Technique glitches that are your pet peaves...

[blade123]

What are some technique glitches that really bother you whenever you see/hear them?

A few of mine:
-"Bashing" the drums-hitting way harder then what you need to
-Toms angles screwy (rack toms FACING each other)
-People who double stroke or buzz on timpani, I especially hate it when you tell them not to double stroke/buzz and they have no clue what you're talking about (I could go on and on about tympani problems, but this is the main one)
-Bad grip, this is probably the one that makes me cringe the most
I'm sure there's more, but these are the main technique glitches that make me cringe

[Class A Drummer]

When people say that you have poor technique if you dont have all your fingers on the stick.

[Tidge]

When people say that you have poor technique if you dont have all your fingers on the stick.

Well, that is sometimes true that it is bad technique, but sometimes if you are doing a specific technique, or maybe your just really getting into the groove, it can't hurt too bad :]

[svkelleher10]

Out of timing.

Rack toms set up in a way that makes you try harder to hit them. Also makes you go out of time.

[foursticks]

When people say that you have poor technique if you dont have all your fingers on the stick.

That is poor technique. You're losing control on the stick, which can easily lead to dropping sticks or the stick just flailing over the place. What's the point in having four fingers and a thumb if you don't use all of them?

[Class A Drummer]

That is poor technique. You're losing control on the stick, which can easily lead to dropping sticks or the stick just flailing over the place. What's the point in having four fingers and a thumb if you don't use all of them?

Because, it is easier to play loose that way. I understand if you are doing marching drumming with the big sticks, it might be hard to play with only a few fingers on. But it is much easier to play loose for me with the back 1-2 fingers off at times. I dont really have any trouble dropping sticks. I use to, but not anymore.

It isnt poor technique, its just different.

[foursticks]

Because, it is easier to play loose that way. I understand if you are doing marching drumming with the big sticks, it might be hard to play with only a few fingers on. But it is much easier to play loose for me with the back 1-2 fingers off at times. I dont really have any trouble dropping sticks. I use to, but not anymore.

It isnt poor technique, its just different.

Well that indicates that you may be putting too much pressure between the index finger and thumb and relying too much on rebound which you shouldn't be doing, hence why the back 2 fingers come in handy to take some of that pressure off. Yes, I know the whole point of drum is about rebound and controlling it, but there is such a thing on relying to much on it IMO.
I don't mean to offend btw, just giving you and idea of why it isn't consider a very good way of holding the stick. I think looking at all the greats is a good enough example in itself - they use all fingers around the sticks, I mean Tony Williams even used the back two fingers as the 'pressure point' with the first three fingers alot looser - give that a go, though it's odd to get used to.

[jay norem]

That is poor technique. You're losing control on the stick, which can easily lead to dropping sticks or the stick just flailing over the place. What's the point in having four fingers and a thumb if you don't use all of them?

That's NOT poor technique. It IS technique. What about traditional grip? You just can't use all the fingers on the left hand to play that way. It's not like gripping a hammer.
I don't know of any jazz drummers who use all their fingers. I only use my thumb and the first two fingers of both hands (Matched French grip). The last two fingers can be used to "pull back" the stick, but that's pretty much it, at least for me. Usually my pinkie fingers are just hanging there.
Now for power-drumming or whatever you may call it, I guess you would want to use your entire hand, but I just couldn't play that way.
And there's no excuse at all for dropping sticks, although I guess that could happen to anyone. As to flailing all over the place, well, that's just plain bad drumming.

[Class A Drummer]

Well that indicates that you may be putting too much pressure between the index finger and thumb and relying too much on rebound which you shouldn't be doing, hence why the back 2 fingers come in handy to take some of that pressure off. Yes, I know the whole point of drum is about rebound and controlling it, but there is such a thing on relying to much on it IMO.
I don't mean to offend btw, just giving you and idea of why it isn't consider a very good way of holding the stick. I think looking at all the greats is a good enough example in itself - they use all fingers around the sticks, I mean Tony Williams even used the back two fingers as the 'pressure point' with the first three fingers alot looser - give that a go, though it's odd to get used to.
I understand you are not trying to offend me, but personally, almost everyone who says its wrong, or bad technique are being ignorant because most of them havent tried it.

I also dont think it is really relying too much on rebound. Rebound is a tool that can help you, so why not use it?
Plus, i think the more ways you learn to use and hold the stick, gives you more options to use while playing.

[jay norem]

I also dont think it is really relying too much on rebound. Rebound is a tool that can help you, so why not use it?


Rebound is part of the stroke. Of course you want to learn to control using that as much as you want to learn to control the down-stroke.
I think a lot of rock drummers tune their heads way down so there isn't much, if any, rebound to work with at all. In a case like that I can see how it would be a moot point.
Me, I like my sticks to bounce, but that's just one of many styles.

[DestinationDrumming]

My pet peave on my own technique is not having enough differentiation between accents and ghosts. As for peaves about others technique I don't feel skilled enough to comment.

[foursticks]

That's NOT poor technique. It IS technique. What about traditional grip? You just can't use all the fingers on the left hand to play that way. It's not like gripping a hammer.
I don't know of any jazz drummers who use all their fingers. I only use my thumb and the first two fingers of both hands (Matched French grip). The last two fingers can be used to "pull back" the stick, but that's pretty much it, at least for me. Usually my pinkie fingers are just hanging there.
Now for power-drumming or whatever you may call it, I guess you would want to use your entire hand, but I just couldn't play that way.
And there's no excuse at all for dropping sticks, although I guess that could happen to anyone. As to flailing all over the place, well, that's just plain bad drumming.


Yes, I know what you mean by the snapping action (doubles/ride cymbal right?) but when holding a stick still you still have all the fingers on the stick don't you? And for doubles you utilise all the fingers to create a snapping action right? The thumb and index are creating slight pressure for extra rebound, but it makes more sense to use all the fingers, especially the pinky in the snapping action for a clearer snap.
As for traditional grip, in between the index finger and your thumb is your fulcrum, is it not? The index and middles fingers are supporting the fulcrum, whilst the bottom two are supporting the stick itself. As for the thumb, it supports the wrist in creating a stroke. So in that sense you do use all fingers.
I'll retract my statement about it being poor technique, as that seems to offend most, but I still think that using all fingers in whatever your doing is going to give you more control.

[foursticks]

I also dont think it is really relying too much on rebound. Rebound is a tool that can help you, so why not use it?
Plus, i think the more ways you learn to use and hold the stick, gives you more options to use while playing.

You're getting me wrong. I think the whole point of drumming is the manipulation of rebound. What I meant about relying on it too much applies mainly with doubles, some people tend to try and bounce the stick using just pressure in the fulcrum to create a double stroke which tends to result in a very 'closed' sound rather than open. So one way to get over this is by accenting the second stroke, created by a snapping motion of the fingers, which gives a more open and clear sound and all the fingers are generally used to create that snap.

[jay norem]

Yes, I know what you mean by the snapping action (doubles/ride cymbal right?) but when holding a stick still you still have all the fingers on the stick don't you?

Nope. Just the thumb and the first two fingers. Wrists nice and loose, elbows down, shoulders relaxed.
You mean just holding a stick but not actually playing? To be honest, I've actually never thought about it. I don't think so though.
That's sort of a Zen concept: "How do you hold your sticks when you're not playing?" Oh man, that kind of messes with my mind...

[TonKpilS_657]

i can't stand it when people use their middle finger for control in traditional grip.

[jay norem]

i can't stand it when people use their middle finger for control in traditional grip.

Why? Maybe it works for 'em.

[foursticks]

Nope. Just the thumb and the first two fingers. Wrists nice and loose, elbows down, shoulders relaxed.
You mean just holding a stick but not actually playing? To be honest, I've actually never thought about it. I don't think so though.
That's sort of a Zen concept: "How do you hold your sticks when you're not playing?" Oh man, that kind of messes with my mind...

Alright, well if that works for you - then great. Different strokes for different folks I guess. Can't say I really get the whole tea cupping thing, myself but again it's all about whatever works for you. I hope I don't sound like I was trying to be a master of technique, I just didn't really get why you would leave fingers off the stick. Hope that's sorted.

[paramac]

That's NOT poor technique. It IS technique. What about traditional grip? You just can't use all the fingers on the left hand to play that way. It's not like gripping a hammer.
I don't know of any jazz drummers who use all their fingers. I only use my thumb and the first two fingers of both hands (Matched French grip). The last two fingers can be used to "pull back" the stick, but that's pretty much it, at least for me. Usually my pinkie fingers are just hanging there.
Now for power-drumming or whatever you may call it, I guess you would want to use your entire hand, but I just couldn't play that way.
And there's no excuse at all for dropping sticks, although I guess that could happen to anyone. As to flailing all over the place, well, that's just plain bad drumming.


Ha! That reminds me of a time seeing Morello on the Conan O' Brien show with his quintet doing Take 5 and during the soloing he dropped a stick in his R hand so while he was searching for another stick he was keeping some sort of onstinato thing with his L hand, he pulled a mallet from the stick bag and didn't know it until he hit the drum, he then threw that down and grabbed another stick but it was another mallet!! He then kind of rolled his eyes and proceed to finally get a stick in his 3rd attempt. The whole thing was maybe 15 seconds but that can seem like an eternity on television. As you probably know he is legally blind and that was the reason for grabbing the mallets but I certainly wouldn't say he practices "bad drumming" on the contrary. I drop a stick here and there sometimes. I try to usually not squeeze the sticks at all or grip them tight unless I am going for a certain tight sound. I didn't always do this. I come from a hard rock background and started playing to Iron Maiden records on pillows because I didn't have a drumset. When I finally got some instruction, it was real hard to unlearn those habits, it took yrs.

[paramac]

You're getting me wrong. I think the whole point of drumming is the manipulation of rebound. What I meant about relying on it too much applies mainly with doubles, some people tend to try and bounce the stick using just pressure in the fulcrum to create a double stroke which tends to result in a very 'closed' sound rather than open. So one way to get over this is by accenting the second stroke, created by a snapping motion of the fingers, which gives a more open and clear sound and all the fingers are generally used to create that snap.

I guess that is one of my pet peeves. The "drop catch" technique I do when playing matched I am happy with and can do it without even using the index fingers at all. Not that I play that way, but there is no squeezing going in the fulcrum on even at a fast speed playing doubles. But my right hand playing trad grip( I'm a lefty) I have a good double stroke roll but not as good control as when I play "like hand" At this point, I try not to get too hung up on it.
More importantly, I get a different sound from trad verses matched and think/play differently. I remember seeing Louis Hayes and his Left hand trad grip is not so pretty but he swings his ass off and sounds great and whatever technique he does have sounds great...

[TonKpilS_657]

Why? Maybe it works for 'em.

its a pet peeve. if it works for them, great. Not for me.

[foursticks]

I guess that is one of my pet peeves. The "drop catch" technique I do when playing matched I am happy with and can do it without even using the index fingers at all. Not that I play that way, but there is no squeezing going in the fulcrum on even at a fast speed playing doubles. But my right hand playing trad grip( I'm a lefty) I have a good double stroke roll but not as good control as when I play "like hand" At this point, I try not to get too hung up on it.
More importantly, I get a different sound from trad verses matched and think/play differently. I remember seeing Louis Hayes and his Left hand trad grip is not so pretty but he swings his ass off and sounds great and whatever technique he does have sounds great...

Yeah man, for me it's the opposite - whatever I do I just can't get that snap technique with the left hand (to be fair I haven't really ever sat down and properly practised like I did with my right - which I know is terrible, but I've never got round to it).
Personally I don't in the advantage of relying on rebound, using the fulcrum alone to create a double stroke. There's less control I find and when I used to do it I found a lot of unecessary pressure being built up in the fulcrum.

[paramac]

Yeah man, for me it's the opposite - whatever I do I just can't get that snap technique with the left hand (to be fair I haven't really ever sat down and properly practised like I did with my right - which I know is terrible, but I've never got round to it).
Personally I don't in the advantage of relying on rebound, using the fulcrum alone to create a double stroke. There's less control I find and when I used to do it I found a lot of unecessary pressure being built up in the fulcrum.

Yeah, what happens when the tempos get faster? Especially on the ride cymbal. That dropping the stick is necessary for a faster loose sound/execution.. I practice tempos up to 206= a half note. That is pretty ridiculous but it can be done with just dropping the stick and picking it back up. Incicdently, I haven't played a tempo on a gig that fast, I practice those tempos so when I play at say 175 to 190, it is easier, mentally and physically. man, those tempos are hard no matter what. I find that ya have to do them a lot to be able to do them.

[schist]

Weak left-hand fingers, which means my left thumb almost slides off the stick every 20 - 30 seconds. Not good if you're trying to hold 32nd-note singles at 85-90BPM for more than 1 minute. >=C

The sad thing is, I used to be able to do it fine for 5 minutes, but ever since I started working in metalwork, it's not been the same.

To solve the whole "not having all the fingers on the stick is poor technique" debacle - know this: There is no true "poor" technique, it is whatever feels right and works for you. It'll be different for most every drummer. The only real "poor" technique is whatever does not work and/or you end up hurting yourself.

[jay norem]

Yeah, what happens when the tempos get faster? Especially on the ride cymbal. That dropping the stick is necessary for a faster loose sound/execution.. I practice tempos up to 206= a half note. That is pretty ridiculous but it can be done with just dropping the stick and picking it back up. Incicdently, I haven't played a tempo on a gig that fast, I practice those tempos so when I play at say 175 to 190, it is easier, mentally and physically. man, those tempos are hard no matter what. I find that ya have to do them a lot to be able to do them.

Exactly. That's a bastard, the kind of tempo you're talking about. I'm good at quarter note=230, but faster than that and it's pretty much a matter of throwing the stick at the cymbal and catching it. Louis Hayes is great at doing that. Yeah, bebop!

[paramac]

Exactly. That's a bastard, the kind of tempo you're talking about. I'm good at quarter note=230, but faster than that and it's pretty much a matter of throwing the stick at the cymbal and catching it. Louis Hayes is great at doing that. Yeah, bebop!

Actually I just drop it and pick it up, there is no effort going down, just coming up. If I had to throw it, I think it would be impossible to do and besides dropping it gives a whole different sound quality..

[jonescrusher]

To solve the whole "not having all the fingers on the stick is poor technique" debacle - know this: There is no true "poor" technique, it is whatever feels right and works for you. It'll be different for most every drummer. The only real "poor" technique is whatever does not work and/or you end up hurting yourself.


I don't think that's always true. Certainly, there are, and have been greeat players who have 'idiosyncratic' hand technique. But there are others, especially self-taught drummers, who have settled on a (bad) way of gripping the sticks that is limiting to their technique and ability to improve, and yet will stick to it because they feel it's working for them.
In terms of the finger on stick example, if it's such that the stick is only being gripped between the thumb and index finger, and no other fingers are being used on the stick, then for sure the grip can't be said to be optimal.

[burnthehero]

Weak left-hand fingers, which means my left thumb almost slides off the stick every 20 - 30 seconds.

This is my personal demon. I don't even know what's going on with my left hand sometimes.

[schist]

I don't think that's always true. Certainly, there are, and have been greeat players who have 'idiosyncratic' hand technique. But there are others, especially self-taught drummers, who have settled on a (bad) way of gripping the sticks that is limiting to their technique and ability to improve, and yet will stick to it because they feel it's working for them.
In terms of the finger on stick example, if it's such that the stick is only being gripped between the thumb and index finger, and no other fingers are being used on the stick, then for sure the grip can't be said to be optimal.

BUT that said though, it's wise to learn more than one grip for different playing situations. For instance, I use German grip for playing and single-strokes, simply because it feels more natural to me. Double-strokes (or indeed anything relying on rebound such as paradiddles, flam taps etc.) use the free-stroke technique. At the same time though, I also wish to learn French grip and traditional grip too, just because. =D

The "finger on stick" example - That is exactly how I used to play fast singles (or at least attempt to) - Needless to say, I got nowhere fast. I couldn't keep a good single-stroke roll for longer than 2 - 3 seconds that way.

[jonescrusher]

BUT that said though, it's wise to learn more than one grip for different playing situations. For instance, I use German grip for playing and single-strokes, simply because it feels more natural to me. Double-strokes (or indeed anything relying on rebound such as paradiddles, flam taps etc.) use the free-stroke technique. At the same time though, I also wish to learn French grip and traditional grip too, just because. =D

The "finger on stick" example - That is exactly how I used to play fast singles (or at least attempt to) - Needless to say, I got nowhere fast. I couldn't keep a good single-stroke roll for longer than 2 - 3 seconds that way.


You mean you couldn't maintain fast singles with all fingers on the stick? Most technicians would agree that, whilst the fulcrum is with the index and middle fingers, the other two fingers should still be making light contact (not gripping) with the stick. This should encourage the hand to stay loose and relaxed, with an even pressure. That said, i'm only speaking for matched grip, I don't know about trad.
And your right about learning more than one grip; this should be acheived to the point that it's subconscious. But again, in whatever grip you choose to use, there is such a thing as a 'bad grip', which will limit technique.

[Raymond Bloom]

That is poor technique. You're losing control on the stick, which can easily lead to dropping sticks or the stick just flailing over the place. What's the point in having four fingers and a thumb if you don't use all of them?
I have to agree with foursticks, Jojo Mayer explained that very well in his dvd, look at the hand (wrist) as an engine and fingers as pistons, an engine with four pistons will be stronger than with 3 or 3 and a half!

Think of it that way, if you hold the stick with just index and thumb, you have less control than if you add second finger, logically that by adding more fingers you add more control over the stick while playing! If you seem to have problems with being loose, that's just a matter of practice, because the free stroke actually REQUIRES all the fingers on the stick

About trad grip, actually, ALL the fingers participate in the grip, yes there are several variations where you are holding the stick with just the fulcrum and controlling it with thumb, but basically the main grip involves all the fingers!

[foursticks]

Thanks Raymond, though some people don't see the benifit of using all fingers, which is fine I guess. But I will say this (though I probably will have already said it), you may find that using just 3 fingers or whatever gives you enough control, but using all of them is always going to give you more control, right? It's simple logic in the end.

[schist]

You mean you couldn't maintain fast singles with all fingers on the stick?

No - I said that matched grip with the index finger and thumb on the stick, with the remaining fingers being used to control the stick, worked nothing for me.

I use the back 2 fingers to hold the stick (I refuse to use the word "grip" here, as some will automatically assume I'm squeezing the stick with my back 2 fingers, and then get all "ZOMG UR BADD TENCHNEEQUKE!!!11!" on me), with the middle finger resting on the stick. At higher speeds, I loosen the back 2 fingers a little, but not too much to lose control over the grip. I feel this technique works for me in regards to single strokes/general playing, and to be perfectly frank with you I really don't care if someone says it's poor technique and/or will limit your ability, because so far I'm not seeing that, and as I said before I only use this technique for singles/general playing. Of course, it'd be a lot easier to physically show you what grip I'm talking about, but this is a message board (and indeed the Internet), where I obviously cannot physically show you, so I'll have to rely on the power of the written (or in this case, typed) word to relay my description.

[brittc89]

-Toms angles screwy (rack toms FACING each other)


So are you bugged by Al Foster?
Heres a picture for you to yell at ;) http://62.148.173.76/img/news/4975-07242007175250.jpg

[Raymond Bloom]

No - I said that matched grip with the index finger and thumb on the stick, with the remaining fingers being used to control the stick, worked nothing for me.

I use the back 2 fingers to hold the stick (I refuse to use the word "grip" here, as some will automatically assume I'm squeezing the stick with my back 2 fingers, and then get all "ZOMG UR BADD TENCHNEEQUKE!!!11!" on me), with the middle finger resting on the stick. At higher speeds, I loosen the back 2 fingers a little, but not too much to lose control over the grip. I feel this technique works for me in regards to single strokes/general playing, and to be perfectly frank with you I really don't care if someone says it's poor technique and/or will limit your ability, because so far I'm not seeing that, and as I said before I only use this technique for singles/general playing. Of course, it'd be a lot easier to physically show you what grip I'm talking about, but this is a message board (and indeed the Internet), where I obviously cannot physically show you, so I'll have to rely on the power of the written (or in this case, typed) word to relay my description.
well, I wouldn't say it's a poor technique if you're holding the stick with your back two fingers, that's called a grip! :) but it does not work too good for everything, index+thumb fulcrum+other fingers is the most versatile grip!

''At higher speeds, I loosen the back 2 fingers a little...''
About how fast speeds are we talking here? I believe that if you master the free stroke, you should be able to do 16th notes at 200 bpm with whatever kind of technique!

[blade123]

So are you bugged by Al Foster?
Heres a picture for you to yell at ;) http://62.148.173.76/img/news/4975-07242007175250.jpg

lmao, where did you find that?
I've never heard of him. But I assume that he plays traditional grip, so that tom isn't TOO illogical! haha

[brittc89]

lmao, where did you find that?
I've never heard of him. But I assume that he plays traditional grip, so that tom isn't TOO illogical! haha

Al foster played with miles man and he kills. You should check out some of his stuff man.

[fourstringdrums]

lmao, where did you find that?
I've never heard of him. But I assume that he plays traditional grip, so that tom isn't TOO illogical! haha

Well in the picture you'll notice he's playing matched grip...for the moment anyway.

[Big_Philly]

Speeding up / slowing down where inappropriate.

[schist]

well, I wouldn't say it's a poor technique if you're holding the stick with your back two fingers, that's called a grip! :) but it does not work too good for everything, index+thumb fulcrum+other fingers is the most versatile grip!

''At higher speeds, I loosen the back 2 fingers a little...''
About how fast speeds are we talking here? I believe that if you master the free stroke, you should be able to do 16th notes at 200 bpm with whatever kind of technique!


Index+thumb fulcrum - As I clearly stated before, that grip did NOTHING for me ... >:

And I'm actually not far off from 16ths at 200BPM now ... once I can get my left hand up to speed with my right, I'll be laughing ... (right tops off at around 210BPM 8ths, left at around 175-180BPM 8ths)

[jangus]

I can't imagine a grip where all fingers aren't used that is any good. For those of you that claim this to be an acceptable technique, I'd love to see a picture.

[PQleyR]

Well in the picture you'll notice he's playing matched grip...for the moment anyway.

The thing is, he's only got ONE mounted tom. You wouldn't want two facing each other at that angle! Although, come to think of it, how does Bernard Purdie have his toms?

[jangus]

As I said before, I'd love to see a picture. It's hard to take someone's word for something you disagree about, it's easier to judge by a visual look at it.

[jay norem]

As I said before, I'd love to see a picture. It's hard to take someone's word for something you disagree about, it's easier to judge by a visual look at it.

Try to find a copy of the October 2004 issue of Modern Drummer. On the cover is a photograph of Elvin Jones. Look at his right hand.

[jangus]

Try to find a copy of the October 2004 issue of Modern Drummer. On the cover is a photograph of Elvin Jones. Look at his right hand.

Yeah but that's for the ride. A grip like that usually does use the back fingers, but not in the "up" position that his is at. I mean like the grip you would use when playing on a practice pad.

[zambizzi]

I can't imagine a grip where all fingers aren't used that is any good. For those of you that claim this to be an acceptable technique, I'd love to see a picture.

I was taught that this was poor technique...by two different guys w/ over 70 yrs. of drumming between them. That's not to say that it's gospel, I just respect what I was taught by someone who knows their stuff.

My idea of good a "good" grip is one where all fingers are on the stick but only the fulcrum (whether it be at the index finger or the middle, etc.) is where any pressure is applied to hang onto the stick. The rest of the fingers stay loose and help keep control of the stick while utilizing the fulcrum.

This was lesson #1 when I started w/ my teacher, while learning the Moeller & Gladstone.

[jay norem]

Yeah but that's for the ride. A grip like that usually does use the back fingers, but not in the "up" position that his is at. I mean like the grip you would use when playing on a practice pad.

Please explain. I'm not getting what you said here. And are we looking at the same photo, and talking about the same drummer? And, have you ever watched Elvin Jones play the drums?

[foursticks]

Please explain. I'm not getting what you said here. And are we looking at the same photo, and talking about the same drummer? And, have you ever watched Elvin Jones play the drums?

You're missing the point, if you watch Elvin play (and indeed I have) he actually uses the pinky to create the snapping motion for the ride. What we're trying to say here, is that if you're just gonna have fingers hanging off doing nothing then that's poor technique! Sure fingers may hang off a bit when you're playing the ride cymbal as you're focus is on the fulcrum more, but my point about how you hold the stick when you're NOT playing or playing more from the wrists is that all fingers should be on the stick. If we're gonna use Elvin as an example - here are some pictures that show him with ALL fingers on the sticks:

[ImDaDrumma]

Oh boy... I love this post.

DISCLAIMER: I am not, by any means, perfect or even close, but this topic is about Pet Peeves right?

1) Rack toms facing each other or like 10" apart from each other (mentioned before)
2) Snare angled down too much. I prefer very little angle.
3) Cymbals mounted 2 feet above the head (WTF?! Ever see Roadhouse?)
4) Too many drums in a small venue
5) French grip. Done unintentionally by newbies or bad instruction.
6) Clear batter heads on snare. 10 extra credit points if there's a black dot. (You're just telling me you're a bad metal drummer.)
7) Unwarranted Egos


-Jamie

[jangus]

You're missing the point, if you watch Elvin play (and indeed I have) he actually uses the pinky to create the snapping motion for the ride. What we're trying to say here, is that if you're just gonna have fingers hanging off doing nothing then that's poor technique! Sure fingers may hang off a bit when you're playing the ride cymbal as you're focus is on the fulcrum more, but my point about how you hold the stick when you're NOT playing or playing more from the wrists is that all fingers should be on the stick. If we're gonna use Elvin as an example - here are some pictures that show him with ALL fingers on the sticks:

Foursticks summed it up.

Say what you will about everyone having their own ways and no technique being the "right" or "wrong," I can tell a poor technique when I see one, and there is no way you are getting the most out of your playing if you have fingers hanging off the stick doing nothing. If I was your teacher, I would not let such poor technique go unresolved.

That's not to say that people haven't made it with awkward techniques, look at Art Blakey. If you have the playing to back it up I don't mind. But I get peeved when kids that aren't far into development don't make an effort to improve their problems because they read on DW that the wisdom of experienced drummers can be ignored and you don't HAVE to keep your back fingers on the stick. Does this make sense?

[Babui]

5) French grip. Done unintentionally by newbies or bad instruction.
6) Clear batter heads on snare. 10 extra credit points if there's a black dot. (You're just telling me you're a bad metal drummer.)



You gotta problem with Tony Williams? ;)

[balboa]

I don't think that's always true. Certainly, there are, and have been greeat players who have 'idiosyncratic' hand technique. But there are others, especially self-taught drummers, who have settled on a (bad) way of gripping the sticks that is limiting to their technique and ability to improve, and yet will stick to it because they feel it's working for them.
In terms of the finger on stick example, if it's such that the stick is only being gripped between the thumb and index finger, and no other fingers are being used on the stick, then for sure the grip can't be said to be optimal.

i believe thats what schist was saying. if it limits you horribly or hurts you then it is bad. but if it doesnt than its fine, it works for you

[balboa]

from learning moeller, i feel more comfortable using my thumb and middle finger as the fulcrum. i believe Weckl stated this was the same for him as well

[a1DrummerT]

I broke my left pinky a few years ago. And since then there is no middle ground for it. Its either held out or bent near clinched. Not to good for my left hand's technique. Sucks pretty bad actually