[Pre-gig sticking exercises for percussionists by Waywood Music]

Warm-Up & Stamina Exercises for Percussionists
v. Sticking Exercises

 

CAUTION:

ALTHOUGH the exercises below have been reviewed and approved by a qualified physiotherapist, PLEASE BE CAREFUL.

DO NOT ATTEMPT ANY OF THESE IF YOU KNOW THAT YOU HAVE A CONDITION, including bad back, joints which dislocate easily or muscle, bone or tendon disease WHICH WILL EITHER BE MADE WORSE, OR WHICH MAKES YOU SUSCEPTIBLE TO INJURY.

If in doubt, CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR OR PHYSIOTHERAPIST.

ALWAYS START GENTLY, EXERCISE CAREFULLY AND NEVER OVERDO IT. Strains, sprains, chronic muscle or tendon damage WILL NOT DO YOU ANY FAVOURS

 

Part 2: 'STICKING' WARM-UP: USING PRACTICE PADS

Hands and Fingers

Run through a variety of different STICKING patterns e.g., single-stroke roll, double-stroke roll, paradiddles, flams.

  1. a. Start each pattern slowly, concentrating on constant speed and force of stroke.
  2. b. When relaxed, stop.
  3. c. Repeat at increased speed until you are your limit of ability without making mistakes.
  4. d. Keep going until your hands and wrists start to ache and then slow down until you reach a comfortable speed. Maintain that speed for about a minute and then push back up to maximum as before and slow down again.
  5. e. Lead with first your weakest hand and then your strongest.

 

Feet

If you are fortunate enough to own a practice pad for your bass drum;

Play your pedal at a steady 'four-on-the-floor' ensuring that each beat bounces off the pad to the starting position. Concentrate on maintaining constant speed and force. When comfortable, increase speed and repeat. Repeat the speeding-up and slowing-down exercises as for the hands. Play warm-up exercise routines with both your left and right feet.

 

HINT: Although not essential, try to complete your warm-up exercises about 5 minutes before you go on to allow your muscles to recover before you start to play the gig.

 

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