Override Your Slow, Stiff Hands Once and For All With These 2 Strategies!
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- Опубліковано 6 сер 2020
- → Conquer one-handed hihat 16ths at 80bpm in 5 simple steps. Download my FREE “Secret to Hihat 16ths” guide! the-non-glamorous-drummer.myk...
I was playing an early Sunday morning church gig a few years ago, and we were playing several loud, upbeat songs. Getting through these big, fast songs back-to-back was proving to be a struggle for me, because I had a problem.
As I would get further and further into the song, my thumbs would start to cramp up more and more. Gradually my whole hand would basically be sore from hanging onto the sticks for dear life, and I was literally exhausted by the end of the morning. I basically felt like I needed a week off from drumming by the time I’d made it to the end of the morning. I was constantly worried that I’d totally lose it and not be able to hold on to my sticks, and that I might even end up with lasting hand & joint issues down the road. I had to fix this…but how?
Well, I basically went back to the drawing board with my technique, and I made myself re-learn what I’d already learned years before about proper grip and smooth rebound.
First off, I reworked my grip on my pad, making sure to totally relax and not squeeze the sticks too tight.
Second, I discovered a really practical strategy for keeping my hands sticky so that the sticks wouldn’t slip out.
This all began with the realization that I had to essentially “lose control” over my sticks in order to “gain control.” Makes no sense, right? - But I’ll show you exactly how I did it and how I’ve ensured no hand pain today. Most importantly, this is how YOU can do this too.
We’ll spend today’s video breaking this down into simple steps you can take action on right now! Have fun. :)
I believe that ANYONE can learn the drums, and I believe you’re far more capable of becoming a great drummer than you think you are. Don’t sell yourself short! SUBSCRIBE for more Non Glamorous videos that get straight to the point of solving drumming frustration. Stay Non Glamorous, Everyone!
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stephen@thenonglamorousdrummer.com
→ Conquer one-handed hihat 16ths in 5 simple steps. Download my FREE “Secret to Hihat 16ths” guide and discover how you can play 16ths at 80bpm! the-non-glamorous-drummer-llc.ck.page/18f1db3d9c
Hi Stephen, I can fill out the form but when I submit the browser is unable to connect. Why might that be? Because I am in Germany? Adblocking? Anyways, thank you very much for your highly appreciated advice and non-glamorousness!
As a female drummer, right before we start a gig I just rub my hands in my hair (which has hairspray and/or other product) and it works great!
Stephan is consistently producing some of the best (most practical) drumming instructional videos on UA-cam. This one is particularly close to home for me.
Although playing for decades, I was not progressing in terms of speed, power, and endurance (all the things Stick Control was designed to address) beyond the technical plateau achieved many years ago. And so I went back to the basics, addressing my posture, breathing, and grip ... and in so determined that using the front fulcrum was a limitation to breaking the technical plateau; and so decided that attempting a middle fulcrum might be the answer. (All the great players that I've listened to (and have tried to emulate) seem to have embraced this style of playing)
My focus for adopting this 'new' grip position was to play with considerably less tension and maintain a looser fulcrum.
The problem is the looser my grip the more the stick would wander out of position, in my hand, undermining the balanced fulcrum.
Could it really be so simple, that increasing my hand tackiness could be (at least) a partial answer to this grip problem?
It's crazy how different our grips are. If it works, it works though. I actually put it on the middlefinger/thumb and have my indexfinger more extended.
I think what helped me a bunch on this topic as well, is just holding sticks while watching tv, doing sticktricks, messing around with it. It made it easier to relax my hands completely.
If it works, it works! :) I've seen plenty of drummers play the way you do, and that works great for a lot of folks. My thing is this: If you're getting smooth rebound and you're not in any sort of pain... You're doing the right thing!
Rob Brown actually recommends using the middle finger rater than the index. I tend to do this regardless but Stephens video pointed out why my press roll is so horrible. I tend to pinch then more than any other time.
By far one of the best videos I’ve seen from anyone in a min🤘🏻
As with most drummers their are always techniques that can help and with me, i have always struggled with hand technique and hand speed. Possibly due to me having large hands, however once again i thank you and your videos for not just saying but teaching actual techniques to proper playing. So many things i have learned from just the littlest instructions. Thank you so much.
Thanks, man! Your videos help me a lot!
Perfect timing! l this is what I've been struggling with for like 3 weeks now.
Months for me!! Lol. This was the last push I needed in order ro finally figure this shit out, man.
Hey Stephen, Thanks so much for this explanation. I’ve been trying to recalibrate my grip during this down time, and you nailed it! It was like a lightbulb moment! I’m excited to turn this out on my kit. Cheers!
Great lesson.
Thanks Stephen, really good advice.
Great advice in order to keep playing! I recognise that part of getting tense when I play close to my speed ability. So I try to slow down a little, relax, then go up in tempo again and stay relaxed. Lately, I’ve had that tense problem with my feet, trying to do triplets and quads on single pedal. And of course, when you’re tense, that won’t happen, You have to relax your foot to make that fast motion happen.
I enjoy your lessons so subscribed
Ty for this man, really helps!
Thank you, good advice
Good stuff Stephen!!
Just what I need!👌👌👍
REAL GOOD INFO THANKS 🤙🤙🤙🤙
Thanks Stephen my left hand control is something I really struggle with so thanks for the great advise
Tony Williams talked about utilizing the pinky and ring fingers keeping them on the stick. I find I can relax my index fingers a whole lot more when I do this.
Exactly. Practice free strokes like that, with a little forearm rotation and you'll get one hell of a powerful and controlled stroke. You can play rimshots for days like this, and the only thing that will break is your stick.
Had to go back and do this a little while ago as well.
Started putting gaffa tape round the sticks then taking it off. Leaves the grip end nice and sticky! Job done.
Hoping you hit that 100k subscriber mark soon bro!
Here I am, coming back to your chanel as long as I stay alone with my pad and sticks.
And I suck again :v
Thank you for this video. I'm struggling with this right now. Lots of problems is not so obvious when I play usual stuff with usual band
It's always channels like these, providing the most usable real world information, that only have 5 comments on the video in the first hour
O’keefe’s Working Hands made for dry cracking fingers is tacky. Use it all thee time. FANTASTIC for keeping hold of sticks even when sweating.
I gotta say, I tried this O'keefe's stuff because of your comment, and yeah it works really good.
Greetings from middle of nowhere Georgia brother!
Stephen,great video brother!I had this problem also,guess we all have.i take Vaseline about the size of a quarter and rub it in my hands good.leave it for about 15-20 minutes,then take a paper towel and wipe my hands off about an hour or so before I play or practice.that has helped me more than anything I've tried.just make sure to give yourself enough time for it soak into your hands good.seems to work a little better than lotion for me.just a thought for someone.keep up the great videos!
Dean Markley used to Make Drumstick's with no Laquer and Vater (which I like ) makes "Nude" versions of some models and works great.
I've been trying to learn some New Order songs recently. The beats are not that complicated but yet its some of the hardest stuff I have ever tried to play because of the constant speed.
I noticed when playing that I my forearms are tired and my shoulders are tense. I can usually only practice one song at a time then need to stop because of that tenseness. So from this video I think I got it now, back to basics (as always) and focus on staying very loose. Oh, and dirty hands! Good thing I work from home now!!
That's a great video Stephen and one that I've never seen addressed, and here's my tuppence, or 2 cents ! Sometimes I try and practice but find the sticks slipping (hands are dry maybe cold) lately I've been running my hands under hottish water, really helps. Just a personal thing, I could never get on with those rubberised sticks, I just feel the stick is choked and it's own natural vibration is cancelled out. I have used that 'Stick Wax' that you rub on the sticks and I think it's great , BUT, I only use it before a gig so I'm not dependent on it and it's just an extra precaution. Many thanks John vb
Very re-assuring that I use the same grip as you are recommending. I've seen a lot of other tutorials recommending thumb and middle finger, with the index doing very little. that doesn't work for me though. Thanks Stephen.
Thank you! This helps a lot. My right thumb would cramp up during a gig if I wasn't warmed up enough, probably from tensing. When I'm playing my hands always stay super dry and I have a tendency for sticks to slowly slide out some where I am holding them near the end. Occasionally I'll fling one especially if I miss a cymbal. Grip sticks help give a bit more friction but the sticks still slide out slowly. Thoughts?
I use Zildjian stick wax, recommended by Eric Singer in an interview a while back. Got it from Amazon in the UK for £4.99. Works for me.
Good tips thanks ! are those rhode nt5 overhead mics? Thank you.
I have skiers thumb, and have had this problem for years. The Pro-Mark active grip stick has helped, but I think these techniques will make all the difference for me.
EDIT: having watched through to the 'sticky hands' portion of the video, I cannot stress Pro-Mark Active Grips enough!! I hate sticky hands and having stuff on my hands in general, so I'm NOT doing lotion/juice/soda.
The active grips get tacky as your hands warm. Never sticky, never slick, and feel similar to an uncoated stick. Use them and love them!
Stephen, I agree with your posting on this. What are your thoughts on the grip where your index finger is only a very slight guide and the middle finger is where you have a very light grip and fulcrum is determined. I think you teach that in your Moeller lesson. Also I found Drumstick Wax by Zildjian works really well as another solution. I had not thought about the lotion and will give it a try and hope my band mates won’t call me a sissy for using the stuff. Thanks for the tips!
Hey I gave up on avoiding smelling like a lotiony flower years ago! ;) My thoughts on index finger forming fulcrum: Absolutely, as long as you're getting great rebound and avoiding pain. A lot of drummers do this, and it feels quite natural. I've occasionally gravitated that way myself depending on what I'm playing.
Rosin bags are a slightly more sanitary alternative for a little extra friction
I think Ahead also sells some stick wax that works well.
Great video thanks. Oh, and you are going to trigger some folks with that washing hands thing haha
This is what i needed
I tried these tips, ideas. They all help improve the stickiness of your hands/fingers. I use the Vic Grip sticks and moisturizer when needed, but switching to an all natural soap that does not completely strip the natural oils made a big difference in the stickiness. I can now switch back and forth between Vic Grips and plain wood sticks depending on the weather. This winter I expect to need some moisturizer.
Interesting point on the all natural soap! The stuff I was using in that video clip actually might have been natural. I'd definitely agree that using a "less strong" soap is a good idea, especially in the winter.
For winter / low humidity / dry hands.... I love the Vic Firth DoubleGlaze. Kinda blows my mind I haven't seen more people here mention that.
@@CameronBartholomew I'll give them a try.
Thanks :) sometimes you need the reminder to go back to the basics
Try playing six nights a week four hours a night, forty five on fifteen off, for roughly fifteen years. Ya, over three hundred nights a year. Never gave it much thought except for the one time I had to get a shot of cortisone in my thumb. One night stepped off a four foot stage rolled and broke my ankle. Finished the night and played my H.H. in a cast for a month or so. I don't know if that actually count because I wasn't actually playing a drum at the time. Not as bad as the keyboard player that was walking a two foot railing while playing slipped and landed hard on his berries in front of a packed house. That was a trip to the hospital and no cast could fix that. LOL Anyway, my hearing did suffered so please do wear hearing protection! Got a chuckle from one church gig? I enjoy your posts. Keep it up.
Hey! This video came at a good time because I’ve been working on grip recently, so thanks for that! I was curious if when you speed up, your hands tighten. When I’m playing 8ths around 150-160, I notice that I can’t be 100% loose and hit the stick at the right speed. My slower singles are very loose with the loose grip but as I speed up my hand inevitably tighten. Is that unavoidable or should I practice keeping my hands in a loop at high bpms?
I should also add that I noticed that when I was speeding up my fulcrum point was moving up higher and higher more to my second knuckle rather than the first
Do you think pine-tar would be a good option for keeping your palms tacky?
Learn from my mistake. I had a problem with sticks slipping so I got that power resin that rock climbers use. It worked but too well, I was holding loosely but my fingers got friction burns from the sticks. I couldn't figure out why my fingers hurt so much. Eventually I stopped using the resin and my fingers stopped hurting. I now just do 10 - 15 minutes of warm up exercises and my hands get sticky enough. I hope this helps someone.
How do you play buzz strokes with that technique? I think that you need thumb and index finger pinching the stick to play buzz strokes.
i use gig grips. you can get them on amazon. iv bad thumbs and they saved my life. trust me you will never drop a stick again.
opposed left hand?
Lotion works OK, but..... Vic Firth DoubleGlaze. You're welcome.
Oh yeah.
It's big brain time.
get gorilla snot . they have it at all guitar centers ,etc
THERE ARE SLOW RELAXED SINGLES IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
For me, rubber coated sticks = brutal blisters within minutes. So beware. As always, this was MY experience. YMMV.
I too hate the rubber coating.... but I love the DoubleGlaze.
sticks are like girlfriends
if you hold them too tight, you gonna loose them
I just use unfinished sticks and get no slip
It puts the lotion on its skin
Just shy of 3 years playing and I still have no idea how to get any kind of consistent speed. This is my most annoying sticking point as a new drummer. Obviously I can do a ton without speed, but it sure would be nice to finally get some speed, even it short bursts. Even with all this "use the rebound" talk, I don't see how you can move your wrist fast enough to turn that into fast. I watch, and I see what you are doing, but that doesn't translate to my hands. Another thing that has me buffedled is how you can do doubles on your leg. You say "if you can do them on your leg..." and then you also say that there is no rebound. I don't understand how my index finger through to my pinky can do anything to cause the stick to "bounce" back towards me.
"hanging onto the sticks for dear life"
how anyone doesn't recognize this as a problem and a mistake to begin with is beyond me. seriously, who's doing this? ever? and why?! it's less about technique and more about common frigging sense.
Who's doing this? Heck, even Gavin Harrison talks about feeling this way a lot. It's the main reason why his signature stick from Vic Firth has the Vic Grip coating on it. Check out his video on his signature stick.
@@CameronBartholomew no, the Gavin thing seems like a different issue. there's lots of dipped or taped sticks, etc. this is just weird.
@@ocho611 Dude, the point is, Harrison talks very clearly about hanging onto the sticks too tight and always feeling like they were going to slide away from him, which is why he likes the grip. Watch the video, it's there.
@@CameronBartholomew I'm aware
First