Question on TRADITIONAL grip and the moeller technique.

[hunterde]

In my left hand should I keep my thumb and index finger over the stick or just my thumb? Or should I let the stick ride between my thumb and index finger and just control it with the fulcrum. When I use my thumb only, I get a nice solid bounce but I do not feel in control of the bounce but, when adding the index finger I gain more control but the bounce becomes very weak. I’m always able to get a good turn of the wrist snap. I have Jo Jo Meyer’s DVD and I can see his grip change as he increases in speed. I feel that guys like Jo Jo Meyer and Benny Greb seem to have a similar body type thin and flexible. I’m not heavy but I’m also not very flexible and it really hinders me when playing traditional grip any thoughts on building flexibility in my lift arm and wrist?

[davidr]

If you're finding the grip uncomfortable and you can't get the bounce with the index finger on, try adjusting the angle of your snare. If you look at Buddy Rich, often he'll tilt the snare slightly away from him and lower on the right. This is because traditional grip was originally for marching snare, which sits at an angle. I find that with traditional grip on a flat snare i have to slouch to the left to get the stick parallel to the snare which gives the most bounce.

[hunterde]

You’re right I have seen Rich tilt his snare and I have tried before and liked it and don't know why I changed back. I also so see that Jo Jo Meyer tilts his snare forward when he's on his set. Thanks hopefully it will help.

[irfgt]

If you're finding the grip uncomfortable and you can't get the bounce with the index finger on, try adjusting the angle of your snare. If you look at Buddy Rich, often he'll tilt the snare slightly away from him and lower on the right. This is because traditional grip was originally for marching snare, which sits at an angle. I find that with traditional grip on a flat snare i have to slouch to the left to get the stick parallel to the snare which gives the most bounce.

Finding the correct balance point on the stick is also important when using the traditional left hand grip. Also practice, practice, practice!. I take both sticks in the left hand and simply twist my wrist as fast as possible as a practice. Boring, yes but gets results and speed. Ever wonder why Baseball players warm up with two bats?

[SEVNT7]

"I take both sticks in the left hand and simply twist my wrist as fast as possible as a practice. Boring, yes but gets results and speed." from irfgt

This is very bad advice. In fact doing this will accually slow you down.

[Adam B]

Finding the correct balance point on the stick is also important when using the traditional left hand grip. Also practice, practice, practice!. I take both sticks in the left hand and simply twist my wrist as fast as possible as a practice. Boring, yes but gets results and speed. Ever wonder why Baseball players warm up with two bats?

Couldn't you acheive the same thing by practicing with heavier sticks? I learned trad through my four years on snare in drumline. After the all the constant practice with those tree logs I can play comfortably trad or matched. So much so that I tend to switch off without even realizing it.

[hunterde]

When your left hand is making big strokes do you remove your index finger from the top of the stick? Is your wrist and arm flexible enough to point the stick straight up with out removing your index finger from on top of the stick?