How To Develop A KILLER TRADITIONAL GRIP - What You Haven't Been Shown! 

Rob: I've been drumming professionally since before your birth. 64 years old, and your vid just helped me with a trad grip problem I've had my entire life. I'm not joking, man--I can now play rim shot backbeats with traditional grip. I've studied with Marv Dahlgren and Elliott Fine, and never heard about "that area of the thumb where the stick fits perfectly. It took me only minutes to correct! Bless your groovy little heart, Rob. Thanks!

Lovin' all this great feedback, guys! Please feel free to share this and any other lesson you dig on Facebook and litter Twitter with it! I need your help making our little community grow! 👊🏽

"Traditional grip. You have to earn it".Rob, that's the best explanation of the traditional grip ever..

it's four o'clock.

If RU-vid had suggested this video sooner, I wouldn't have had to waste so much time trying to learn traditional grip from people that have no idea how to teach music, how to properly communicate musical concepts and even how to film themselves. Thanks for this tutorial, man.

I can't stop watching your channel, it is just amazing how clear your explanations are

Yo Rob, I've been playing percussions for over 35 years and I have never seen more detailed intricate video on traditional grip. About that little notch in your thumb I always knew it was there I just never paid attention to it like I do now after watching your video. Keep up the fantastic teachings you are phenomenal at what you do. The more detailed the teaching the better the outcome for the student and the teacher. Take all the time it takes and it'll wake the man it makes. My hat's off to you buddy. Peace

This is crystal clear, thanks my man

Thanks so much man, it's my goal in band to be a snare drummer, and hopefully one day, captain/section leader for my Drumline. You have given me exactly what I need. Drum on brother.

I´ve played traditional grip since -95 and this video actually gave me that little missing piece of the puzzle where suddenly my grip just clicked and everything fell into place... Thanks man! :)

Thanks for the detailed lesson Rob! Much appreciated!

I’m so glad I discovered you and your channel, Rob! You are helping me so much. I also shared a video of yours with my drumming buddy.

This is a video from heaven Rob, I have gone through a lot of traditional grip videos as well but you hit it spot on with this video.Thanks Man!

Awesome! I've always wanted to learn the traditional grip but it always seemed pretty intimidating. Now I feel good about this journey I'm about to embark on. Thanks Rob, keep doin' what you're doin'!

You are a great teacher bro. I loved getting the little gold nuggets from this. God bless.

I am getting back into drumming after many years. Thanks Rob ! Can't thank you enough.

This is the most straight and to the point video I'm super blessed to have you simplify a lot of concepts that people either gloss too much or try to overcomplicate thank you for all the work you do

this is incredible, absolutely the most in depth, yet easy to understand and comprehensive lesson on the subject I've ever seen. thanks so much Rob. amazing work.

I've been learning traditional grip to improve my brush playing and this is the kind of video I've been looking for. Thanks Rob.

LOVED this. I've been playing trad for a while but never felt I had it tweaked. THIS is the information I haven't been able to get-until now-thanks for taking the time to do this ! You helped me tremendously !

Finally! All the burning questions answered, breakdowns, examples... This is the video I'd been looking for all year.

Fantastic video - best in depth on traditional grip I have seen - will be doing the excercises

Rob, Thanks for all the info. I have been a matched grip player for many years now always wanting to venture into traditional grip for added depth. This video has shown me what to do and the time I should expect to put in to get comfortable with it. Cheers mate and look forward to watching more of your vids in the future. Thanks for all your efforts!

played for years and never really took much interest in learning this grip - until now! love the video!

Such a helpful video bro. Can’t wait to get started with Traditional Grip after watching this. Big up man.

I have learned so much and the video is not even over yet, Thank you for sharing

Dude this helped me out so much. I always had a problem where my left hand was never holding and keeping the stick in a correct and comfortable position. I even taught my right hand traditional to see if it would help..... It didn't but this video did. Thank you

This helped so much! I’m picking up traditional for marching snare at my highschool and I was having some troubles and this just cleared so much

Another great video Rob! Thanks again! I also started learning traditional grip in 2012 after breaking my leg. I had a lot of time to myself for a couple months to get started. I've been working on it ever since, and still trying to get so I can play a whole show that way. Some of your experiences with back-beat are shared so I really appreciate your time here! Cheers to you sir.

Man, you're awesome!!! I've never seen someone to explain traditional grip in such good detail! Many thanks!!!

Single most helpful advice I've had in ages. I'm a returning drummer in my 40s after a long absence and this has really helped me get back into the feel of things. Never cracked trad grip first time round. This time I'm going for it. Thanks Rob!

A massive thank you for this video Rob I recently picked up the traditional grip again and this video is an excelent analysis of getting my technique back

Great video Rob, About 5 mos. ago, after taking a very long hiatus from drumming, I started to work on the traditional grip as well as every other zillion things needed to be a truly proficient player. You break the dynamics of this grip down to a simple and basic course. There are so many small nuances of everything we do to get the " technique " perfected. It is an evolution. You seem to be a very conscientious guy who has been through all the trial and error to give back to drummers that are on that long ( and rewarding) road of learning these idiosyncratic nuances that have to be ingrained in us. I appreciate you man. Jimmy R

great lesson again rob! Been fumbling with trad grip since i started on drums ... looking forward to strengening specifics parts of my hand with these execsises!

Love the breakdown and explanation. Very articulate and efficiently delivered. You have obviously done a lot of work around this grip. Thank you!

My new teacher just encouraged me to take up traditional grip today. This video is sooooo helpful. Just want to say thanks. You are such a great teacher! I really appreciate your stuff.

I've been avoiding this video because I told myself many times, I'm DONE f-in with traditional grip -although I still catch myself mindlessly messing with while watching TV. I've been trying get TG happening since I started playing in the '80s but till this day have made little progress. This video has helped me understand the mechanics better than any of my teachers or other videos have and now feel inspired and confident to get back on the horse. Rob, Your passion for the instrument and your kind, non-judgmental, keep it simple philosophy is a highly infectious virus that I'm happy to catch and eager to spread. Keep on keepin it real my brother. Thanks man❤️

Thank you so much for this. When I first started I was taught the wrong way for traditional grip. This helped me soooo much. There are so many videos on RU-vid where people rush through it and start showing off there skills with traditional grip. This video was actually very informational thank you.

By far, the best breakdown of traditional grip I've seen! This definitely helped me get over the hump. Thanks!!

You totally nailed it! You’ve made it accessible Never focused on trad grip, always took the view that my matched grip was sensitive enough. BUT, Trad grip changes (adds) new sounds. Another great alphabet of sounds, dynamics. THANKYOU

The thumb joint tip completely changed the game for me! instant results! Thanks a lot!!!

Man I swear whenever I got a drum question and I cant find a good answer to Rob always comes in clutch. You the G.O.A.T.!

Bravo! You've unlocked a puzzle I've been trying to put together for years, man. Keep up the solid work!

Thanks Rob - after 45 years playing matched grip I'm giving this a go . . . very, very helpful. After a couple of days only, I can feel progress!

Wow, Mr. Brown, that is the most explicitly detailed description of the traditional technique. You convinced me at 50 to start trying this. I LOVE your lessons. Particularly your style of playing. Thanks man. Regards, Hairman.

Rob, I wish I had you around when I was first learning traditional grip!!! I may go back to it now!! Thanks.

that thumb joint problem fixed everything for me, my god bless you.

Love you man for this video. Just picked up the stick again after a 20 year hiatus. Thanks for doing your diligent research for this video. Keep it going.

very informative and straight to the point.. i picked alot from this video since i am more in the match grip playing. ...and also want to play traditional at some time ...since i am self taught... thanks

Great tute on trad grip explaining clearly what those fingers really do. Thanks man!!

Incredible tutorial Rob! I had given up on traditional grip a long time ago, but this helped make it clear and answered a lot of the questions that kept me from progressing. I'm definitely going to work on these exercises and give the traditional grip another try. Thank you

Great video, man! Thank you so much for sharing such information

Just started watching. How cool is this dude? So real. I shared with my 11 year old daughter cause she just started drums and these videos are so from the heart.

Hey Rob, thanks a lot for this video! I've seen a lot of videos and tried hundreds of times to play traditional but eventually settled back to my confort zone on match grip. I will enhance my studies and try once again thanks to you. Very elucidative and rational approach! Congrats! Cheers from Brazil!

Thank you so much, man! Your accent on the ring finger and its role in the traditional grip, this is what I missed for several years! Realizing this, and having worked, I started playing traditional in a completely different and great way, in a couple of days ! It's cool!!!

i just started drumming in july of 2018 and this video helped me fix my trad grip problem. thanks rob i will be looking forward to more of your content

Wow. What a fantastic video. Such a massive help! Thank you.

Thanks Rob for this video. I have been trying to gain some mastery of the traditional grip for a long time without much progress but after watching your video and practicing your exercises for the last week or so I've already noticed a considerable improvement in control and speed. Thanks for the clarity and detail of your lesson - it was second to none. God bless you, Tim, Ireland.

So, Rob, this is a relatively ‘old’ video of yours (you can tell by your Vic Firth tee) but it has, ONCE AGAIN, proven to be invaluable to look back on your previous lessons. I’m basically a match grip player but I started with traditional grip when i was first learning to play and for about 10 years or so thereafter. So, I’m familiar with the technique BUT I haven’t played with it for quite some time. Well, recently i developed carpel tunnel syndrome in my left hand (largely from playing the drums a lot) and have been force to change back to using traditional grip because it’s less strain on the tendons in my left hand. Your instruction here was a blessing to get back into the practical use of the traditional grip, including exercises to make it stronger. I feel much more comfortable with it now. Thank you.

Thanks Rob -your doing good works here brother. I’ve been playing for 3 years and have only used traditional grip but I haven’t got a handle on it until I just practised after I watched this video and it’s finally come together. I never realised my ringer finger was a lift for the stick and now I’m able to hit backbeat with full power. So my left and right arms now feel equalised. Thank you very much.

Thank you for sharing! I am in the process of switching to traditional grip from playing open handed :) This is the most comprehensive video I've seen so far. Very informative! I did a lot of research on the grip, and I am glad I have similar exercises and the manner of holding the stick as yours. This video is an affirmation that I'm on the right track in developing the traditional grip. Thank you!

Fantastic ... best traditional grip video on the web! Thanks!!!

Such an an amazing and detailed tutorial. Thanks heaps, keep it up

I watched this and I watched Tommy Igoe Great hands for a lifetime and combining the two approach to get me started on traditional grip. I've been looking for traditional grip explanation that is clear enough for me and this explanation from Rob is really clear. This is my third time watching Rob's tutorial, and I combined with what I watched from Tommy Igoe DVD yesterday. This suddenly gives an "AHA" moment, and makes me go practice the traditional grip. They make sense and point me to the right direction where and what to look for to improve. I just started first exercise from Rob, and the bounces really feel natural with the thumb, but I can see this will take time. I hope I my hands can improve in a few years with this. This is really awesome. I didn't see any lessons in Drumeo telling me in details like this what to look for for a beginner in traditional grip like me. I can't wait to watch this again hopefully for the second exercise then the third. Awesome job, Rob! Thanks!

You are one of the greats music educators. Thanks for existing!

Thank you Rob. After many years playing matched grip, I have a strong desire to switch to traditional. I appreciate this informed video. Happy Holidays!

Thanks my Brother I've been using, this grip most of my life : and than recently change to match GRIP BUT IVE NEVER HAD ANY ONE TO SHOW OR TO TAKE THE TIME OUT TO EXPLAIN THE T, Grip thank you so MUCH

fantastic...the mistery of strength is lifted now

This lesson help me a lot....thanks for Your teaching Rob!!!

Thank you for sharing your insight and incredible gift as an educator

These are, in my opinion, the most concise, no BS drum videos on RU-vid!

Rob! Thank you go this man! Due to a wrist injury I need to start playing traditional grip and you have totally given me a new lease of life! This video is killer! You perfectly unravel and demystify the technique. You’ve saved me a lot of time, pain and confusion and I can get back to playing again. Deep respect and gratitude

Rob, One of the "Best Explanations" for traditional grip I have seen in years. Like you I watched other drummers hands to see how they held the sticks and the techniques used. I started out drumming in this style when I was 16 years old. Now I'm 69 and I'm still learning!! My all time favourite drummer,Joe Morello (RIP) is the guy I used to watch wherever I could. I also played in a Scottish pipe band for a couple of years. That helped tremendously.. There are times I wished I could play match grip as I see some of the speed and flexibility of the style but I always come back to traditional as that is what I know best. Brian Turner

Fantastic video Rob, just what I needed. Thanks for sharing the knowledge

I'm 57, been hitting things w/ sticks since I was old enuf to empty a wastebasket & turn it upside down. Gave it all up eventually, onedrink or onedrug@ a time, now I'm teaching the old dog new tricks. I really appreciate your easy to follow and informative vid! I'm not a natural student but you're a born teacher, and this tutorial was schooling me from beginning2end. ThankYou for it!!

Hey man. This is undoubtedly the best description on the traditional grip I have ever seen. Love it. I gave up on the traditional grip many years ago but I really want to get into Jazz so want to get back into it. I will be taking your tips to heart. Great job man.

Thanks Rob. Your video was very helpful, especially focusing on the thumb👍🏻

Excellent lesson. Thank you. Drum and Bugle Corps was how I first learned and practiced the traditional grip. No one ever explained the three points as you did so I can now refine what I learned with your lesson. Never too late to get better - (I’ll be 70 soon, if I make it.!).

Great video man! I started off playing metal but I'm all about jazz and big band now, so traditional has become my new favorite grip when practicing! I also love that you said you have to earn it which is so true!

By far THE best traditional grip lesson I have come across in my experience! This is It!!

Not only are you are a great fantastic teacher you are also a proffesor. I have learnt so much from your lessons. You are the only drum teacher needed to play drums. Thank you man.🙏🏾👍🏽🍻

The traditional grip technique that I’ve been playing for the longest time is me trying to transfer my marching snare technique directly over to drum set. This video makes me realize that there are in fact differences watching this whole video helped me become better playing traditional grip for drum set.

Excellent video! Thank you for this concise explanation. I've been playing traditional grip for about four years now but you gave me new ideas to work on.

Thorough explanation of how the traditional grip works; how the stick is held and manipulated using three fingers (well two fingers and the thumb). It clears a lot. Nice job. Thank you!

I've been trying to find a good lesson on this forever! Thank you for the great lesson. I'm a long time subscriber. Love the video's! Thanks again Rob!

Thanks for this vid, it was really quite helpful. I'm primarily a "rock" drummer, but I love so many amazing jazz/r&b/funk drummers as well. I started learning to use a trad grip about 3yrs ago, and this vid really helped me clear up a few trad. grip fundementals that I wasn't paying attention to. All the best man, thanks again!!!!

I have played traditional my whole life. I never thought about the ring finger at all! I always used the first finger and thumb as the motor. Good info

rob you are a trully great teacher . your vids are my go to all the time . thank you and keep up the great tutorials

the last exercise is like a one handed Moller exercise. Thanks for the tips. I've always wanted to learn traditional grip. Your process is very accessible and common sense. Thanks again.

Feel like I owe this man money. Thanks again rob!

Absolutely legendary bro!! I searched every single video about traditional grip on RU-vid just like you did, thanks so much for making this amazing video which explained everything I wanna know!

Man, AWESOME tutorial. It's one of the best things I've ever seen in RU-vid. Thumbs all the way up!!! It has helped me a lot through the painful process of learning this new technique for me. Thanks so much for putting the time and effort to create this video.

Pretty awesome and straight forward video. very helpful. Thank you so much!

you are the man sir! I have been working on it for a few months on and off getting very frustrated! That "pocket" tip for the thumb was spook awesome! I instantly was able to hold a simple single stroke or double stroke roll! you da man, and thanks for taking the time to explain it super simple!

really great lesson Rob! Can't wait to start applying the gems you have dropped here. Thanks again from Buffalo NY!!

Love your videos man! Thanks for the awesome instruction. Been trying to develop my traditional grip for a while. Got myself a practice pad and now I can do exercises watching TV.

I've played traditional grip my whole life (started @ 8 I'm 57), your video's a big help, the stuff I should have been working on all these years. Better late than never. Thanks, solid.

Best explanation on the internet. Thanks man.

I am from Australia but lived many years in Texas . I was judge at the Drum Off at the Guitar Center and yes I was impressed when traditional grip was used (extra points ) , the trick is make it look easy . We are are all impressed by Buddy and Gene ,they are the inspiration. Thanks again Rob.

Thank you, Mr. Brown, for that friendly clear lesson. Best wishes from Germany.