as still as possible. Do not twist your arm, only your wrist.

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(Sorry, starting off from snare)

.... slide them out from under your pinky, until it curves a bit.