[Bede]

Hi,

I've been playing no3w for about 4 months, during which time, for a number of reasons, I have been using traditional grip. I'm getting fairly consistent with the bounce/doubles using this grip, but I find that, as I grow in confidence and hit the drums harder, I'm getting a pain in my thumb between the first and second knuckles where the stick pivots.

Is this normal/to be expected in a beginner and will get better with time, or am I potentially doing something wrong?

Any tips etc gratefully received.

[Der Trommler]

I would say that is going to be normal until you have built strength unless the thumb is swelling or the pain transfers down to the wrist. Many drummers just starting with the traditional grip tend to hold that left hand too tight until they become comfortable with the grip.

[butter]

Are you sure you have the grip right? Maybe look up some videos on youtube to see exactly how to hold the stick. If you're not doing anything wrong then it's probably just something you'll have to condition your hand to take.

[Bede]

Hi, I think I have the grip right, and I did get it originally from youtube videos. It does feel somewhat better since I started holding the stick further up, so that it is pivoting nearer to the balance point.

I have to admit that on the day i wrote the post I had been doing a marathon session of kit work and rudiments, so I probably brought it all on myself.

Thanks for the replies both.