Sore Finger Joints

While practicing I make a VERY important point NOT to grip the drumsticks hard. In fact the drum stick almost feels like it is floating in my hand. I can only imagine that this is the best method for control and for endurance but I have one problem. Every time I hit any of the cymbols or drums, especially the hi-hat, the stick, for a tenth of a second, vibrates in my hand. Since the stick is contacting the joint in my finger, that particular joint becomes very painful within minutes. What can I do to resolve this problem as I don't know of anyone else that has this problem?

Note: I have also used rim-shot broom drum sticks with a 12 strand end. They are rubber gripped and it doesn't hurt, but I don't want to use these all the time as I don't get the sound I like.

Note two: My drumSTICKS are Graffiti 7A

Thanks VERY much in advance.

Thanks you guys...That info really helps....I never thought of a bigger stick OR a stick of a lighter density...

Once again...thanks!

Use a bigger stick. 5b hickory.

Hi Pita,

Yes, using a bigger stick would probably help, but you might want to work your way up to a 5B by starting with a 5A. Getting a stick that is lighter and not so dense could also help. You can check for density (before you buy them) by hitting the sticks together, lightly, in mid air. If they are of a high pitch then they are dense; a lower pitch, not so dense. Also, I would probably first make sure that you are holding the stick correctly with a proper fulcrum. Warming up is also a must - starting off slowly with some light buzz rolls always helps my hands and fingers 'wake up' - especially before a hard playing gig. One last idea that also might help would be to get a rubber ball that you can squeeze to exercise the muscles in your hand.

I hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Jim McCarty