Mastering Drumstick Tricks and Twirls

Doing drumstick tricks can add flair to any drum performance. Being able to do these tricks is a simple matter of muscle memory and hand eye coordination. Whether you play a drum set or electronic drums, a little flash can make an incredible impact during any performance. Just make sure that you check your drumsticks for splinters and sand down any rough spots before you start.

The Fake Twirl

• Start with the drumstick between your index finger and your thumb with the rest of your fingers curling around the drumstick.
• Bring your index finger over the drumstick towards your thumb. The drumstick should now be between your index finger and your middle finger.
• Open your hand so that your palm faces you, swinging the stick in a clockwise motion.
• Try to smooth the motion out, rocking the stick back and forth between your index finger and your middle finger.

The Basic Roll

• Take the drumstick between your middle finger and your ring finger.
• Move your fingers in a slight figure eight figure.
• The drumstick should start to spin.
• You may find this motion more comfortable between your index and middle finger.
• This is a good way to warm up your fingers.

The Index Finger Twirl

• Start with the drumstick between your index finger and your thumb with the rest of your fingers curling around the drumstick.
• Move your middle, ring, and pinky fingers under the stick.
• Using your middle finger, push the drumstick forward so that the drumstick comes towards you.
• Still using your middle finger to push, wrap the drumstick around your index finger.
• Come back to your starting position

The Full Fingers Twirl

• Start with the drumstick between your index finger and your thumb with the rest of your fingers curling around the drumstick.
• Move your middle, ring, and pinky fingers under the stick.
• Push forward with your middle finger so that the stick rests under the middle finger and on top of the index, ring, and pinky fingers.
• Drop your index finger, allowing the drumstick to move underneath the middle and pinky fingers, and around the index finger.
• Move your middle finger above the drumstick to catch it as it comes around.
• Move your index finger so that you are holding the drumstick between your index and middle fingers.
• Using your index and middle fingers, flip the drumstick back around to the starting position.

Bouncing the Stick off the Drum

• Place the drumstick along the metal edge of your drum with the head on the skin.
• Raise the stick a few inches.
• Try to bounce the drumstick off the rim and the head, catching it when it rises.
• Once you get comfortable with the required angle, try to increase the dropping distance.

Mastering the art of drumstick twirls and tricks takes patience, dedication and a flair for showmanship. By practicing these moves, a drummer can easily take a hard-hitting solo or steady backbeat to a new level of stage presence, performance and ultimate talent.