Hi Gordy. I bet you've been asked loads of times for your help on these fantastic videos... I have 1 question though..... I'm slowly getting used to the action of the technique which is great, where do I need to concentrate? is it the finger action or try and get the "bounce" feeling in the wrist?
Thanks Lee, actually for o/c I think it's more about learning the end points of both strokes, the open and the close - the little v and the big V. The stick hits the drum from natural hand movement during the transition from one end point to other. The hand has to learn where it's going, the end points, so practice VERY SLOWLY; pause after each hit; police the big V & little v with a mirror. If you are still having difficulties take a few Skype lessons with me. I can help you sort it out if I can see what you are doing.
4:34 this is exactly the mistake I've been making for two years and you're the only person I've seen point it out. This video has helped so much! Thank you.
It’s not necessarily a mistake. It’s just quieter. It’s a good idea to be able to do it both ways. To develop volume, you do need the high rebound, as Mr Knudtson says, and his coordination of wrist and fingers with the stick’s own bounce is a perfect example. To play softly, the lower “drop/catch” is the same feel but low.
Man, Dr. G thank you for your expert well produced instructional videos. As a drummer I have performed with many top acts in the 70's. In 1969, I suffered a gun shot wound in my left forearm while serving in the Viet Nam conflict. All was ok until about 2000 when I started losing control of my stick in my left hand. Especially when using the conventional grip. Focusing only on match grip, after about seven years of very little control progress, I am experiencing greater control. I just found your videos about a week now. But man are they HELPFUL. The Relaxation, sliding the stick into that groove and placing the butt of the stick just above the hinge of the wrist are all Super Helpful. I was born to play drums so I have always had a solid Love and Appreciation for them and everyone who puts in the work of Allowing Themselves to Speak Through Their Musical Instruments. Thanks.
Thank you Michael, you are welcome! Hey, I checked your channel out and saw the Dyke & The Blazers playlist! In the late 70's I worked with Eric Gravatt (Weather Report, McCoy Tyner) in a rock band. He played congas, I played drums. (He's as good on congas as he is on the kit!) Every once in a while when we would talk, he would mention Dyke & the Blazers. It was impossible to find their records in Minneapolis back then. I am going to check out your playlist! Be glad to do a ZOOM with you sometime if you have any questions about anything. You can email me at gordy@gk-music.com. All the Best! .
I regret that adequate words fail me. Pity I can't give you a million likes for how awesome and the great extent and detail you go to for anyone and no one in your videos. You are a great man! Many, many thanks!
Thanks a lot for those incredibles teaching videos. Understand the drums by a deep comprehension of our magnificent body machinery is the way i like :-)
Been checking out all the vids on the open close/push pull technique and this one just nails it . Big V and little V. 4 inches off the pad. This is the best breakdown of this technique Ive come across. Been having problems until I saw this. I was doing the compressed version he demonstrated. It felt wrong, awkwardly stiff and slow. I haven't found anyone who explained this technique in such detail like Gordy. I think I have the basics of the movements down now. Thanks! Amazing teacher. Scary player.
Great teaching. Technique is essentially learning how to make your hands stick bouncing machines. When you get those machines working for you playing effortless.
Wow... There a tonn vids about this technic, but ur explanation is just so easy to get and it's worked so well for me. Thanks a lot) especially for a wooden balls trick)) I'll try make same one by myself, looks easy)
You are the Mr. Rogers of drums. That is a major complement in my books. I really looked up to Rogers. Thanks for the great tips and making this technique understandable.
These videos have been fantastic teaching tool.After months I’m finally getting functional at doing this technique. Starting to build speed and control. I’ve recommended this to my other drummer friends so they too can have this in there bag of tricks
Thanks Matt! You should check out my Open/Close books too at GK-Music.com. They have some additional info not in the videos. Between the books and the videos you will get the most complete picture of this technique. Glad you like this stuff!
Gordy Knudtson I will most definitely look those up. This technique has been so useful for using with my ride and hihat, I’m able to play so relaxed now and for longer with more power
Thank you so much for your great tuition! I’ve just cracked 60 and on my first basic drum kit, so any help is very much appreciated. Big V little V - love it. Legend.
The big Vee. (Tap) The little vee. (Tap) The big Vee. (Tap) The little Vee. (Tap) I could listen to him repeat that for hours. Excellent lesson. Being so clear with the height of the drum and the position of the forearms is SO important and so often not talked about! I’m constantly trying to get students to set up the drum higher because they are taught at school to put it lower, and they get used to the lazy position of lower hands. And then they wonder why they can’t play.
I never thought that I was going to pass over finger technique , and when I saw push pull technique few years ago I couldn’t understand it and gave up thinking that would be impossible for me, then I found your fantastic videos and I was able to understand the mechanics , and after a month of practice I’ve been developing lot of control , speed and being able apply it in all kind of grooves , fills and rudiments. I’m truly grateful
Best lesson since years. I found my second stroke not coming up just like you said. Therefore my wrist might feel a little stiff after a while. I guess it comes from playing in a loud hardrock band, while I always tryin to play into the drum and miss the upper motion from the wrist.
Man I can't thank you enough for your "small v big V" explanation!! I'm spending years trying to figure out a good upstroke that flows right with down stroke so I can do it with less glitch. Seems like I tried everything in the map and finally Big V is my up stroke divine answer (at least it feels like it for the current moment}. I owe you a Big One!!! All the Best to you and your family!
Hello Gordy! Thank you very much for such useful and great video. I have been practizing a lot and now, with your precious advices I can play 16th notes easier and more relaxed. However there is still space for improvement. I'll keep learning from your tutorial videos. Greetings from Munich, Germany. Raul, 10 years old.
Mr. Knudtson, FANTASTIC series on the O/C technique! Very enlightening, thank you! Could you post the brand of your thick, octagonal practice pad and where one might buy it? Thank you again, you're a great teacher and player! :)
Thanks J.P.! Unfortunately that thick octagonal pad was is no longer available. It was a custom model made for me by Real Feel before the company was sold many years ago. Now I use Prologix and Innovative Percussion pads.
Jojo Mayer talks about exactly this technique, being seated and snare drum position are just as important as good technique. The correct height saves you energy, time and pain.
Saw the Jones Beach show. It was a great thrill to see you play in person. You were great!!! As was the whole show. You need to teach Framtons drummer the open-close. He was working too hard.
I guess this would be another technique to add to your arsenal i.e. matched grip, traditional grip, etc. but it doesn’t work for me in my normal grip because I tend to hold the sticks toward the balance point this only works if you grip the sticks at the very end. Otherwise the back of stick hits the wrist, stopping the movement.
Hi Gordy. I like your videos;your a great teacher. I have a question, do you have your own way of teaching traditional grip? Would love to have a lesson on that topic.
Thanks, Michael. I don't really teach traditional grip because I don't use it myself. I had a wrist injury many years ago which made me a matched grip player.
I cant seem to get the upstroke or close part right. My stick always ends up flat and my wrist not bending up. Still cant comprehend how its possible to bend your wrist upwards while striking the drum
great video, even after al these years! question : what is the optimal angle in your elbow for this technique? 90 degrees? in other words, if i want to use the open/close technique for fast hihat rythms, how high should my hihat be
Thanks! 90 degrees, or slightly more, for playing on the drum is great, doesn't have to be on the hat. Riding on the top of the hat play with the tip is easier than trying to ride on the edge with the shoulder of stick. For me, the tip on top of hat is never seems to be loud enough. I use Moeller for fast 16ths on the edge of the hat. I do like using O/C on the ride cymbal. You have to experiment to see what works best for you and the musical situation.
Dear Mr Knudtson. Please be so kind and clarify to me a few simple questions in regards to Open/Close. 1) Do you use the index finger as well on fast speeds when open/close technique is applied? 2) When you do a drum fill on the toms/floor tom , a loud and fast one, are you applying Open/close or close handed technique? 3) My middle and ring finger tend to let go when when applying the technique . Are you always controlling the stick with the fingertips or do the stick slides in your first knuckles? Awaiting your reply Thank you sir Knudtson.
Hi Constantinos, 1) Yes you can use the index finger at fast speed. 2) O/C technique is for low volume, loud requires closed hands. 3) It's imperative that the first joint and pad of your middle finger remain in contact with the stick. If the stick is sliding in, you probably aren't holding the stick quite right. Check out Part Two of my Fundamentals videos, somewhere in the middle look for "American grip tips" where I put a stick on top of the other stick to make the middle and ring finger do the work. I think this might help.
Hi, Mr. Knudtson. First at all my congratulation for easy, clear instructions open /close Drum technique. i would like to know where can buy the little sticks that call MASTER STICKS? ???
Hi Gordy. I bet you've been asked loads of times for your help on these fantastic videos... I have 1 question though..... I'm slowly getting used to the action of the technique which is great, where do I need to concentrate? is it the finger action or try and get the "bounce" feeling in the wrist?
Thanks Lee, actually for o/c I think it's more about learning the end points of both strokes, the open and the close - the little v and the big V. The stick hits the drum from natural hand movement during the transition from one end point to other. The hand has to learn where it's going, the end points, so practice VERY SLOWLY; pause after each hit; police the big V & little v with a mirror. If you are still having difficulties take a few Skype lessons with me. I can help you sort it out if I can see what you are doing.
Gordy Knudtson. Thank you very much for your help. I might take you up on that offer soon! back to the practice pad I go.
😂😂❤❤🎉🎉😮😮😊😊
Very clear and could improve
Cks Musters sticks
4:34 this is exactly the mistake I've been making for two years and you're the only person I've seen point it out. This video has helped so much! Thank you.
I watched the video and missed this important detail. I saw your comment and went back and checked it. YES! Thank You.
Me too...years ago...
It’s not necessarily a mistake. It’s just quieter. It’s a good idea to be able to do it both ways. To develop volume, you do need the high rebound, as Mr Knudtson says, and his coordination of wrist and fingers with the stick’s own bounce is a perfect example. To play softly, the lower “drop/catch” is the same feel but low.
Amazing attention to detail...I've never seen anyone break down mechanics this way.
Amazing break down of the technique! Clear, concise, all the mechanics explained and demonstrated. Your channel is a goldmine. Chapeau!
A true Master and Educator of his craft. Thank you Gordy
This is exactly what I needed. You're a great teacher. Thank you so much!
Excellent breakdown of key points of this technique. Thanks alot!
Your explanation of freestroke mechanics is excellent. Thank you for posting this!
You're a great teacher. Thank you for making this video.
Man, Dr. G thank you for your expert well produced instructional videos. As a drummer I have performed with many top acts in the 70's. In 1969, I suffered a gun shot wound in my left forearm while serving in the Viet Nam conflict. All was ok until about 2000 when I started losing control of my stick in my left hand. Especially when using the conventional grip. Focusing only on match grip, after about seven years of very little control progress, I am experiencing greater control. I just found your videos about a week now. But man are they HELPFUL.
The Relaxation, sliding the stick into that groove and placing the butt of the stick just above the hinge of the wrist are all Super Helpful. I was born to play drums so I have always had a solid Love and Appreciation for them and everyone who puts in the work of Allowing Themselves to Speak Through Their Musical Instruments. Thanks.
Thank you Michael, you are welcome! Hey, I checked your channel out and saw the Dyke & The Blazers playlist! In the late 70's I worked with Eric Gravatt (Weather Report, McCoy Tyner) in a rock band. He played congas, I played drums. (He's as good on congas as he is on the kit!) Every once in a while when we would talk, he would mention Dyke & the Blazers. It was impossible to find their records in Minneapolis back then. I am going to check out your playlist!
Be glad to do a ZOOM with you sometime if you have any questions about anything. You can email me at gordy@gk-music.com.
All the Best!
.
This is awesome. The best teacher. Thanks
You are such a Technical Professor for drumming - - It's THE BEST !!!!!! Thanks for all the Help.
I regret that adequate words fail me. Pity I can't give you a million likes for how awesome and the great extent and detail you go to for anyone and no one in your videos. You are a great man! Many, many thanks!
Such a very helpful lesson. Greatly appreciated!
Thanks a lot for those incredibles teaching videos. Understand the drums by a deep comprehension of our magnificent body machinery is the way i like :-)
Gordy - excellent technique and training. This will help me learn this rather quickly.
Been checking out all the vids on the open close/push pull technique and this one just nails it . Big V and little V. 4 inches off the pad. This is the best breakdown of this technique Ive come across. Been having problems until I saw this. I was doing the compressed version he demonstrated. It felt wrong, awkwardly stiff and slow. I haven't found anyone who explained this technique in such detail like Gordy. I think I have the basics of the movements down now. Thanks! Amazing teacher. Scary player.
If i became a good drummer this because of Mr. Knudtson. I have learnt the core of drumming by you. Thank you very very very much.
Speechless. Great teaching aids and explanations
Amazing teacher, very informative and educative video.
Great teaching. Technique is essentially learning how to make your hands stick bouncing machines. When you get those machines working for you playing effortless.
Very nice wrist articulation. Thanks for a great lesson.
the big V *clap* the little V *clap* the big V *clap* the little V *clap* 😂
you can turn that into a hip hop song
😂😂😂😂
Remember to use about 3" with two little balls
ua-cam.com/users/clipUgkxgAUngKJToHx6YhmoHYc0sn7M7Or494yi
Lmao...I stopped at 3:46 to write this exact comment and yours was the first one I read.
Great tutorial!
The little vee...uh
The big vee...yeah
A lot of thanks for making and sharing your video!!
Wow... There a tonn vids about this technic, but ur explanation is just so easy to get and it's worked so well for me. Thanks a lot) especially for a wooden balls trick)) I'll try make same one by myself, looks easy)
The best Teacher.
Thank you a lot for your video lessons!!! It helps me so much to understand hand technique more. U do so great job!!!
Thank you!
Waoh great video !! Thank you just what I was looking for .. Best video so far
Phenonmental sir, that could not be explained any simpler. 🙏
You are the Mr. Rogers of drums. That is a major complement in my books. I really looked up to Rogers. Thanks for the great tips and making this technique understandable.
I was gonna say the Bob Ross if drums! Same thing. Respect
incredibely usefull, thank you very very much.
thank you so much for your time this was great
These videos have been fantastic teaching tool.After months I’m finally getting functional at doing this technique. Starting to build speed and control. I’ve recommended this to my other drummer friends so they too can have this in there bag of tricks
Thanks Matt! You should check out my Open/Close books too at GK-Music.com. They have some additional info not in the videos. Between the books and the videos you will get the most complete picture of this technique. Glad you like this stuff!
Gordy Knudtson I will most definitely look those up. This technique has been so useful for using with my ride and hihat, I’m able to play so relaxed now and for longer with more power
New subscriber. Thank you Gordy!!
Gordy is the best teacher every in UA-cam!!!!
Thank you so much for your great tuition! I’ve just cracked 60 and on my first basic drum kit, so any help is very much appreciated. Big V little V - love it. Legend.
Thank you Andrew!
You have taught this method throughout the world and drummers from all countries have learned it for their betterment. Thanks
Thank you Vincent!
Gorgeous!!
The big Vee. (Tap)
The little vee. (Tap)
The big Vee. (Tap)
The little Vee. (Tap)
I could listen to him repeat that for hours.
Excellent lesson. Being so clear with the height of the drum and the position of the forearms is SO important and so often not talked about! I’m constantly trying to get students to set up the drum higher because they are taught at school to put it lower, and they get used to the lazy position of lower hands. And then they wonder why they can’t play.
Thank you!
I taught (languages and music) for 40 years.
You are a great teacher!
Subscribed!
Thank you Winston!
I never thought that I was going to pass over finger technique , and when I saw push pull technique few years ago I couldn’t understand it and gave up thinking that would be impossible for me, then I found your fantastic videos and I was able to understand the mechanics , and after a month of practice I’ve been developing lot of control , speed and being able apply it in all kind of grooves , fills and rudiments. I’m truly grateful
You are welcome! Glad they were helpful! I also do lessons if needed. You can email me if interested - gordy@gk-music.com. Thanks
Sir!!! Thank you!!!! 🤜🏾🤛🏾
Amazing work thank you 🙏
This is really helpful
Thank you🙏
Just perfect.
Best lesson since years. I found my second stroke not coming up just like you said. Therefore my wrist might feel a little stiff after a while.
I guess it comes from playing in a loud hardrock band, while I always tryin to play into the drum and miss the upper motion from the wrist.
Just Perfectness from a great teacher.
And subscribed! Excellent video. Never would of thought to physically isolate the wrist by placing the forearm on a surface. Just like preacher curls!
Man I can't thank you enough for your "small v big V" explanation!! I'm spending years trying to figure out a good upstroke that flows right with down stroke so I can do it with less glitch. Seems like I tried everything in the map and finally Big V is my up stroke divine answer (at least it feels like it for the current moment}. I owe you a Big One!!! All the Best to you and your family!
Thank you very much!
I love you'd drumming on the go jazz all stars
You are a genius ... Many greetings from Italy.
Thanks Carlo!
Very cool video, thank you sir.
You are very welcome
I really like your videos, I finally got my drum throne setup.
Thanks!
Top Explanation and good Bridge😊 👍👍👍
This is a really good break down of the technique Gordy. great vid.
Thanks this tutorial is brilliant, nice work
Thanks Lloyd!
very awesome lesson ! i wish i know your lesson years ago..
Good Helpful video your never to good to learn more.🥁😎🥁
You my friend are an excellent teacher. "The big V" is what I was missing😂
Thanks, glad to be of help!
its fr*king awsome!!!!
Awesome technique
Sir u r a freakin genius
Wow 4:55 was exactly What i was looking for ... thank you
Me too.. so helpful thank you Gordy
good Men !! bless you
Brilliant.
Hello Gordy! Thank you very much for such useful and great video. I have been practizing a lot and now, with your precious advices I can play 16th notes easier and more relaxed. However there is still space for improvement. I'll keep learning from your tutorial videos. Greetings from Munich, Germany. Raul, 10 years old.
Thanks Raul, glad to be of help!
Big V and little v ! Realizing these two positions may be a reason I've not mastered this technique. I think I was missing this! Thanks Much!
You are welcome!
Mr. Knudtson, FANTASTIC series on the O/C technique! Very enlightening, thank you! Could you post the brand of your thick, octagonal practice pad and where one might buy it? Thank you again, you're a great teacher and player! :)
Thanks J.P.! Unfortunately that thick octagonal pad was is no longer available. It was a custom model made for me by Real Feel before the company was sold many years ago. Now I use Prologix and Innovative Percussion pads.
Fantastic video !
Jojo Mayer talks about exactly this technique, being seated and snare drum position are just as important as good technique. The correct height saves you energy, time and pain.
Fantastic tips .I would have 20 lessons with him .
Excellent!
Caraca! Ele explica muito bem.
Thank you ❤
Thx so much!!! Very helpfull !! Greetings from germany Christoph!!!!👍👍👍👍👍
Thank you!
Great video, very informative. I can't help but lift my hand above my wrist on both strokes 😐
sensacional!!!
Saw the Jones Beach show. It was a great thrill to see you play in person. You were great!!! As was the whole show. You need to teach Framtons drummer the open-close. He was working too hard.
Thanks John, I appreciate it!
Amazing 👏
Thanks
Such precision omg..
the hero thanks
I guess this would be another technique to add to your arsenal i.e. matched grip, traditional grip, etc. but it doesn’t work for me in my normal grip because I tend to hold the sticks toward the balance point this only works if you grip the sticks at the very end. Otherwise the back of stick hits the wrist, stopping the movement.
Thank you very much.
Thanks Gordy Knudtson Sir
You are welcome!
Hi Gordy. I like your videos;your a great teacher. I have a question, do you have your own way of teaching traditional grip? Would love to have a lesson on that topic.
Thanks, Michael. I don't really teach traditional grip because I don't use it myself. I had a wrist injury many years ago which made me a matched grip player.
Very useful... Thank you..
Thank you!
Excellent lesson! well explained and easy to understand!
Realmente excelente!
Grazie!
I cant seem to get the upstroke or close part right. My stick always ends up flat and my wrist not bending up. Still cant comprehend how its possible to bend your wrist upwards while striking the drum
great video, even after al these years! question : what is the optimal angle in your elbow for this technique? 90 degrees? in other words, if i want to use the open/close technique for fast hihat rythms, how high should my hihat be
Thanks! 90 degrees, or slightly more, for playing on the drum is great, doesn't have to be on the hat. Riding on the top of the hat play with the tip is easier than trying to ride on the edge with the shoulder of stick. For me, the tip on top of hat is never seems to be loud enough. I use Moeller for fast 16ths on the edge of the hat. I do like using O/C on the ride cymbal. You have to experiment to see what works best for you and the musical situation.
What's the best routine to train and develop the OC technique?
Any video demonstrating how fast can you go with this technique?
-also applying this on a kit
Yes, this playlist at my UA-cam channel - ua-cam.com/video/AGoPUQDPLKs/v-deo.html
@@GKMusic54 WOW! that's impressive! left and right combination is so hard to execute! kudos bro!
That’s how i do my doubles(papamama) 🙌🏻🙌🏻 learn that in the Army(snare drum corps) 👍🙏
Dear Mr Knudtson.
Please be so kind and clarify to me a few simple questions in regards to Open/Close.
1) Do you use the index finger as well on fast speeds when open/close technique is applied?
2) When you do a drum fill on the toms/floor tom , a loud and fast one, are you applying Open/close or close handed technique?
3) My middle and ring finger tend to let go when when applying the technique . Are you always controlling the stick with the fingertips or do the stick slides in your first knuckles?
Awaiting your reply
Thank you sir Knudtson.
Hi Constantinos, 1) Yes you can use the index finger at fast speed. 2) O/C technique is for low volume, loud requires closed hands. 3) It's imperative that the first joint and pad of your middle finger remain in contact with the stick. If the stick is sliding in, you probably aren't holding the stick quite right. Check out Part Two of my Fundamentals videos, somewhere in the middle look for "American grip tips" where I put a stick on top of the other stick to make the middle and ring finger do the work. I think this might help.
Thank you Sir Knudtson and God bless you....
Excellent video! Can this be done with French grip, or it's most effective in a American or German grip?
I believe a version of it can be done in each position.
thank you
Hi, Mr. Knudtson. First at all my congratulation for easy, clear instructions open /close Drum technique. i would like to know where can buy the little sticks that call MASTER STICKS? ???
Hi Paulo, Unfortunately I believe the company that makes them went out of business many years ago.
Great, but what’s the height of your throne in relations ship to your pedals keeping heel up?
Very thorough. Nice job. Giovanni, instructor Long Island Drum Center ( trained by Dom Famularo)
Thank you very much!