HELP! hand (cramps?) dont know how to stop it!

[andyinthecabaret]

iv been playing drums for close to 8 years now. never had a lesson, figured most of it out on my own or through observation.

recently, something has been goin on with my hands and im not sure whats causing it!
this happens especially when playing shows now, my hands (cramp?) inbetween my thumb and index finger. usually happens to my left hand first. (right handed)
its not necessarily painful, it just completely kills my stroke, i cant keep my grip which only makes it worse!

iv tried figuring out wat causes this, dehydration? i drank more water.
improper stretching/warming up? i warm up and stretch before each show.
too tense when im playing? i TRY and loosen up, still doesnt work.
it has to be the way im playing or its all in my mind and i just psych myself out on stage.
iv been playing shows for awhile and this NEVER used to happen.

my playing style isnt too demanding, im in two bands, i play pop punk and metal.
no insane blast beats (tho i do blast beat at times) and no insane double bass.
i use vic firth 3A sticks. practice on a pad whenever i can.
i just dont get it.

i use my fingers a lot in my strokes (if that helps)
was curious if that may be the problem so i tried using them less.

im not sure what to ask of you guys besides has anyone had this happen to them?
and if so how did you solve it? its really frustrating, im better than this and it just keeps holding me back.

thanks again guys, any questions/advice are welcome!

-Andy

[boomstick]

You say it happens "especially when playing shows." Does it happen when you practice as well? If it only happened at shows, I would attribute it to something like nerves/tension, or if you play for longer periods during shows than when practicing. If it happens while practicing too, I would suspect it's something to do with technique. I'd have a good teacher evaluate your playing if you can. Barring that, if you can post a video with a close up of your hands playing, maybe some of the knowledgeable teachers who post here can evaluate your technique for you.

[GRUNTERSDAD]

...and are we talking traditional or matched grip.? My guess is traditional and I have to agree with the tension idea. It's hard to relax some time and also are you playing louder and harder at shows and just wearing yourself out, and how old are you.?

[caddywumpus]

It *could* be your stick size/weight/balance, too. Most likely, though, you need to have your technique checked out by a teacher. Cramps come from contracting a muscle, and you shouldn't be using THOSE muscles (in your mentioned area of cramping) while playing. Chances are you're simply gripping the stick too hard, which *might* have something to do with your stick choice, or just a bad habit you picked up along the way of teaching yourself...

[Evilbagua]

I used to have this happen to me at shows, I'm 99% positive it is because I played much harder and griped the sticks too tight kind of subconciously with all the extra adrenalin flowing. I have been trying to really play with the same force that I am used to when practicing. I play metal (Superbrutalextremedeathgrind) so mostly crazy blasts and double bass.I haven't had any hand issues in a while.

*Edit I should also mention I went from using big ol-tree trunk sticks (2b's and Vater Hammers lol) to 5a or just under 5a sticks Currently I have got a ton of the vic firth 85A's I'm digging. I let the size of my gear provide the volume so I dont have to be an ultra caveman, just normal caveman force is needed now. :)

[hunterde]

I think you need to watch Jo Jo Mayers DVD. I found it to be the most helpful DVD on the market, all drummers need to see it.

[andyinthecabaret]

im 19 years old and i play matched grip.
it might be the sticks...i recently switched from 5A to 3A but that was like 8 months ago...

yes, boomstick, i forgot to mention that.
when i practice, with my bands for up to 2 hours, its not an issue! and if it is, it rarely happens!

also, i consider my playing style to like alex rodriguez of saosin or pat mcgrath
(definately not as good as either of them)
so i do keep myself busy with drum fills.

the way i see it, its
A. the sticks im using
B. the way im hitting aka technique
C. nerves/tension

i'll try and post a video asap.

any other comments/suggestions are appreciated.
thanks guys!

-Andy