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Traditional vs. matched grip 

Traditional grip 

Traditional grip stems from military marching bands, who carry their snare drums on a sling and tilt it to one side. To play comfortably at that angle, drummers choose to use an underhand grip for the left hand while the right hand holds the stick overhand.

The grip hasn’t just been adopted by marching bands, it’s also used in jazz and rudimental drumming – any style where control and subtlety matter more than power. It gives you a bit more finesse, making light strokes, brushwork, and certain rudiments feel smoother and more natural. Plus, it’s also great for getting clean bounces with the left hand, particularly when the drum’s at an angle.

However, traditional grip isn’t the easiest to learn. You don’t get the same power or speed as matched grip, and it can put extra strain on your wrist. Building equal strength in both hands takes time, too.

Matched grip 

Matched grip does what it says on the tin – both hands hold the sticks the same way, matching each other. It gives you a solid sense of balance and control, which is why most drummers use it today. It’s versatile, efficient, and pretty straightforward to pick up, and it’s the one we’ll show you how to master later in the article. 

There are three main variations: German, French, and American.

German grip

With the German grip, your palms face down and you rely more on wrist power. It’s great when you need volume and impact, like you’d need in rocking drumming.

French grip

The French grip is the opposite. Your thumbs point up, and the movement comes more from the fingers. It’s lighter, faster, and built for detail – perfect for jazz, fusion, or softer dynamics.

American grip

Then there’s the American grip, which sits somewhere in between. Your palms are at a 45-degree angle, giving you a mix of wrist and finger control. It’s a flexible option – handy if you’re moving between different styles. 

Another plus: a matched grip makes it easier to move around the kit. It’s often the most natural grip for beginners, and it helps keep your strokes and tone more even between hands.

Still, it’s not perfect for every situation. Some players find it awkward for brushwork or traditional jazz, and building fine control in your weaker hand can take time. But overall, it’s a strong, adaptable grip that’s easy to learn and works well in most musical settings. 

How to hold drumsticks   

1. Relax your hand 

Start by letting your arm hang naturally by your side, then bring your hand up like you’re about to shake someone’s hand. Keep your wrist loose and let your fingers curl into a relaxed shape.

Now, with your other hand, place the drumstick into that relaxed grip. You don’t need to squeeze – just hold it lightly enough to stay in control. This gives you a comfortable, natural starting point to build your grip. 

2. Find the drumstick’s fulcrum 

The fulcrum is the balance point of the stick – it’s where you’ll get the best bounce with the least effort. To find it, just lay the stick loosely across your fingers and tap it gently on a snare or practice pad.

Watch how it bounces, and shift your grip until it feels like it’s doing most of the work for you. That sweet spot – usually about a third of the way up from the butt end – is where your thumb and finger should hold the stick. 

3. Hold the stick lightly between your thumb and index finger 

Once you’ve found the fulcrum, hold the stick lightly between your thumb and index finger. This is your control point – the spot where you guide most of the stick’s movement.

Let your other fingers wrap around the stick naturally. You want the grip to be secure enough to keep things steady but still relaxed so the stick can bounce and move freely as you play. 

4. Keep your wrist loose 

Keep your wrist nice and relaxed, and try to keep it straight while you’re holding the stick.

Try not to bend or tense it up – doing that can limit your movement and put extra strain on your hand and arm. When your wrist stays loose, you’ll have way more control and freedom to move around the kit. It also makes your strokes feel smoother and helps you avoid getting worn out during longer sessions. 

5. Repeat with the other hand  

Once you’ve got the grip sorted in one hand, just go through the same steps with the other. Keep it light, relax your wrist, and make sure you find that balance point on the stick before wrapping your fingers around it.

That’s all there is to a matched grip, with both hands holding the sticks the same way for a balanced feel and good control. 

Why is it important to hold drumsticks correctly? 

Holding your drumsticks the right way might seem like a small thing, but it’s one of the most important foundations for solid drumming technique. A good grip keeps you relaxed, helps you play more efficiently, and stops bad habits from creeping in – especially the kind that can lead to injury over time. 

It also makes it easier to control your dynamics and speed without putting too much strain on your hands. You’ll find it much simpler to switch between grips and get the most out of each one – whether you’re going for power with a German grip or finesse with a French or traditional grip. 

Plus, a relaxed, balanced grip means better rebound and a cleaner sound from the drums – so every stroke really counts. 

How drumsticks affect your sound 

There are loads of different types of drumsticks out there, and each one can really change how your drums sound and feel to play. Heavier sticks, especially those with more weight towards the front, give you a stronger throw and extra power. You’ll also find rear-weighted sticks, designed to bounce back more easily. They’re great for fast playing and help reduce fatigue during longer sessions. 

The tip shape matters too. Teardrop and acorn tips give you warm, rich tones, while round tips offer a brighter, more defined sound – especially handy on cymbals. Barrel tips are a solid choice if you’re after volume and punch. Then there’s the material. Nylon tips sound a bit brighter and cut through more on cymbals, while wooden tips give you a warmer, more natural tone. 

Stick size and taper also play a role in how they feel. Shorter tapers put more weight at the front and give you a stronger attack, while longer tapers feel lighter and a bit more responsive. And if you’re buying for a younger drummer, junior sticks – being shorter and lighter – are a good fit. 

For a full breakdown, check out our guide to the best drumsticks and what to look out for. 

FAQs 

Why are drumsticks held differently? 

Drumsticks are held differently to accommodate various playing techniques, musical styles, and ergonomic needs. Traditional and matched grips each offer distinct advantages in control, power, and comfort. Choosing the right grip enhances performance and prevents injury. 

How do I improve my drumstick grip? 

Improving your drumstick grip involves developing relaxed hand control, balanced finger positioning, and consistent pressure. Practising rudiments slowly while focusing on the grip technique builds muscle memory. You can even use grip-enhancing tools or tape can also aid control and comfort. 

How can I improve my weak grip? 

Improving a weak grip for drumming involves focused practice on finger control, stick rebound, and grip pressure. Exercises like slow rudiments, Moeller technique drills, and finger taps build drumming-specific grip strength. Consistency and proper stick technique are key to lasting improvement. 

Final thoughts  

Knowing how to hold drumsticks the right way can really change how comfortable you feel when playing – and it can do wonders for your control and tone too. Some grips give you more power, others more speed or finesse – and even though we’ve shown you how to master the matched grip, it’s worth trying different versions to find what suits your style, technique, and setup.