I've noticed people discussing the adjustment of grip in order to accomplish playing drums, and disagreed, (though never responded) because I wasn't taught that way, and figured 'to each his own'........After checking out the web page mentioned and hearing these comments felt an urgent need to respond..... You shouldn't need to change your grip or position while holding drumsticks, neither should you move your foot position in order to execute a bass pattern. If you are using a practical and logical (or previously tested) grip you shouldn't need to adjust where or how you hold the implement. (what....do you plan on having a special grip for each rudiment? and do you plan on practicing smooth transitions of a grip adjustment for every musical variation possible? Don't you jam....or improvise? Ever?) Furthermore, these ideas are impractical for attaining performance. My foot has always been and continues to be a strength for me, and my approach has it glued to the one perfect spot on the pedal. (the same way my '4 way nodal point grip' doesn't move on the stick; physics is the determining factor, in both ideas) I've gone on to add triple strokes to my repertoire, and am adding further developments along those lines. My first question would have to be: 'What type of dance might you plan for triple strokes, if every double is a country two step?' Second question would be: 'if this is just a little trick that you can only play on the downbeat of one, and is only good for solos.....than what good is it?' (unless impressing friends is your main goal) Next and final question......'How many can you play in a row?' Could you do it on a pillow? The method to get great kick chops....sit properly......adjust throne properly.....start with properly playing one note......with the beater returning to the half depressed position. These might be fun ideas for practice, but after you've been out on the road for 70 days, after playing the 20 one-nighters in a row, do you really think this would have any practical application? Next you'll want to use special shoes, that are three composition rubber and space age plastic, and have little position checkers and ball bearings, to aid in your little dance. Then maybe you'll wake up to reality, gravity, and physics, which are the real points of interest when considering/developing a technique. Music must be performed; grip and technique should have been previously learned, in order that full concentration goes to music. Sorry if this comes off a little harsh.....but let's be reasonable........you don't (shouldn't) change your grip on the sticks for playing different rudiments, why would you set out to learn that for kick? (Okay if this is a trick....I believe in tricks.......but, you want to teach and develop this?) As usual......web site and over 100 real audio examples to back up what I say, below! Vince
http://www.vindrums.com
