Techniques you use no one else does

[blade123]

Granted there are the "standard" techniques, but sometimes why stumble across some that are just easier and work better, especially when working with all the stuff we as percussionists do.

I'll start. On bass drum, the "standard" muffling technique is to hold your hand on the resonant side, and put your knee into the batter side. This technique has always felt very weird to me. The way I found that works heaps better is to put your hand on the resonant side, and put your hip into the drum. The knee method just seems really really awkward to me, and I get the sound I need from using my way so I don't mind. This technique may be awkward for those with short arms, but I have ape arms so it's easier for me. :rolleyes:

[nativeguy]

I think it's safe to say that if you're at the high school level and you have to make up your own technique, you're probably playing it wrong or with bad technique to begin with.

[blade123]

I think it's safe to say that if you're at the high school level and you have to make up your own technique, you're probably playing it wrong or with bad technique to begin with.
I know the "correct" technique, and can use it, but I get the sound I want without hurting myself or looking like an idiot so why would it be "wrong"?

[mutt_78]

i use a strange matched grip. i can't remember what coutries it is, but my right is thumb-on-top, and my left is palm down. it's odd, and i've gotten many bewildered comments on it, but it works for me

[Ehrin]

I never do thumb rolls on tambourine. I always use my middle finger. I find it's easier to do a press roll with my finger and get right back into playing position without having to shift the tambourine.

[TimpDrummer]

I do a knock-off of the burton grip but it works fine for me and I get the desired sound without hurting my hand.