The ONLY 3 drumsticks a beginner needs 

As a jazz guy I recommend the SD4, the AJ3 and the 7a.

5A hickory for playing. 5B hickory for sticking drills. Also splash sticks for not pissing off my neighbours. Nice video!

I started with Pro Mark 5B but then switched to Vic Firth 5B because they are less expensive and do the job as well. After this video I might try out some 5A Maple and/or Hickory sticks out of curiosity. As I should work on my technique anyway, that might help. Thanks for that video! Edit: I completely forgot I used Vater 5B after the Pro Mark sticks and only then ended up with Vic Firth.

I agree with you, however I usually warm up with 5B's and then to 5a maple at 62 & 54 years of playing it sure makes and keeps drumming a BLAST!!

Like the Firth's also. 5As are standard but for light work 7A hickory, nylon tip sticks are my go to.

No one uses Oak!? I use Pro Mark oak 747 or Neil Peart sticks which are just a bit longer. Hickory just feels too light to me. Funny I used the Peart's long before I knew who he was. haha.

Wow! I'm kinda embarrassed. I've been playing a long long time and I didn't know that I can get maple sticks. And I need for the same reason that you do. I play some restaurant gigs that require less than heavy playing. I'm definitely going to try some out. Thanks! 🥁❤️

Vater 2bs for extended work and VF Corpsmaster Hammers for strength and endurance building. They are heavy!

Appreciate your time and efforts to promote the drum art into masses:-)) grateful for sharing your expert skills

I use the Vic Firth 5A freestyle hickory. I prefer them because they are 17" long.

7A maple for me, I'm an old broad so I need light sticks.

I personally mainly use either Vic Firth Nova 5Bs or 2Bs. It depends on the day or what I grab from my bag first 😅

Here's a trip! Wood coathanger mfg.'s know there's alot weight hangin so I they make the cross bar from maple, I use them for a little quieter finish or practice. Yes, they are thinner, but really fly, and the price is right! But expensive to the mfg. So they started using an underwire to support a cheaper crossbar. Thought you might find this one interesting.

Thanks to a prior lesson of yours I started using the 5A maple sticks. It’s helped me be more fluid around the kit. I also will us the 7A as well. Vic Firth 🤘🏻🤘🏻

Just started playing and realize now why there are so many types of sticks. Thank you for a great lesson,it answered a lot of questions.

I only use 5A Vic Firth's since I started drumming. I can recommend an really heavy stick to develop speed!!!

I'm hooked on promark active grip rebound 5b at the moment love them

Thanks Stephen. Have been watching you during pandemic shutdown. Always learn a lot. So grateful you created a pdf of your lessons. Thanks from Chris in San Francisco

I have a few pairs of maple “Knocker Rockers” I bought in the 80’s / 90’s: they’re butt at both ends. I’ve hardly used them because they’re so much shorter than the sticks I usually use. Will definitely give them a thorough workout soon! Nothing sound better than rimshots with a heavier stick, like a 2B!

Dude you rock!! Your practice guide and for that matter you have helped my drumming journey advance

My usual stick is the Vic Firth Benny Greb signature - it's basically a hickory 5B with a different tip. The taper might be modified, too. When I need a lighter touch, I like the Meinl Stick and Brush Concert SD2 in maple. It's kind of like the VF SD2 Bolero but it has a longer taper and a barrel tip. I find that as the sticks get lighter I prefer the larger diameter. Sometimes I use the VF Perter Erskine Ride Stick.

Yeah I've been playing for quite a while I'm older but I really appreciate a lot of this stuff it even after playing for 30 plus years I'm learning a lot

ive found my favorite after a long time of not realizing the difference it can make I use a slightly longer stick

Vic Firth we’re also my first pair I bought my first practice pad at Guitar Center. AND I have noticed, over the year of watching you, that’s what you use! So, that’s good enough for me. Now looking for the 5A Maple.

I would recommend choosing 5A sticks from Vic firth. It’s perfect balance between rebounds and power. Great sticks for beginners. But really, all I can say is that it’s up to you to choose whether it’s your perfect pair. 5A doesn’t have to be a perfect pair for beginner but recommended for beginners for those who don’t know anything about drumsticks sizes in terms of diameter, tips, taper, or length. In general, most common drumsticks companies have lengths in 16 inches like American classic 5A or 5B are in 16 inches in length and medium taper. Diameter for vic firth 5A is 0.565 inches and 5B in 0.595 inches. Every company makes it differently like promark forward 5A and 5B, their are classics and they have short taper and oval tip. Promark’s forward 5A diameter is 0.551 inches and 5B is 0.59 inches in promark. Diameter differences varies by companies. Vater 5A in general have a diameter of 0.565 inched and 5B in 6.05 inches. Vater really identify diameters of 5A and 5B depending on their name of model. Power 5A would be 0.58 inches in diameter for example meant for big diameter more power hence the name. Taper difference too also varies by companies. Promark also has rebound series which equals to Vic firth American classic 5A and 5B. Every drummer has different preference of feel when it comes to choosing drumsticks which also depends on the style of music you play. I personally prefer 3A which is a balance between 5A and 5B but short taper and some more length is good for me. Great for fusion, rock and metal. I have a ton of drumsticks from vic firth, promark, and vater. I just love doing stick models collection of any stick brands like classic models and signature models. All companies also offer nylon tip of the original model but it’s cost a few extra cents or dollars depending on how companies would charge for nylon tip due to more labor. Nylon tip just brightens your sound on the drums. Vic firth classic used to be $9.99 but now up a dollar which is $10.99. Most of the vic firth classic, custom, heritage, etc sticks I have for a long time all cost $9.99 way before that change. Vic firth signature sticks price hasn’t change, still $11.99 for wood tip or $12.49 if the signature model does offer Nylon tip like Steve Gadd, Dave Weckl, Omar Hakim, Alex Gonzalez. Jack Dejohnette, Danny Carey, Buddy Rich, and Ralph Hardimon. Signature sticks I know have nylon tip. Ralph Hardimon is $12.99 because it’s a marching signature sticks with nylon tip along with John Mapes but for Tenor. Vic firth signature corpsmater marching and tenor sticks models is $12.49. Ralph Hardimon also offers Nylon tip Tenor sticks which is also for $12.99. The only vic firth American classic model that the price haven’t change is the 5B chop out sticks. It’s still is $10.49. Meant for practice anywhere if you don’t have a drum pads. Anyway, hope this information helps you guys. Promark original sticks price went up dramatically it is now $4 more. It used to be $10.99 for forward or rebound 5A but now it’s $14.99 a pair. The signature sticks for promark price is up $5. My Rick Latham sticks is originally $12.99 but now it’s $17.99 a pair. Promark charges $2-3 extra for activegrip and firegrain so even the signature sticks with activegrip like Mike Portnoy 420X went from $15.99($12.99 for signature series+$3 on activegrip) to $19.99 and Tim Fairbanks which is $14.99($12.99 for signature series+$2 for firegrain) to $19.99 now. Claus Hessler is combination between activegrip and firegrain. His model is originally $16.99($12.99 for signautre model+$2 for activegrip+$2 for firegrain) but now it’s $21.99. Neil Peart model went from $14.99 to $22.99 according to promark website. It’s signature oak. Enough with the drumstick finances, Don’t let the price throw you off on choosing sticks. Maybe any model can work for you as long as you are comfortable with it even if it means paying big money for it. Hope that one also helps, know the price of a drumsticks earlier before getting yourself a pair anyway from any music store like guitar center just make sure you are willing to pay for the pairs of sticks you are willing to consider this model your perfect pair if you are checking out. You should also roll the sticks to make sure the stick stays straight cause it its not then somebody might have uses this stick in store and try it on the drum set which creates marks on the sticks like the demo sticks before you do so guitar center offer demo sticks for drummers to try on the demo drum kit, look at the wood quality to determine its durability if the wood have different marks or looks on the wood that might means not that durable even if it’s made out of hickory, maple, or oak. Test them out on pad the store offer for sound, feel, and making sure it’s perfect pitch. All these things or criteria to go through before buying a pair of drumsticks. Hope this one helps in terms of looking for the best drumsticks. Make sure you don’t mix the sticks to avoid confusion, getting overcharged, and annoy the employees in the drum shop or the drum department employees at guitar center with having to sort them all out. Just put it back where it belongs after you test them. Hickory is the best choice and most popular choice for drummer. The weight is balanced and the tone is balanced. Maple is light for weight and sound. Oak is much heavier and more dense. Meant for dense sound and more durability. The length of the sticks determines the weight or feel the most. It gives you more leverage and reachability like people with short arm would need a lengthier sticks to have access to the kit. Length adds weight to the sticks too like American classic X5A it’s half inches more than 16 inches so it’s 16.5 inches. The feel of an X5A kind of feel more like a 5B based on how I feel from playing X5A despite the model name. The tip determines the sound you wanted to have like acorn tip, barrel tip, round tip, etc depending on the sound you are looking for when you hit the drums. Diameter represents your grip and feel. I personally don’t believe bigger sticks in terms of bigger diameter give you better finger control which is true too. Some drummer can play fast with lighter sticks because of their hand size. It’s just your feel that counts instead of the concept. Taper represents the agility of the sticks depending on how to strike the sticks or techniques , medium taper balances power and rebound, short taper gives more of a power, and long taper gives more of a finesse or speed. The shaft represent overall straightness and fulcrum point to holding a drumsticks which is almost from butt end to middle of the shaft. Just choose your sweet spot. Don’t hold it under or over because you have lack of rebound and feels uncomfortable so around the middle(between the shaft in the middle to butt end of the sticks is usually a general sweet spot but you have your own way of determining the sweet spot of holding a stick. Some prefer a bit low which is fine like Emanuelle Caplette. Hope this guide to perfect pair of sticks help you on your drum journey.

Very nice and informative video. But if you really want to get more of a Bonham sound you should use 2b sticks. But 5b is more versaille and better for my playing. You really have to get used to 2b cause they are so much heavier than 5a for example.

So i have for a long time Promark Hickory 5A ActiveGrip Rebound Sticks for practice on a pad, but i think i would try out an lighter one may of marple or thinner ones 7A. Nice to see it in action thanks for that video.

Thanks as always! Great topic. These are my three basic stick types as well. I also have a pair of ahead 5A aluminum / nylon that I use on my electric kit. I really like the feel. Somewhere in between the standard 5A and the 5B. I'm also a Vic firth guy so those would be the sticks I'm comparing against

please do a video on the use of no2 and no7 sticks also the different shaped tips

I haven't given it much thought on what sticks to use. With you comparing these three stick types, it has given me valuable insight on the subject. The difference in sound between the three is noticeable and I'm sure the feel is different as well. I have always used Promark PW5BW oak sticks but I will definitely buy the other two stick types and see how I play with them. I have to say, your videos lately have been hitting the nail on the head for me. As a self taught drummer that hasn't advanced as much as I would like to, this information is gold. Thank you for making great videos. Keep up the good work!

I like the 5A hickory dipped from Zildjian a lot. I also have a 5B maple that I use on practice pad, but mainly because they have my football team emblem on them. That I like them, plus was a cool Xmas gift a few years back; nice and light weight.

why not 2b or marching sticks for heavier ones?

I use the Vic Firth Buddy Rich model and work predominantly in a wedding band where I have to play multiple styles of music and I’ve found them to be very versatile

vic firth freestyle 5b/5a, Promark Rebound (I personally like "long" rebound) and vic firth extreme 5b or vater power for a little more length. I've recently started using Promark BYOS Signature marching sticks for the practice pad.

The first sticks I bought when I started playing about 18 months ago were VF Amercian Classic Hickory 5A because all my reading and viewing about sticks said they're the way to go, and I agree that they're great sticks. I discovered that I really like the Zildjian 5A Hickory, though - they just feel very good in my hand. I recently picked up a pair of ProMark Firegrain 7A, though, and I'm intrigued. The "grippiness" of the finish is interesting, but I'll have to try a 5A pair before deciding whether I really like it.

i have 4 sets myself. vic firth american classic 1a’s came with my drumset(kat kt2 with all expansions and a mapex double pedal) i bought off a buddy, vic firth american classic 7a’s(3backup sets) are my main practice set for accuracy and learning songs, on-stage 5a hickory for jamming to most stuff(were a christmas gift along with a kt1 practice pad), and promark 7a hammer tips for softer stuff(given to me by an awesome former coworker). plan on getting some ray luzier signatures eventually as im a big fan of his. im more into funk and punk as far as drumming.

Love your work and feeling inspired. I’m a very skinny Asian getting started like a month. I’m getting thumb pain both hands after a day of 5hr+ practice. I’m searching through the internet and couldn’t find people with the same problem. It might be a possibility of I’m using a 5A Hickory that cause the issue? Should I try something with lighter weight like the 5A maple?

I've been a fan of vic firth 5As since 1997. I started using their AH5A version for a number of years now, and I really like how the maple feels.

I started with 5A maple simply because those came with my kit. Changed to 5A Hickory because for the extra weight. Many people want simple recipes to follow and the best simple recipe is "TRY". Now I play 7A oak from Tama, and 5A Oak if I want more weight. Most shops have a practice pad near the sticks so people should just try sticks. What Steve says makes all sense but depending what and how people play there may be better options, including for beginners.

747 Forwad. Use to play 5A hickory but they just don’t last when your heavy on the backbeat. I never new about the maple, going to have to give them a try, Take 5 just dosent sound right with heavier sticks no matter how light you try to play, nice info as always.

I started with Vic Firth 5a sticks , then I tried 7a but switch back to 5's... and gradually I moved to 5B's when my technique got more and more refined and good (Vic Firth, and at one point I used the Chad Smith's Funk Blasters for more power as a rock drummer) And now I'm using Vic Firth Rock model sticks (My favorite and main stick), maybe I'll buy the Christoph Schneider signature model (Rammstein drummer) for warm ups. As for the tips, I prefer the big oval shaped tips (as the Vic Firth Rock)... they have a very dark, full and powerful sound around the set (my opinion)

I like the weight and feel of the Mabel Sticks, especially the 7a's.

I like to have 7's and 5's in my bag. However one thing to think about. If you have a hybrid kit like mine with Zildjian A's or any metal cymbals for that matter and triggered mesh heads those wood tip will eat the heads if chipped. Nylon tips for me every time.

Your lessons are awesome! Thanks for sharing.

i use 7a for lighther songs and 5bs for harder stuff, but all sticks are oak

Funny. I have a bunch of the AH5B's. I also love the MCJ4, which are Maple Barrel tip. These and the AJ1 which have a RIDICULOUS taper!

I am a 14 month drummer, who was looking for s quieter stick, so 7A fit the bill at first, but my large hand didn't like the thinness. So glad i discovered the 5A maple, and i use them as my go to stick for contemporary Christian music

Meinl 2b Heavy. Love em!

Good vid 👍🏻 i should definitely try out some 5A's which i haven't yet, did not realize maples are lighter thx for the tip

Is it also possible to play lighter with maple sticks on electric drums or will it not make a difference?

I only play with Vic Firth Buddy Rich Signature sticks…

Great insight! I've never really thought about the difference in sticks. I'm going to try all 3 of those models out. By the way, what is that chain thing setting on your snare? It sounds great!

I use 3 models, 7a, 5a, and a marching weight stick, I practice the same thing with each stick. ✌🏼

Might go-to softer tone stick is a hickory 7A. But I think I'll start checking out Maple sticks

My brand of sticks is zildjian, My favourite series is the artist series.

I've never truly practiced with legitimate drum sticks before. I know a bit about different stick types. But my thing is I've been practicing with a pair of Vic Firth 8D Hickory sticks and I'm wondering if they're holding me back with my doubles even though I'm able to stay on time with 2/1 300bpm that is, until my weak left hand skips a beat. Should/can i keep practicing with the heavier thicker sticks or would it benefit me *more* to move closer to a "neutral" stick. Note* I can still play doubles on my leg without blasting it to a red mush.

I use Vater Fusion. A little heavier than 5A I think and I prefer the small round tip over acorn shaped. Have recently bought some in maple having heard you talk about the benefits of maple for playing quieter and really like them. A question from me. Is there a reason why you prefer 5B hickory over 5A oak for heavier hitting? Does the size make a difference as well as the weight?

I will always prefer the 5a extreme. They are a bit longer and have a nice weight for my likings

I'm just a beginner but I actually like 5a hickory. However, when I get good enough to be confident and play in church, maple sounds like a better choice.

Turning the sticks other way around produces the different sense of the same sticks:-))

I only need 1 pair, I only got 2 hands. 5A, hickory, super basic, no hipster-Starbucks bull needed here.

The best drum stick review

I always strayed away from 5Bs early on because they always felt so heavy and so much louder,. Glad I wasn't crazy lol. Not a great jazz stick

Hey Stephen, nice video as always. I just wanted to know if youve planned a video on fulcrum point "index vs middlefinger". Ive heard from several experienced drummers now that middle is way better than doing it with your index. Do you have any opinions on that? would love to have your input on that "issue"

Hm. I only use VF AJ5-Hickory Sticks because my hands are really small. I feel comfortable with these extremely thin sticks. I still consider myself a beginner and I can only practice on an electric kit. Is there anything wrong with this?

Size of sticks depends of the size of your hands. For example, 5As are just too small for me. I would grip to hard to prevent the sticks from flying away.

Do you ever find a use for the Hot Rod type sticks? I was thinking of those for practicing at home just to keep things a bit quieter...

I've been playing before you were born so i don't know what you're video is doing here been playing since 1996 not having a go at you you're a good teacher it's probably coming from the African drumming community in Melbourne who I've fallen out with after a decade and they are bitter but keep up the great work Stephen

I like ahead drumsticks

Promark Mike Portnoy-420

This guy definitely knows his stuff. However, don’t pigeonhole yourself into just using five sticks. Try everything, find what you like, try 7’s, 8’s, 2’s 5b extremes. Try all sizes you’ll find one you like…

promark 747 forward... hit like hammers. probably not the best to start with but I'm a masochist. >:/