Types Of Drumsticks

• • • Sticks — Most often, drummers use standard, basic sticks.
    • Brushes — Brushes are quieter than sticks and used for soft effects. You’ll hear them in jazz, pop, and ballads.
    • Mallets — Mallets are used with several percussion instruments and are capable of producing a variety of sounds.
    • Rods — Rods are louder than a brush but quieter than a stick. They’re excellent for low-volume acoustic performances.

Stick sizes are generally categorized by a letter and a number. The number represents the circumference, and the letter indicates the size and application. The lower the number, the thicker the stick. In general, thicker sticks (5A) are heavier than thinner sticks (7A). The weight of your drumsticks affects how they feel and sound. While thicker, heavier sticks provide more volume and durability, lighter sticks are thinner and easier to handle. Heavier sticks are a good choice where a lot of projection is needed, whereas lighter sticks are better for situations where finesse is required. The type of music you’re playing should indicate the weight of drumsticks you need. Aside from thickness, the typical applications of drumsticks are represented by the letters S, B, and A.

• • • “S” sticks are heavy and intended for street performances such as marching band.
    • “B” sticks are easy to control and used by many rock drummers.
    • “A” sticks are ideal for lower volume situations in a jazz combo or orchestra.
    • For instance, while heavy 2B sticks are perfect for rock music, 7A sticks produce a lighter sound more fitting for jazz. It may require some experimentation, but in the end, there’s nothing like playing with sticks designed for your kind of drumming. Finding drumsticks that complement your style is essential to entirely express your musical identity.