Question: Ghost Notes and Grip

[sciomako]

Hi,

My grip is usually very loose, "just enough that the sticks aren't falling off".

I noticed my ghost notes were not in time. But if I tightened my grip a bit, the timing of my ghost notes got much better.

It seems logically to me. But I want to make sure I'm doing the right thing.

[bobdadruma]

I play traditional grip usually, Sometimes matched, but mostly trad. I always keep a relaxed grip. Ghost note timing will come to you in time with practice. For now, if you have to tighten up a slight bit, It's OK. Just relax and continue to work on the timing and before you know it you will be playing ghost notes without even thinking about them.

[Unevil]

Grip on your sticks usually aren't a bad thing, just don't grip to the point that you can feel the stick 'digging in' to your hand / the point where blisters form. Grips often vary while drumming, for example, I will hold my sticks a little looser while playing doubles to achieve the rebound desired as opposed to the grip I would have while playing singles, where rebound isn't so influential on my playing.

[rmandelbaum]

A relaxed grip is a good thing, don't tighten it up. When you tighten your grip you will tenses up your arms and it will have a negative effect in your playing. My guess is that when you are focusing on your time you are tensing up a little and you are confusing the tighter grip with the additional focus.

Ghost notes are relaxed, thats why they are ghost notes ;-)

just keep practicing, it will happen. and stay relaxed

[Spreggy]

It sounds like what you are saying in essence is that you lack Stick Control (http://www.amazon.com/George-Stone-Son-Inc-Control/dp/B000SI3ARO/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1235495466&sr=8-1) with your ghost notes, so maybe you should get out your copy of Stick Control (http://www.amazon.com/George-Stone-Son-Inc-Control/dp/B000SI3ARO/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1235495466&sr=8-1) and practice some exercises with the tip one inch off the head. :)

[caddywumpus]

Practice playing VERY quietly with a relaxed grip. Gain more control and accuracy at a quieter dynamic, and that should help. Don't stiffen up. If you play tense, then your muscles can't function at the best of their ability (if a muscle is contracted already, how can you contract it more to do a stroke? Also, your contracted muscle will make the other muscles around it you might engage to do a stroke have to work harder...)

[sciomako]

Thanks guys. I'll put in more hours to practice it.