Learn How To Play The Moeller Method
The Moeller method is a technique to help a drummer increase his speed. There are different strokes in this method, like the down stroke, tap stroke, full(free) stroke, and up stroke. The Moeller Method originated way back in early 1900s. Sanford Moeller developed this technique by observing the civil war drummers. He spent several years in learning how the civil war drummers held their sticks and played for days without being hurt or tired. After he understood the technique he went on to teach it to excellent players like Jim Chapin. Moeller only gathered the techniques and taught it to other drummers, however it was Jim Chapin who promoted this technique and reached out to a large number of people.
Every professional drummer has benefited by learning the Moeller Method. This method helps a drummer to have a better grip and control over the sticks. In this method, your stick grip is very important. Before you get down to drumming, find the correct grip and the balance point also known as the fulcrum point of the grip. To find the fulcrum point, hold the stick in your hand and bounce off the drum, the point in which most bounces take place is your fulcrum point.
Lets take a look at the various stokes that are used in the Moeller Method.
Full Stroke
The Full Stroke starts high and finishes high. After striking the stick on the drumhead, follow it back up into the starting position. Don't pull the stick back up with your wrists, but follow the natural bounce of it. Your hand will just act as a guide for the stick.
Tap Stroke
The Tap Stroke starts low and finishes low, the same principles apply to this stroke as to the full stroke. Let this stick move naturally, the weight of the stick hitting the drumhead will bring it back up into the starting low position. A tap stroke is only followed by another tap stroke or an up stroke.
Up Stroke
The Up Stroke starts low and finishes high. The Up Stroke is always followed by a down stroke or a full stroke. An Up Stroke cannot be followed by a tap as you are finishing in the high playing position.
Down Stroke
The Down Stroke starts high and finishes low. It is always followed by a tap stroke or an up stroke as you are ending low.
In one form or another, you are already playing these strokes. Sanford Moeller just oberserved what civil war drummers were doing; just knowing and understanding it will make you better off as a drummer as you continue studying the Moeller Method.
In 2005 Mike Michalkow released his Moeller Method Secrets DVD which dispells alot of the myths and mis-information that is out there. It comes highly recommended to LearnHowToPlayDrums.com.
Do you want to learn drums? Visit LearningDrums.com for more information.
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