12
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 floats above the pedal. With your heel off 
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.
The Basics of Playing
TD-4_e.book  12 ページ  2012年9月10日 月曜日 午後1時43分