King Says Re: my Pinky

Submitted On: Thursday, Oct 22, 2009 - 9:20 AM

I guess my first question is what's with not being to play lightly? Is it that you really can't - or you can, you just won't. You'd be surprised that the people you think are playing hard just look that way for showmanship. Speed is what generates volume on the kit, not strength.

remy_starwing Says Re: my Pinky

Submitted On: Monday, Sep 14, 2009 - 12:39 AM

Why not try a new style of playing...?
Like dependent on your hand that you are talking about, such as, if it is your ride hand or your snare hand?
If it is your snare hand, why not try a Buddy Rich pencil-grip technique, that way instead of holding the stick solidly, you can use the weight of the stick and not the power of your arms and wrists in the strike.
If it is your ride hand... you are hitting your cymbals too hard man and are just going to break them when you are at a venue playing live with all of the adrenaline pumping in your veins.
Also, stop popping your knuckles and begin warming up before playing, 30 to 45 minutes with a metronome, or a Rhythm-Watch.
If you are still experiencing problems, seek a doctor's care and help, they know medical stuff a lot better then the internet...
Sometimes...

Tam Says Re: my Pinky

Submitted On: Saturday, Aug 15, 2009 - 11:24 PM

I agree with having a doc look at your hands. I disagree about the stick size, though. My thinking is downsize, say 7B's, really easy to pinky out, can get a good push. But, see a doc, IF you can't get through 1/3 of your first set without pain, something is seriously going on with your hands or wrist. My opinion is that lighter is always better here. Some wrist and finger exercises won't hurt {well, maybe}, but perhaps you need to limber up a bit?

seminole Says Re: my Pinky

Submitted On: Wednesday, Jul 29, 2009 - 1:22 PM

Rauloco,

If you haven't seen a doctor yet you need to if only playing 2-3 songs and you have actual pain. If you've done that and there is nothing wrong with your hands I highly recommend you take immediate action and get with a quailfied instructor, you probably need to make changes to your grip. Stick size and playing loud should have little to do with your problem but how you hold your sticks could. The late, great Jim Chapin spent the best part of his years helping drummers by giving us ways to play loud, hard and for long periods of time while protecting our valuable assets, our hands.

Rauloco, you said you're using Pro Mark Rock, are those the 747's? If so try using a wider stick, not necessarily a heavier stick but that tends to go hand and hand. (you could try Maple sticks that are lighter but might break easier) With a wider stick you don't have to hold the stick as tight. You can also add stick wrap or use dip sticks for additional grip and less fatigue.

Go visit a doctor, get Jim's latest DVD, an instructor and work on that grip!

Best of luck with your hands and you can get through this.

ThatDrummerKid Says Re: my Pinky

Submitted On: Monday, Jul 27, 2009 - 10:03 AM

What kinda stick are you using? Maybe try playing with less tension in your grip? That always seems to help :]