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traditional grip verses matched

 
The subject of traditional grip verses matched has always been asked of me from my  drum set students. 

I have always answered them in this same way:

In the times when a drummer went into the battlefield to signal the movement of troops, it was easier for them to utilize the traditional grip. The terrain was not smooth like a parade ground but could involve hills, thick brush and what we would consider hiking conditions. The drummer had to move quickly and play with his drum on his hip which made traditional grip imperative and matched grip awkward. 

When seated at the drum set it makes much more sense to have a balanced and consistent method of controlling your sticks from hand to hand instead of a different style for each. That is why the grip is called matched! 

Multi- percussionists have multiple drums and accessories in their set up - from timbales, timpani to mallets. Matched grip is the only practical way to play these instruments.

Thomas Lang, a very accomplished drummer, has summed all this up for us in the following video. (below)

It is interesting to see a guy that was previously a hard set traditional gripper changing his tune and admitting that matched is better suited for our bodies in the long run.

If you have any doubt on the subject – this video is going to answer all your questions.





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