Sticks: gripping like Akira and Portnoy

[h3r3tic]

One thing that I've noticed from these EXCELENT DRUMMERS, is how they hold their left stick. The Right hand hold's the stick normally, which means that the tip of the stick hits the head, and on the left hand, the back of the stick hits the head.

I've tried playing like this and I must say that it is pretty cool specially if you want to get those extreme powerful backbeats, and as for other things I find it quite normal to play this way. The only thing that's diferent is the feel of the stick on your left hand...

Does anyone play like this?
If so, please tell me your opinions ;) and for those who don't agree playing like this, feel free to share your opinions too ;)

Thank you so much!

[Class A Drummer]

I sometimes do this. I believe Akira and Portnoy may do it for the same reason i do. Their left hand is weaker (as in less powerful) and get a stronger, and louder sound by using the back end of the stick.

Also, it feels better while doing rim-shots.

[jonescrusher]

It's quite usual to reverse sticks if you require more volume. You'll see most rock drummers do this regularly.

[bigfatbobby]

I like the feel it gives when playing on the toms. But I dislike the feel and sound from the cymbals, as long as you're not crashing them. I often use the back of the stick when I play cowbell-stuff.

Felix

[h3r3tic]

I like the feel it gives when playing on the toms. But I dislike the feel and sound from the cymbals, as long as you're not crashing them. I often use the back of the stick when I play cowbell-stuff.

Felix

Yes I agree, because Akira uses a lot of the back of the stick when using his left cowbels, and yes the feeling is excelent ;)

[d.c.drummer]

i do it when doing tom heavy stuff and snare-off work on the snare drum. it gives a meatier tone that i like.

[IronSabbath]

Nicko holds the left stick upside down also. I tried playing like that, it does give more power in the left hand, but it feels way to weird for me to play like that always. Oh I hope i'm not looking stupid, but who is akira?

[Vixus]

Akira Jimbo (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akira_Jimbo) is a japanese jazz drummer. Apparently he's famous for his independence... I wish I had good independence but I haven't found any good guides to independence yet.

[Just Drums]

Playing with the butt of the sticks just gives you a fatter sound on the drums. I wouldn't say these guys do it b/c their left hand is weaker. It just gives them a bigger backbeat.

[finnhiggins]

One thing that I've noticed from these EXCELENT DRUMMERS, is how they hold their left stick. The Right hand hold's the stick normally, which means that the tip of the stick hits the head, and on the left hand, the back of the stick hits the head.


I'd just like to advise people reading the topic not to attempt to grip sticks like Portnoy. He may have many merits, but his hand technique is not one of them - he succeeds very much despite it rather than because of it.

As for hitting with the butt end of the stick, lots of drummers do/have done it. It has a different sound from the tip. It's not good for everything - it's hard to play even strokes when you're playing with two very mismatched sticks. But it does have a fatter tone than playing with a smaller tip, just as using larger sticks in general does - it's a nice compromise if you want to use a smaller stick but still have that larger sound available to you.

EDIT: It's also worth mentioning that playing with the butt in matched grip connects very well with playing with the tip in traditional grip, you just turn your hand around and slide down the stick a bit. They're two very good contrasting tones you can get out of your snare - try it...