Drum Stick Lessons

A lot of beginning drummers want to know how to choose the correct drum stick and I’ll tell them that it’s really up to your personal preference.

There are numerous tiny variations between sizes, brands, wood types, and tip shapes that can alter the sound and control the drummer has.

The differences in sound are so minute that I don’t worry about it.  Unless you’re in a studio setting, chances are the type of stick you choose won’t matter.

What does matter is how those sticks feel in your hands.  Are they too bulky?  Too heavy?

I’ve compiled a few free lessons that cover these differences and will help you to determine which stick is right for you. 

You can also purchase drumsticks from various manufacturers like Zildjian, Pro-Mark, Vic Firth and more.

Drum Stick Lessons

How To Hold Drumsticks (Traditional Grip): This lesson will show you the traditional method for holding sticks.  Depending on the style of music you play, this may or may not be the best technique.  I’ll cover that as well.

How To Hold Drumsticks (Matched Grip): This lessons will teach you the modern way of holding drumsticks which is common for many musical genres.

Drum Stick Sizes Explained: Discover the difference between 5B’s, 5A’s, 7B’s and more with this in depth explanation of sizes.

Anatomy of a Drumstick: Learn the basic parts of the sticks and how each can affect the playability and control.

How To Choose Drumsticks: In this quick lesson I cover musical styles and which sticks fit them best.

Drumstick Holder Differences/Advantages: Here I explain the different types of holders and how they can be used most effectively.

How To Spin Drumsticks: I was never good at spinning, but there are a few good videos that will demonstrate how to spin them.

Stick Tricks: So you mastered spinning huh?  Alright, check out these tricks then.

Wood Beads/Tips Explained: Remember how I said wood types don’t change your sound a whole lot?  That’s still pretty much true, but there are some differences you should know about in tip types.

Hickory or Maple?: Again, small differences, but the more you know…

Purchasing Drum Sticks

Use the links below to find sticks from different manufacturers, or to purchase them by size.

You can also find different accessories like holders, bags and tape.  Be sure to check out the lesson above on the differences between stick holders before you decide on purchasing one. 

Vic Firth: One of the big dogs in stick manufacturing.  They also have some free drum exercises on their website.

Zildjian: Another of the top names in stick production.

Drumstick Bags: Keep all your gear in one easy-to-reach place.

Stick Tape: Great for improving your grip.

To find sticks by size use the links below.  I’ve also included some signature series from various drummers.

If you have any more questions about drumsticks that I haven’t covered, be sure to send me a message or leave a comment below.

And, be sure to check out the rest of my drum lessons below.

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