DRUMS
5 ALTERNATIVES TO DRUM STICKS (THAT AREN’T HOT RODS) | Daniel Hadaway
I remember the first time I was introduced to NYLON RODS material as what goes into old-school brooms.
the bundles of wooden rods that are commonly These nylon rods sometimes look like traditional Broom sticks provide very light attack sound,
referred to now as Hot Rods. I was in the youth Hot Rods, albeit with nylon components but lots of body - especially when you play
worship band and the more mature, infinitely instead of wooden. Many times, these rods will rimshots on the snare!
patient worship leader handed me a pair and have an adjustable band of some type that you said “Why do you try using these tonight?” can move up and down the bundle of nylon to SOFT CYMBAL MALLETS
change the spread of the pieces. One of my I love to turn off the wires on my snare drum
Now we all know the reason why my worship favorite tricks with these is to position these and play a tom-based groove with soft cymbal
leader and many others came to rely on these adjustment bands in different places on the mallets. Combining these types of grooves with
Hot Rods: they kind of still sound like drum rod in each hand. For example, I might slide gentle crashes on big cymbals can add a really
sticks, but can sound much quieter. From the band down as close as possible to my right cool, almost “distant” sounding vibe to a song.
a drummer’s perspective, these rods have Sometimes I will turn my snares back on and
positive and negative qualiti es, but the key to switch to sticks partway through a song- which
making good use of any alternative to drum
sticks is to remember that they are used to not
only lower the volume of the drums (at least
in most cases), but also to provide a different
Many times,
is very strong and impactful way to support a
more “in-your-face” song arrangement.
I’ve found new
YOUR HANDS!
interest and Let’s not forget the least-expensive mallet ever
excitement in a your kit with your hands, you really should give
song that we’ve spend some time playing very gently with your
played dozens volume levels. Otherwise, playing with your
struggling at getting great sounds, try looking
techniques for how we play the drums too! of times simply So here are 5 alternatives to drum sticks to by changing out
sonic texture to the songs they’re used in.
With that in mind, having some alternatives
at our disposal can open up new possibilities
and new musical inspiration! Many times, I’ve
found new interest and excitement in a song
that we’ve played dozens of times simply by
changing out which types of sticks I use. These
alternatives also can inspire new methods and
consider adding to your own arsenal:
BRUSHES
Brushes might be my favorite alternative mallet
created - our hands! If you haven’t tried playing
which types of
it a shot! Keep in mind that you may have to
hands and slowly work your way up to higher
hands might get painful. If you try this and are
up some videos covering techniques for playing
congas/bongos. These techniques also work
great for playing drums with your hands.
BONUS TIP: MIX AND MATCH!
Some of my favorite overall drum-kit sounds
sticks I use.
have been created when I mixed and matched
for the drums. Having that fanned out collection
some of the above alternatives. For example, in
of nylon or metal wires provides so many
the intro to “Great Are You Lord” by All Sons &
options for sounds without having to switch out hand, so my hi-hat/ride cymbals have a bit Daughters, I play a Nylon Rod in my right hand
sticks in the middle of a song. The angle of your more definition (from the sound of the rods all (on the ride cymbal) and a Broom Stick in my
hands when playing, whether you play with just “clicking” together), and keep the band about left (for the snare drum). These combinations
the tip of the brush or the whole brush, how midway up my left-hand rod, to provide a bit of alternatives can be incredibly inspiring and
the brush is rotated in your hand, whether you more “body” when I play the snare drum. introduce new musical life into songs that
“bury” the brush in the head after striking it, and
we’ve played tons of times!
dozens of other factors can all provide virtually BROOM STICKS
unlimited sonic possibilities. Broom sticks are a fairly recent addition to
the mallet-world. These are exactly what they
sound like: a bundle of straw that is the same
June 2018
Daniel Hadaway
The Drum Coach. Professional drummer with All
Sons & Daughters. Daniel provides resources for
drummers, including a daily podcast
DanielHadaway.com
WorshipMusician.com
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