Introducing the Drum Set
8
The Basics of Playing
Drums are played using both hands and
both feet. Here we’ll explain how to hold
the sticks and use the pedals.

Holding the Sticks

The most common way to hold the sticks is
called the “matched grip” as shown in the
illustrations below.

Left hand

Right hand

Using the Kick Pedal

The kick pedal can be pressed in either of
two ways: “heel up” or “heel down.”

Heel down

In this method, the entire bottom of your
foot from heel to toe stays in contact with
the pedal. Use your ankle joint to make your
toes push down the pedal. This method
allows more precise control of the volume,
and is often used in jazz and bossa nova.

Heel up

In this method, your heel oats above the
pedal. With your heel o the pedal, lower
your entire foot to push down the pedal.
This method applies the full weight of your
foot to the pedal, making it easier for you
to produce a stronger sounds than the heel
down method. This is often used in rock
and pop.