Jazz Brushes to Sticks - How to Switch

In this lesson, I share one of the ways I change from Jazz brushes to sticks while playing a Swing groove. This technique actually works for all styles of drumming. If you are struggling to switch between drum brushes and drum sticks, this lesson will help.
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CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
0:52 Sticks/Brushes placement
1:18 How to switch
3:15 Demonstration
5:56 Conclusion
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[@jcushon]

I use my crotch for sticks, as you do. I use Jack D’s advice, “A crash allows room for a movement.” Doesn’t need to be big. The idea is to fill (stretch) space to allow for a movement around the drums. Or in this case to switch to Brushes or sticks. I haven’t had to return to brushes after going to sticks in a long time. I really like your placing the brushes on the snare. Brilliant!

[@jazzdrumschool]

Yes, splashing is good and I do that too. Thanks for sharing that here for others to see. Thanks always for the kind words and the snare brush placement works great except when you want to play backbeat stuff or harder hitting. Still, it's my go-to because of the easy reach.
For heavier hitting, snare sometimes moves a lot and the brushes bounce around too. Last night on a gig, they bounced right into the middle of my drum on a drum solo. I just hit them off the drum and kept going 🤪

[@jcushon]

Well done. I needed you last weekend. I Had a major drop during change back. 😳

[@jazzdrumschool]

Ahhh shucks! How do you usually switch between brushes and sticks?

[@boomerguy9935]

This is much better than using the floor tom as a table because in my case, I have it tilted toward me slightly and this allows the opportunity (see Murphy's Law) for my sticks to roll onto the floor. Until now, I was using a stick tube clamped to my hi hat stand and a stick bag on the floor tom which does work, but not so efficient as your system. Thanks!

[@jazzdrumschool]

LOL! Yes, I've experienced the floor tom brush placement blues before too. Af first it seems lik a great option but in practice, it doesn't always go as smoothly. Let me know how it goes. You can also reach me directly at vonbaron(at)jazzdrumschool.com. Swing on my friend 🤙

[@dibach70]

So far, I've been balancing the brushes on the rim of the floor tom when not in use and keeping my sticks on the bass drum, but I might give your technique a try!

[@jazzdrumschool]

Thanks for the comment and for watching! Yes, the floor tom works too! I know many drummers who do that and I did that too in the beginning. Over time, I just found that the snare was an easier place to make the switch. Keep swinging my friend 🤙

[@tuomokalvia1623]

That is a fine idea. But when you need to move fast from brushes to sticks (for example a fast tune during the pick up for the next the solo) I carefully drop the sticks to the floor (having other ones ready for the use at the end) or I put them on a high drum case (or sometimes another drum chair) hidden behind the floor tom -if there is room enough on the stage.

[@jazzdrumschool]

Thanks for sharing your experience and for watching! I'm glad you've found what works well for your drumming. I actually use the same technique no matter the speed but I know that one size doesn't fit all. Keep swinging my friend 🤙