Seeking clarification

[JCM]

After 10 months of playing drums, I just realised that the grip I was using was incorrect (my fulcrum was on the second knuckle of my index finger instead of the first knuckle) so now I have to re-learn my grip and it is proving quite a challenge!

I am not entirely sure of the correct position of the index finger so I have posted some pictures in which the index finger is in different positions. Could anybody tell me which is the correct one or which is one more likely to benefit my playing.

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u111/J_C_M_2007/Low2.jpg
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u111/J_C_M_2007/Low1.jpg
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u111/J_C_M_2007/High2.jpg
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u111/J_C_M_2007/High1.jpg

P.S. It has been really frustrating me because my hands cannot seem to get hold of the stick, but then again, it could be that they have to learn something new.

[Ivan]

Come with your index closer to the mid, although having your fulcrum on the second joint is not incorrect; it's just two different approaches to the matched grip.

[GRUNTERSDAD]

My sticks rest on my finger between the first knuckle and the second knuckle. One joint closer to my hand than what you are showing.

[Casper "DrPowerStroke" Paludan]

After 10 months of playing drums, I just realised that the grip I was using was incorrect (my fulcrum was on the second knuckle of my index finger instead of the first knuckle) so now I have to re-learn my grip and it is proving quite a challenge!

I am not entirely sure of the correct position of the index finger so I have posted some pictures in which the index finger is in different positions. Could anybody tell me which is the correct one or which is one more likely to benefit my playing.

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u111/J_C_M_2007/Low2.jpg
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u111/J_C_M_2007/Low1.jpg
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u111/J_C_M_2007/High2.jpg
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u111/J_C_M_2007/High1.jpg

P.S. It has been really frustrating me because my hands cannot seem to get hold of the stick, but then again, it could be that they have to learn something new.

Like Ivan says, second knuckle is fine. Your problems are elsewhere
Look at the picture, notice the white on the thumb nail. That means pressure. The pressure comes because your grip is strained. Your fulcrum should be like a pin is going through the thumb and index. Look at your hand with no stick in a totally relaxed state. That is what you should hold the stick like (at least it is a very sensible approach). This is how Dom taught me. Thanks for posting the pictures. DPS

[JCM]

I find that the grip in which my index finger is further away from my thumb is more comfortable. It feels looser than the grip where my index finger is half wrapped around the stick.

[Casper "DrPowerStroke" Paludan]

I find that the grip in which my index finger is further away from my thumb is more comfortable. It feels looser than the grip where my index finger is half wrapped around the stick.

Itf it was loose, there would be blood flowing to your extremities. This is not the case. DPS

[JCM]

So you are saying that I just need to relax my thumb?

[jangus]

You should be able to tell. If there's any pressure you're not doing it right. Try not to squeeze too much, let the stick just rest in your hand. You gotta let the stick do most of the work.

As long as you're totally relaxed the position of your index finger won't make too much of a difference.

[d.c.drummer]

I barely use my index finger and so don't alot of drummers like Steve Smith and David Garibaldi.. its all about preference... the tighteness in which you hold a stick gets different sounds of your drums and especially your cymbals. find a happy medium that alows for ample rebound and control

[siva]

I'm a total noob. I was just checking out my grip and my left hand uses the first nuckle and right hand has it imbetween the nuckles...hmm

[dea]

Remember that one can always play faster when your more relaxed. Thats a bio-mechanical law. You cannot change that no matter how you hold your sticks.

However, sometimes the music calls for a dampened cymbal upon which more pressure on the stick is required. These are exceptional cases since most music, old school and new school, require your cymbals and drums to sing - which require a relaxed grip. Don't let your grip dictate what the music should acquire. ** The music should dictate everything. If you need to break a rule to accomplish this - do it! **

I hope this made some sense. The main point is that you should be relaxed most of the time, until the exceptions require you to pinch-it-up a bit. If you do need to pinch it up, and yet still need for your drums to sing, just relax the grip just before the stick hits the tom/cymbal/hi-hat, etc.

I hope this brain dump helps somewhat.