Which Drumsticks To Use

Drumstick options can be overwhelming, so we’ve got some suggestions for starting up.

Now that you’ve purchased your drum set it’s time to choose your drumsticks.

The drumsticks you use make a huge difference in the sound and style you portray. If you need the dexterity and speed of a jazz drummer you’ll probably want to avoid a heavy pair like 2Bs or Vic Firth American Rock Classics. On the other hand, if you’re smashing cymbals and kicking out constant double bass rolls you’re going to need a thick stick - a 5A might break before you finish your first song.

At this point you may be asking, “What do these numbers and letters mean?”

The letters are generally broken down into three categories: A, B, and S (although there are plenty of specialty sticks out there, like the ones Tool’s Danny Carey has been known to play).

A stands for orchestra (yes, it should probably be “O” but it’s too late now for that), B stands for band, and S stands for street. The sizing follows the alphabet, meaning A is the lightest and S is the heaviest.

The numbers you see in drumstick listings refer to circumference.

Most often you’ll see a 2, 5, or 7. Strangely enough, the higher the number, the smaller the stick.

Beginners often start with 5As, but especially young learners might want to try out a 7A at the start. Lighter sticks are easier to learn proper grip with and how to get the bounce you need to play ghost notes and double/triple/etc. notes with one hand.

“I typically like to use 5A model sticks because they lend themselves well to being used in multiple playing situations. I may use tympani mallets, brushes, or rute sticks as well if the music calls for it,” says Lessonface drum teacher Kevin Lopez. “In general, I like to use equipment that's versatile.”

Here’s a clip of drum teacher Sara Landeau explaining the importance of fills and maintaining the bass drum as the pulse of the band and drum teacher Miles Ryan explaining the importance of how tightly (or loosely) you grip your sticks in order to get the proper bounceback.

One last consideration before you make your purchase: plastic or wooden tips?

There’s no right or wrong answer here. The best strategy is probably to buy two pairs of sticks in the size you feel works for you, one with wooden tips and the other with plastic. Each has its strengths - wood gives you more of a tonal richness and plastic doesn’t chip as easily - so you’ll probably want to have at least a pair of each anyway.

The most important thing to remember is that you can always change sticks. In fact, most drummers go through phases or use different sticks for different songs, as Lopez said above. Next local show you attend check out the drumstick bag many drummers keep on their floor tom. You’re likely to see at least a few different options.

There are also tons of brands to try out. Vic Firth is the best known, but there are plenty of others to consider. Lessonface drum teacher Todd Isler is sponsored by a younger brand called Agner, and based on his career, these sticks do the job.

“Agner is a Swiss company that is just getting established in the states,” Isler says. “They make a high quality stick, and I'm lucky they have brought me on board.”

What do you think? Tweet us @lessonface.