Developing a Strong Fulcrum | Snare Drum Technique

The Fulcrum | Snare Drum Technique
www.jonathancu...
In this video I discuss the role of the fulcrum in greater detail. Often, technical weaknesses in our hands come down to a weakness in our fulcrum, be it physical or in our understanding of it. By increasing our awareness of the role of the fulcrum within our own grip, and dedicating some time to strengthening it physically, our hand technique will improve alongside it.
Weak-hand Studies in the Snare Drum Virtuoso were purpose written to address weaknesses in the fulcrum. Read more here: www.jonathancu...
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One-to-one lessons available for drum kit and solo snare drum, conducted in the studio or online via video call.
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[@cornsail]

I've watched a number of TH-cam videos on grip, single strokes, and double strokes.. I even bought Tommy Igoe's "Great Hands for a Lifetime" DVD. Your videos are much more helpful than everything else I've seen. I could go on a rant, but I won't. Anyway, I finally feel like I'm making progress, so thank you. Look forward to checking out your book

[@JCurtisDrums]

Thank you very, very much. It’s wonderful to hear that. Keep in touch with your progress, and feel free to send any questions you may have. All the best!

[@Seetherfanlolpplwtf]

Brilliant tutorial! I am grateful.

[@JCurtisDrums]

You're very welcome.

[@poserp]

Nice! This is great because it's one of the only videos (maybe the only video) that starts to address the concept of how to switch fulcrums.

[@poserp]

Oh, and, WHY you would switch fulcrums. IMO there are whole worlds to explore in that topic.

[@JCurtisDrums]

Thanks. It’s an interesting topic, certainly. Thanks for the kind comment.

[@drumcrumble]

So pleased to come across this, one of the most informative and helpful guides I've seen about understanding the ins and outs of fulcrums.

[@JCurtisDrums]

Thank you for your kind words. I’m glad you found it helpful.

[@cormacmccoy1]

Really good and concise video! Basically what I try to teach in all of my drumkit classes

[@JCurtisDrums]

Thanks for the kind comment 🙏

[@cormacmccoy1]

@@JCurtisDrumsThanks for the video :D

[@redmillatdomburg]

Wow, you are a clear, careful, thorough, helpful teacher. Thanks so much for this useful video! Subscribed!

[@JCurtisDrums]

Thank you, and you’re very welcome. I hope you continue to find my videos helpful! Very best wishes, Jonathan 🙏

[@Fred2660]

I start to realize my fulcrum on both hands are weak and that is keeping me from progresion. I will work on the triplet accent exercise (with focus ;)) . Thanks a lot for these very good video's

[@JCurtisDrums]

Thanks for the comment Fred. I’m glad my videos are helping you. Keep in touch! www.jonathancurtis.co.uk

[@redmillatdomburg]

Thanks!

[@JCurtisDrums]

Thank you 🙏

[@ki.rakuman]

hello there, i'm having a bit of difficulity following this. basically, i can't 'engage' my backfingers. i bounce the drumstick with my wrist easily, but i can't move those backfingers like you do, and it just functions to stop and bounce the drumsticks back to my palm. i CAN engage those backfingers if my drumsticks are facing towards the sky, otherwise no.

[@JCurtisDrums]

Hi there. Learning to engage the fingers is one of the most important, and most difficult, aspects of developing strong technique. It is not something many drummers are taught to do well, and can be extremely difficult to learn later. There are a number of videos on my channel that address this, specifically this one: th-cam.com/video/aDaPGvI_EIY/w-d-xo.html
Beyond that, you may like to consider some lessons to address the issue specifically: www.jonathancurtis.co.uk

[@carguy3460]

My technique is better after a 20 min video. That's what I call pedagogy! Cheers!

[@JCurtisDrums]

Thank you very much, what a lovely comment. Be sure to explore the other technique-focused videos on my channel if you haven't already, and good luck with your own playing.

[@medallion39]

I have a hard time not pinching instead of leaving a gap

[@terryvitanza28]

Very nice video and ideas to explore! Thank you very much! Can I ask you a quick question? Just out of curiosity, what do you think about Tony Williams grip technique? From what I understand, he grips the stick from the last two (three?) fingers and not really using a fulcrum (and rebound) at all. It seems that he plays everything from the wrist only to get maximum control.

[@JCurtisDrums]

Thanks for the kind comments Terry.
Tony Williams was an incredible technician, and well renowned for his use of the rudiments. He was an outspoken advocate of practising them to improve one's technique and musical vocabulary.
The grip you are described stems from the Moeller days. Here, the little finger acts as a sort of hook while the rest of the hand throws the stick at the drum. The stick slides up and down the index finger rather than staying within a fulcrum, as you describe. This was used on field drums and in marching contexts where volume and power were paramount.
When you watch him play, he is very loose at the front of the hand some of the time, though I would argue that his grip adapts to what he is playing. There is plenty of footage of him using a fulcrum when playing more intricate material, often linked to the rudiments, and using the aforementioned approach when playing on the ride cymbal.
Ultimately, it's tools for the job. Tony Williams did not play solo snare drum repertoire. When he did, for practising purposes, he will have had to use a fulcrum. He changed his approach for the frenetic jazz ride material that he played, and his technique noticeable developed over time, as can be seen in the videos.
Interesting topic!

[@terryvitanza28]

@@JCurtisDrums Very interesting! Thank you so much! I really like your approach to the fulcrum and its importance to improve technique. I will definitely follow watch your next videos. :-)