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Stick Control: For the Snare Drummer?
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40 reviews of this product found across Reddit:
I’m the same way. Write and throw right handed but bat lefty. There’s a book you can get from Amazon called Stick Control. I can’t recommend it enough. It starts off basic and increases in difficulty. It will help with sticking.
Stick Control: For the Snare Drummer https://www.amazon.com/dp/1892764040/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_HH15Y35PKH9KNWERJ19Y
First thing, Lubricate that drum stool! It's horrible sounding.
Secondly, pickup "Stick Control for the Snare Drummer" Start with page one and and go through it the way it tells you to (I believe it's one page per day but practice everything on that page for an hour or so or until you have it down).
Two tips. 1. Stop using wooden sticks. Upgrade to AHEAD. 2. They also sell rubber wraps for the sticks. Will increase the weight and mess with the balance a little, but trust me, it’s worth it. And a bonus: no wood means no wood chips to clean, it’s heaven. They also last you a lot longer and will also help your wallet. Finally, and most important, work on your technique. You’re probably using too much force with not enough finesse. Get a practice pad, and buy this book: Stick Control: For the Snare Drummer https://smile.amazon.co.uk/dp/1892764040/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_0C8D98T8XZGKYERPB16Q You’re welcome.
Two tips. 1. Stop using wooden sticks. Upgrade to AHEAD. 2. They also sell rubber wraps for the sticks. Will increase the weight and mess with the balance a little, but trust me, it’s worth it. And a bonus: no wood means no wood chips to clean, it’s heaven. They also last you a lot longer and will also help your wallet. Finally, and most important, work on your technique. You’re probably using too much force with not enough finesse. Get a practice pad, and buy this book: Stick Control: For the Snare Drummer https://smile.amazon.co.uk/dp/1892764040/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_0C8D98T8XZGKYERPB16Q You’re welcome.
As mentioned, Electronauts will make you feel like you are drumming and is very fun. However, it won't teach you how to drum. I second that Rock Band would be a great video game to teach you some basic drumming techniques.
If you want to learn how to drum - buy a $30 drum pad and some drum sticks. Search on YouTube for a metronome, and learn stick techniques. I highly recommend getting this book "Stick Control: For the Snare Drummer" to learn. If you want to invest a bit more money, get an Alesis Nitro Mesh electronic drum kit (you can find them used pretty easily).
Good luck!
I just received this book in the mail yesterday:
https://www.amazon.com/Stick-Control-George-Lawrence-Stone/dp/1892764040
I just went through the first 9 exercises last night before my usual practice session that consists of me rocking out to some random song list on spotify.
Hoooooly crap was I doing the thing. Only after one session I already felt more "on" than I have ever been.
I should note that I was in School band in 6th and 7th grades on snare, quit for 8th after I got a set, then stopped playing drums altogether when I went to college for lack of playing space. Saved up and bought an electric kit for my apartment this January, and have been slowly trying to get to "Where I was" since then. Yesterday was the first day I actually felt like I was playing stuff I'd always had trouble with before. Again, after ONE session.
Good luck dude. And don't let your girlfriend guilt you into selling your Jet Black 96 Pearl Export series with drum rack and double bass pedal for 500 bucks when you're 25. Even if you haven't played in years. God I miss that set.
No, it's never too late to start something that you could love doing until the day you die! Drumming is THE BEST, and drummers get the hottest girls anyways haha. If you've always wanted to give it a shot, do it!!
You could actually make a lot of progress being 18 with more focused practice than kids that start "playing" at 6 or so. Don't let age dictate anything regarding music, seriously.
Get a practice pad, some sticks, grab a copy of Stick Control and you're well on your way to drumming.
I'm willing to bet your college has a music program, yes? Students can usually get a discounted rate taking lessons from one of the instructors on campus, and you might be able to get access during off hours to a drum room. We had that at UMass when I went there years ago, so I would bet yours has it to.
Seriously, play the drums. It's one of the greatest decisions I've made in life.
This.
http://www.amazon.com/Stick-Control-George-Lawrence-Stone/dp/1892764040
To piggy back on buildingadesert you can check stick pitches by lightly tapping them on the back top of your head, where your cowlick would be, or drop them flat on the ground one at a time and listen to the pitch difference.
Just gna leave this here as I consider it a staple. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1892764040/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_8?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/Stick-Control-George-Lawrence-Stone/dp/1892764040
This is a must have. A few others too, but definitely this to start.
get a practice pad and work on technique, rudiments, work on stick control exercises and then apply them on the drumset (straight ride, 2/4 hats, R=kick, L=snare), always use a metronome and always count out loud to build your internal time feel. Do some table of time warmups before you start practicing, make a practice journal and write a practice plan and keep track of what you are working on.
Thanks a lot for the answer.
You are talking about this book right?
Stick Control. Or so I’ve heard. Stick Control: For the Snare Drummer https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1892764040/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_0R6TPRFPF7JZF1AGM05G
This may be a portion of the book but If you like this stuff, we used a book called Stick Control for warm ups during my drum corp days.
same boat, this is what I've done so far
got a practice pad and Vic Firth sticks both 5B and 5A, the 5B are nice for pad work and 5A for kit work, but either works depending on if you like thicker or thinner sticks, Vics are nice for the flag being basically on the balance point and making it easier to check for grip position on both hands.
got stick control and a metronome app on my phone and timer app on my tablet, I do 24min per page (1 min per exercise) at a BPM I can do cleanly (40-80 counting 8ths or 16ths, or 100+ counting quarters). Here's an example video
YouTube:
- Jai Es's getting started, hands and feet, these are similiar to Jojo Mayer's DVD Secrets Weapons, which you can find used for a decent price and is a decent watch.
- Rob Brown channel, rudiment video
- Drumeo videos, warm-up
- 80/20 Drummer channel for more Jazzy stuff
DVDs (look for used ones):
- Jojo Mayer's Secrets Weapons Part 1 and 2
- Tommy Igoe Great Hands or Groove Essentials
Stick Control: For the Snare Drummer https://www.amazon.com/dp/1892764040?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Stick Control: For the Snare Drummer https://www.amazon.com/dp/1892764040/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_PqdLFb449D842
$10.79 @ Amazon. You can probably get it for $6-7 from random book resellers on Google. If you approach this book with discipline, the return for your $ will be immense.
I recommend delaying your purchase for enough time to get a Roland TD-17KV (they are $1,200 on Sweetwater). In the mean time, stop by a local music shop (or hit Amazon) and get some sticks, a practice pad, and a copy of Stick Control. She can work on her rudiments and start playing along with you. Once you can afford the kit, she'll be further along and can start incorporating toms, cymbals, and her feet.
Rudiments are where it’s at. Paradiddle your way to rhythm heaven on that pad. Your fills on a full kit will thank you, later. Use a metronome and get this https://www.amazon.com/Stick-Control-George-Lawrence-Stone/dp/1892764040
> Is taking on a drum student and saying something like "This means I need to learn to play kit!" really fair to the student?
Maybe not... but I've played kit before in bands (when the drummer takes a break from his throne for a pit stop at the porcelain throne...) and always been complimented on my timing. I just don't have the rudiments across different drums, so I feel like I should learn that. I've no aspirations to become a percussion instructor or put it on my business card, but it is music, and that one has always been on my card :-)
> How you teach little techniques (holding the stick, hitting cymbals, foot technique) will affect the student for the rest of their playing career.
Yes, and I've seen people learn technique on a variety of instruments that hindered their playing forever. Even (especially?) if they learned from a teacher with a music-ed degree. Seems that's always a risk, particularly when people don't shop around for teachers. But I totally get where you're coming from, esp as a trained musician yourself. I will say a couple of things to that, and I will avoid being defensive. If any of this reads as such, try to find a different voice in it.
First, even to my cello students, I don't just teach cello; I teach music, and I tell them this. For other students I teach music, theory, and composition. For this student, I told his parents that I'm not a kit drummer, but I can teach him music; and if he can play music, he can play music on drums [insert list of self-taught drummers here?]. I have experience with hand percussion (professional, if you count using a cello as a cajon... ¡kek!), but I don't call myself a percussionist or drum teacher. I do say I have a drum student, though, which gets a laugh from some colleagues. I've coached for other instruments and ensembles, all the way up to conservatory level especially for audition prep. I wish I auditioned for Curtis and Julliard when I was a teenager, but no, I had to feel cool and go to Berklee instead. (Big mistake; hindsight is 20/20, right?)
Secondly, this student was taking lessons with a teacher at a store last year and quit. His parents encouraged him to try a different teacher and I'm working on getting him excited about music. I can't force anyone to learn who doesn't want to... but I can show him good music, watch his reaction to find what music actually moves him, then get him to stop "practicing" and start "playing!" I always say that doctors practice for a living; musicians get to play :-) When he started with me he brought Stick Control: For the Snare Drummer and explained why he hated it. Fair. I hate it too! So we work on other stuff. Should I teach him traditional grip or match? French grip? Open handed instead of cross? Open handed traditional so the right hand holds the stick underhanded?? I'm gonna find what works best for me and teach him that way. Gotta be careful because I'm ambidextrous & do some things left handed (golf, soccer, snow and skateboard goofy-footed, use tools in either hand, etc). More likely I'll find a way that works for him and teach him that way. He'll be self-taught with a coach. Does that sit any better with you? ^(this isn't personal, but I genuinely appreciate this feedback, it's useful self-reflection!)
Stick Control was written by George Stone. One of the most influential rudimental books every written.
1) If the reviews for that pad's good, then get it. I own a Billy Hyde drum pad and a Vic Firth drum pad. Both are good, but I prefer the Billy Hyde pad as it's less bouncy. However, when building stick control it's good to have some bounce.
2) The one practice pad is fine for now. When you practice, you can play seated and use your left foot (or both) to tap out pulses like you would a hi-hat. For example, tap out quarter notes with your left foot while your hands play eighth notes alternating.
3) For the Ted Reed book you should be fine for most of it. Another book you should (MUST) get is George Stone's Stick Control.
4) Ted Reed's book can be played using a practice pad and a drum kit.
5) Honestly, I'd get a private tutor right away then drop them later if needed. They'll help you save a lot of time with technique and direction. Starting a new instrument can be frustrating, so having some guidance is a huge benefit. Also they'll help prevent you from developing bad habits.
6) You can tap your feet while practicing seated. However, to learn foot technique you'll need a pedal. You can buy drum kits for cheap second hand online, which are fine for practicing. Check out kijiji. They may not sound like a professional kit, but they operate the same. I still practice on my old starter kit while I have my nicer stuff at my jam space.
Hope this helps somewhat.
Stick Control on Amazon . I've found copies at second-hand stores for cheaper just by keeping my eyes open. The exercises in it are a great way to get your hands into shape also.
In the meantime, here's something to keep you busy: http://imgur.com/a/wn3pD
Forgive my potato handwriting. Top line is hands, bottom is feet.
In addition to learning songs you like, rudiments are always a good foundation. I've never used Stick Control, but I like these (free) resources:
http://vicfirth.com/40-essential-rudiments/
http://www.snarescience.com/index.php
All good hand exercises, some of them (singles, doubles, paradiddles) are good for your feet as well, although I wouldn't bother doing flams and drags with your feet. Also splitting rudiments between a hand and a foot is good, as is playing rudiments with two limbs and having your other two limbs play a repeating pattern underneath (ostinato).
If, as you say, you "listen to really heavy music, super fast drums" and you wish to be able to keep up, you're certainly going to want to get your single stroke rolls (hands and feet) pretty fast.
Edit: And make sure to use a metronome, especially when you are first starting out.
2nd Edit: I suggest buying a double pedal sooner rather than later if you like / plan to play music that uses a lot of double bass, even though most people on this forum will probably tell you otherwise.
3rd Edit: Every drummer's technique can look a little different and still be "good" (at least imo), but I think this is a good video on hand technique. As are these.
stick control book, pair of sticks and practice pad: http://www.amazon.com/Stick-Control-For-Snare-Drummer/dp/1892764040
portable: flute, clarinet, violin, mandolin, Arturia microbrute
more portable: voice
Stick Control George Lawrence Stone http://www.amazon.com/Stick-Control-For-Snare-Drummer/dp/1892764040
Ask your school instructor or private tutor! They are the best possible resource for that kind of stuff. If you don't have a good relationship with your school band teacher, then I recommend making friends with them. Asking them to show you how to play a difficult rhythm can help a lot and it shows you are interested in becoming a better player. If you don't have a private tutor, there are alot of free online resources that you could use. Vic Firth has an whole education tab. Snare Science has a ton of free music.
Basic Rhythm books:
That should read Stick Control and Syncopation for the modern drummer. I believe these are what the OP was referring to.
Step 1: Buy Stick Control and Metronome
Step 2: Set metronome to 60bpm
You'll figure it out from there.
Do you teach with stick control?
Popular alternatives to Stick Control: For the Snar...
Progressive Steps to Syncopation for the Modern Drummer (Ted Reed Publications)
