Antonio Sanchez: Cymbal Technique

Antonio Sanchez teaches a method that worked for him to develop a great cymbal sound. This is an excerpt from a master class he gave at Berklee College, which you can view here:
• Antonio Sanchez Master...

[@BeTheDrum]

Please note Antonio mentions at the end he doesn't play using the grip he shows here... he suggests it for practice, in order to develop control and strength, while allowing the cymbal to sound good. If you watch him playing, you'll see he holds the stick in a "playing" position.

[@zvensabri2533]

Antonio Sanchez it's the best drummer thank you for your lessons

[@tmaddrummer]

I recently watched Tony Williams demonstrate his much tighter grip that he said gave himself the best control of the stick, so to each his own. Thanks and Blessings!!!

[@tmaddrummer]

Can_Man the Tony video I watched was from a clinic and he said that he gripped his sticks tightly for better control and I thought that I was hearing it wrong?

[@provocase]

I saw TW explain in a clinic here on YT that he holds his sticks with the back of his hand - ring and pinky finger - instead of a "classic" fulcrum grip of index and middle finger. And that for him it was more about putting a conscious effort in lifting the stick with the hand, rather than playing off of rebound with the wrist. He said nothing about having a tighter grip on the stick themselves - as far as I got it. He didn't choke the sticks. He had a loose grip too, just with two different fingers.

[@tmaddrummer]

@@provocase Since then, about 4 years ago, I find that I am now doing this, and it I think it came to me without conscious effort. I don't take the sticks that way all the time, but when I do, I have noticed that it affords me more powerful strokes. Interestingly, I realize that this grip is not tight when the butt of the stick is wedged into the lowest outside corners of the palms of my hands using only ring and pinky fingers to anchor down the sticks. I'm glad you said something about all this because my initial comment was according to the post was 4 years ago, and like the times, I too have changed, but for the better. Peace and Blessings Drum Brother.

[@mikeweiser2210]

Thanks David Blaine!

[@rhythmfield]

Unusual approach but no question: the cymbal sound really opened up

[@MassimoDiscepoli]

yes, the stick rebounds more faster, thus making contact with the cymbal for a shorter time and allowing it to vibrate more

[@louiscarrillo5873]

right on

[@samhenry6593]

if it works for him that is all that matters

[@webstercat]

His right when closed is where the hitch is.

[@ebaykevin]

I’m not convinced. The difference I think is that you are playing harder with the looser grip. That is why more sound comes out. I agree with everything else you said, including the basic fulcrum grip but for me that grip is for better articulation. All that said, you are still hands down one of my favorite drummers.

[@thehammer5200]

If you play on a complex cymbal you will definitely hear a difference in choked and loose playing.

[@xenprovence6126]

Pointing out a "Drummers Muscle" as proof of practice is unfortunate. It could also mean that he is squeezing and releasing the stick as he plays rather than guiding the stick with a relaxed hand form. I doubt very much a violinist would be proud of holding the bow with a constantly changing grip. More often than not, talented drummers get away with bad technique for a while, but as they age they just get stiff.

[@BeTheDrum]

that's a good point, thanks

[@Dogdrum]

Yeah, I was quite taken aback by his "drummer's muscle" point.

[@2utheo]

I dig Antonio's playing but this technique flies in the face of what Tony Williams had to ssy about his technique.

[@jamessholtz6016]

More than 9 ways to skin a cat

[@acedrumminman]

Don't try that in a Big Band...

[@danicaride]

lol

[@farshimelt]

Don't "play" that way. It's just to help you loosen your grip on the stick and allow it to rebound naturally. This is just one of several ways to achieve that.