The woes of left hand trad grip

[Nikk]

Using as much wrist as possible in the left hand trad grip, how has everyone's success been in developing power and speed? Does anyone have the issue of the grip falling apart?

[BennyAndTheSkins]

If you do it right, there's nothing to fall apart.
If you hold your left hand out in front of you open, like you're going to shake someone's hand, the stick should balance like a lever between the thumb and top edge of your palm, about 1/4 to 1/3 of the way from the butt of the stick. The middle and index fingers are there just to add stability. See Steve Smith's DVD for some of this, as well as an example of beautiful, relaxed left hand traditional grip - Vinnie on the MD 2000 concert. He blazes around the kit, yet his left hand is so relaxed.

[BennyAndTheSkins]

Forgot to add - As far as power, look at Vinnie's arm when he's banging the snare. It's a combination of his arm, and wrist motion. Chapin has remarked that Vinnie is one of the best examples of the Moeller motion in his form, and my grip/technique really improved by just watching him on the MD DVD.

[buga]

ahhh I kinda missed the "trad/match grip" threads...u may want to use the search engine on this board, there are a couple of nice responses regarding this subject...

IMO the essential thing is having a balance btw both hands(I developed my left hand by warming up on a pillow and playing full wrist strokes for 5 minutes, then resting for 5, working again and so on-and ofcourse playing lots of rudimental variations that involved the left hand)

Getting a good teacher that could break everything down in front of you would be advicable-words just don't cut it if u know what I mean. For sum like Donati inadvertantly develop it whether it is shown to them or not, simply because it is a natural motion to relieve stress-the grip itself

I know it sounds weird and it's difficult just through words but if you want the total learning method for this get both Jim Chapin's video and Dom Famularo's book "It's You Move" and Morello's "Master Studies". Chapin's explanations are kinda sloppy and it's kinda difficult to understand him but his movements are crystal clear. With Dom's words it's a great way to learn [img]smile.gif[/img]

Check This Out

[Dazzler]

Nikk, check out the videos at Art Verdi's web site. When you see how his hands at work, it may help you with yours. Also as previously mentioned, the Steve Smith DVD has an exellent chapter on hand technique (traditional grip).
If I may add my bit, I'm currently working on the principal of letting the stick do the work. By accepting the rebound and letting the stick do what it naturally wants to do (bounce back) you will find that singles and rolls round the kit are much easier. I see so many drummers hammering away at the toms with their hands, fingers and fore-arms all tensed up, it's no wonder that a lot of players are suferring from RSI and tendonitis these days..... Good luck!