Traditional Grip Questions

[Seth]

I have a simple question about traditional grip, specifically concerning the left hand. I know how the grip is supposed to be at rest, but while in motion, should the ring finger and pinky remain completely pressed against the stick (even just after impact)? I know that the wood of the stick is supposed to resonate when striking a pad. Yet, if those two fingers are strictly applied to the stick at ALL times, the sound produced is one that sounds 'choked.' In addition, this strict application also inhibits the maximum speed possible of that hand. SHOULD THE RING AND PINKY FINGERS REMAIN ON THE STICK AT ALL TIMES (IN ADDITION TO NOT SEPARATING FROM EACH OTHER)
-Thanks!
Seth

[C. <3]

This is actually slightly complicated... but I'll try to keep it simple. (Griffin please correct me if you want something different) You are exactly right about allowing the stick to resonate, and keeping strict contact with those fingers at all times also severely inhibits your legato stroke... therefore, it is desirable to allow the stick to come out of contact with the ring and pinky fingers for a brief period of time during the downstroke.

However... this is not to say that you should PURPOSELY remove the ring and pinky fingers from the stick. This should happen naturally as long as you don't have a death grip on the stick, and your hand muscles are relaxed.

In addition, the ring and pinky fingers should under no circumstances become seperated from each other... but once again, don't over-do this. If the hand is properly relaxed, these fingers should NOT be squeezed together just for the sake of being together. (ie. There might be a small seperation for a split second at some point in the stroke, but they should still remain curved at the same angle and be close to each other.... basically just don't have your pinky sticking straight out from your hand)

I hope this answered your question. It might be kind of confusing to read... I'll have to think of a better way to explain it.


Cory <3

[gbutt]

This is a really tough concept to explain, but you did a good job Cory. The one thing I want to stress is to stay relaxed. This is one of those things that you don't want to think too much about. Like Cory said, over-doing those parts of the grip will either restrict your motion or cause your stick to be out of control.

I found this video on YouTube. I'm not sure how helpful it will be in answering your question, but the guy has some interesting ways of defining traditional grip. His only problem is his middle finger. Don't let it stick out as much as he does.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBLbbw62Uj0&feature=PlayList&p=CB3D7AD1FFE31CF0&index=68

Keep the questions coming!