After 30+ years of drumming, I'm slowly getting comfortable with traditional grip. I find ghost notes are easier to execute with you this grip.

It might be worth pointing out that the only, *only* reason traditional grip exists at all is due to the slant of a hip-mounted snare. If your snare is not tilted at such an angle there is no logical reason to use traditional grip. Of course, logic will only get you so far...:)

Mitch

The origins of traditional grip came from war drums( drummers leading armies into battle).Any marching snare has a hang angle to it from the snare weight vs. shoulder strap.If matched grip were used in this circumstance the elbows would be raised thus making a larger target for the enemy to shoot at.So...some smart drum sargent thought if i play the left stick on an angle between the thumb notch and between the four fingers it lowers the left hand/shoulder and also makes it easier to play(hang angle wise),but you can still grip the right stick in a normal manner with that angle..It also made for a smaller target to be shot at.That `s why old school drum set players tilted the snare in the same manner as it fit the traditional grip with both hands. I know this seems bizarre but then again...new ideas at the time always are,until proven effective.

Wayne

Some people say you cannot hit hard enough with traditional grip. I ask them to watch Cozy Powell's videos and then get back to me...[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrnzBPcXi1o"]Rainbow Still Im Sad Cozy Powell drum solo Live 1977 HD - YouTube[/ame]

Great article here on the subject -

http://www.moderndrummer.com/site/2012/09/md-education-team-traditional-grip/

I think if you read all the various answers, and based on your limited time to practice, you'll end up choosing matched. Notice the guys who have studied the physics of it lean toward matched. While you can certainly hit real hard with traditional, you can also certainly hit harder with matched.

OTOH why not fool with it a bit at the end of each session just for fun. It is different, so might lead to more ideas, it looks cool, and any audience will automatically assume you actually know how to play jazz. :)

Maybe just don't get hung up on doing it "right" - I'm sure there's whole volumes of really strict edicts where you won't even want to play drums anymore haha.

Now here's Tony Royster Jr. playing so fast it looks fake.

[edit] I just noticed, with all the subtle ghost notes he's left-handing...he's using the butt end of the stick!

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57WkddSWFig"]Performance Spotlight: Tony Royster Jr. - YouTube[/ame]

Mitch

the one thing I think that matched grip has going for it when it comes to the drum set is it is more natural to play ambidextrous; for example, using the left hand for ride patterns

Super, some terrific feedback and video's. The Modern Drummer article provides some great debate points and opinions. Just when I think that's it - I'll concentrate on the matched, someone else makes some valid arguments for keeping traditional in the mix! Brush work, to me, seems like one of the best reasons to maintain some traditional skills. Guess it's time to stop talking, and put the time in with the sticks in hand - one way or the other! For all of the knocks on drummers and drumming, and the skill or lack thereof required to play - I will forever defend the time, effort and dedication needed to really become proficient. It ain't easy!!