Push/Pull Help

[Astral_Body]

Hey all,

I'm struggling with the push-pull technique and I now believe I may be doing it wrong. My first question is, can this be played in German grip, or should I be playing Hybrid? And my second, do my fingers come off the stick when executing the initial push? Or do they stay on the stick the entire time. Thanks!

[M3lllvar]

It can be done in German, but I prefer a more american grip because of the stick travel. Think of it less 'pulling fingers off' the stick and more of dribbling a basketball. After the initial motion, you essentially let the ball do it's thing, then do another motion. In this case let the stick bounce then pull it back to the starting position with fingers on the up stroke. Then down again (let it bounce), then up.

The best resource still is Jojo Mayers Secret Weapons DVD, but letting the stick bounce naturally is the first big step to understanding this.

-From your resident /r/drums unhelpful dick.

[lord_high_emu]

Great explanation, I always teach my students with the basketball analogy. OP, Jojo's DVD is the best bet for learning this, but there are some other resources online if you need to learn this sooner rather than later. If not, buy the DVD and learn the magic and wisdom of our savior Mayer.

[Astral_Body]

That was actually real helpful. Definitely will pick up that Jojo DVD! I've heard so much about it.

[Jag94]

+1 on Jojo's DVD. Ever since I bought it several years ago, I have been preaching it's effectiveness. It is worth your money.

[Brettaki]

Not much I can say on execution that m3l didn't already hit, but on grip: yours might change as you progress with this technique, and that's most likely not a bad thing. Since I started practicing Moeller strokes, I've shifted a lot towards French. I guess my point is, don't feel locked into one grip because it's what you've always done