The index finger

[TheGrandTr0ll]

Quick question, when using the middle finger fulcrum should the index finger be gripping the stick while still hanging loosely or still hanging down allowing the stick to move along it. Because it seems the side of my index finger begins to burn a little after playing for awhile. Thanks.

[jeffwj]

I noticed that most of your posts are about the middle finger fulcrum. But you also said that you played and were comfortable with an index finger fulcrum. Just wondering why you are switching. I'm assuming it is for more power?

Jeff

[TheGrandTr0ll]

Personally I just want to get comfortable using different grips to help develop myself as a player and to just try new things

[Pocket-full-of-gold]

Suggest some lessons mate. It really isn't as difficult as you're finding it, but a description on grip via the written word is difficult at best, next to impossible at worst. Grab a few lessons so that you have first hand feed back and the ability to visualise the concept.

Here's an overview from Weckl in the meantime: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oisX1nhhmeM

[TheGrandTr0ll]

There are no places in my area for drum lessons. The closest place is like two hours away. Oh well, thanks anyway guys.

[Pocket-full-of-gold]

Originally Posted by TheGrandTr0ll

There are no places in my area for drum lessons. The closest place is like two hours away. Oh well, thanks anyway guys.

Forum member Bill Bachman definitely offers Skype lessons....hit him up. It's possible Jeff does too, send them a PM and ask the question.

[Anduin]

Originally Posted by TheGrandTr0ll

...when using the middle finger fulcrum ...

When I use middle-finger fulcrum--which I only do when I really want to crank up the power, and even then it’s usually just on toms--my index finger gets a break. That is, it just sort of hangs around trying to look cool while the other fingers do the work. Kind of like a manager, now that I think about it. So my index finger is touching the stick (because it would take too much work to keep it out of the way), but not gripping it.

If your finger is “burning,” is that because of friction as the stick rubs against it? I rarely play with middle-finger fulcrum for very long (maybe just a fill or a particularly heavy chorus or something), and I’ve never had the “burning” problem.

For hand technique in general, try Jojo Mayer’s Secret Weapons video: it has more info than you’ll ever want to digest. Also check out Rick Latham and Keith Carlock for two very different approaches to hand technique.

[TheGrandTr0ll]

After watching my stroke for about 30 minutes im beginning to think my problem is that instead of catching it with my palm, im actually catching it with my index finger first.. Also, I just received my jojo mayer signature sticks and I seem to play better with them due to their dimensions. Ill try to report back within the next few days. Thanks for the support though guys. I appreciate it.

[Pocket-full-of-gold]

Can you play a free stroke with a thumb and fore finger fulcrum? If so, you can do it with a thumb and middle finger fulcrum. The concept doesn't change......the fulcrum point just shifts further back by one finger length and the fore finger gets a free ride.

[Brenzig]

Originally Posted by Pocket-full-of-gold

Forum member Bill Bachman definitely offers Skype lessons....hit him up. It's possible Jeff does too, send them a PM and ask the question.

^^^ Never too old for a few lessons! Take this advice!

[BillBachman]

Thanks for the endorsements guys. :)

The index finger fulcrum as a general rule is better when you're playing lower/lighter/faster where finger finesse plays a big part. The middle finger fulcrum as a general rule is better when you're playing higher/bigger/slower notes where wrist turn plays a bigger part. Both are great and have their applications. Once trained, your body will automatically shift from one to the other in the moment (and sometimes it's more of a "3 point" fulcrum where both are involved about equally).

I'm sure I can help you out if you're interested in lessons. thanks!

[TheGrandTr0ll]

Sorry for being absent for awhile guys, I have been a little busy. Thanks for the advice and tips. I have spent the last two weeks pretty much evaluating how I play and what I do and have made adjustments to my grip as I saw fit. I think I have pretty well got it worked out though. Thanks again for the tips, and thanks for the offer of lessons. Right now, im not in a good position to be able to receive them, but thanks again for the offer.

[Sjogras]

I'll borrow this thread instead of starting a new one...

I've recently been having some problems with my index finger after several hours of playing. When playing fast fills, it hurts quite a bit in the middle joint of the index finger. It's obviously due to overtensioning and this problem doesn't occur during shorter sessions, but I'm pretty certain this will only get worse with age. (I am now 22)

Would you say that this pain is normal after 4-5 hours of playing, or should I work on the grip? I am in a bit of transition in going from index finger fulcrum to relying more on the other three, and maybe this will sort it self out, but during fast stuff I think I'm clenching the index finger pretty hard unconsciously.

I'd like to hear how you others use the index finger, and if you're getting this pain as well. And if you have any magic tricks that would instantly solve my problems, do tell!

[SEVNT7]

Chapin, on what grip or hand hold and why, or why not. His videos have any info you need. Just watch and most importantly, listen to what he says.

[Anthony Amodeo]

Originally Posted by Sjogras

I'm clenching the index finger pretty hard unconsciously.

there is your problem right there

unless you are executing a press roll..... clenching your index finger will only choke the natural motion of the stick

relax