I play both. My grip with the right hand is equally comfortable in German (back of hand up) or French (with the tumb up). My left hand matched is only really comfortable in German. If I had to do it all over again, I would start matched in the French style and play open handed. It is so much more versatile on a full kit.

I still like to play traditional grip though. Almost a guilty pleasure.

I'm a "traditional grip" player, simply because that's the way I was taught and that style works for me. If I was starting out today, I've no doubt I would be using a matched grip approach. I don't think there's a "right way". Use what works for you, your style and genre of music you play. Still, there was always something special when watching Buddy play with his traditional grip. Just looked really cool!

Mark

I make noise with matched grip. I tried the wrist-shaking deal with the traditional grip and don't like it. I can't hit the drums and cymbals as hard as humanly possible holding the stick like that, and that is a downer to me as a guy who has to substitute skill and chops with sheer volume and enthusiasm..Falling Do

have a wonderful evening

Drumhack Burger Kinx-mas2The BandToilet

I'd have to agree that there is no right or wrong.

I've heard Buddy Rich say the same thing. In fact, I think he justified it by saying something to the effect of, (and I'm paraphrasing here) "Give a child, two sticks and they'll automatically use a match grip. Traditional grip just isn't natural."

Of course, that's not what he says here but in true "Jazz" fashion....that's the way it goes tonight!

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0V4Aqs2D48[/ame]

I use traditional grip for all Jazz and Big Band and match for rock or metal, which I hardly play anymore. If you would like to see use of both grips to near perfection, check out one of my instructors, Seth Davis on youtube.

Actually I think which ever grip works best for you is best. But if you're starting to play drums today I'd recommend matched by all means, German or French, but def. matched. Strictly from an ergonomic standpoint matched is mechanically superior.

But if you've played traditional for years your probably really proficient at playing that way and it would be counterproductive to try to switch.

I just watched a Styx show on Palladia and their drummer Todd Sucherman (yeah, I googled it) was switching between traditional and matched grip throughout the show. It seemed like he played traditional most of the time, but switched to matched grip for the power stuff, outro's and Phil Collin's double stick tom runs.

Not pertinent to the thread, but this guy was a beast and I am not sure how I have not caught wind of this cat until now........

Traditional grip all my life except in band in 1962.... LOL i would love a video of Buddy Rich telling Ginger baker he was doing it wrong with the traditional grip good chance Buddy would have gotten punched in the nose..... lol

Buddy Rich and Ginger Baker going at it! That's a brawl I'd pay good money to see! :p

John

He is a beast indeed.