Ask any group of drummers at a jazz club or drum clinic, and you’re bound to spark debate:
Is traditional grip better for jazz?

The answer, like most things in music, isn’t cut and dry. Traditional grip has deep roots in the genre—its legacy is written into the DNA of jazz drumming. But is it better? That depends on what you’re trying to accomplish behind the kit.

The Origins of Traditional Grip

Traditional grip dates back to military drumming, where the angled placement of a snare drum on a marching sling made it physically easier to play with one palm-up and one palm-down. As drum sets evolved and made their way into jazz clubs, early players like Buddy Rich, Max Roach, and Elvin Jones carried the grip over, more out of habit and tradition than necessity.

In time, the grip became part of the visual identity of jazz drumming. Watch any classic footage and you’ll see the telltale tilt, often paired with a feathering bass drum and a sizzling ride cymbal.

The Feel vs. The Function

Many jazz drummers argue that traditional grip provides a looser, more expressive feel on the snare, especially for ghost notes, brushes, and intricate comping. The stick sits in the pocket between thumb and index finger, allowing for fluid wrist motion and a unique rebound, particularly useful for light, nuanced strokes.

Note: Personally, I will say playing brushes without traditional grip does feel pretty funky, and it doesn’t allow for the same pressure on the snare.

But matched grip advocates will counter that with today’s symmetrical drum setups, matched grip offers more control, power, and ergonomics across the entire kit. Players like Vinnie Colaiuta, Steve Gadd, and Mark Guiliana have proven that you can swing just as hard without the old-school grip.

The Modern Take

Here’s the truth: traditional grip is a flavor, not a requirement.

If you’re drawn to it, and if it feels right and inspires creativity, embrace it. But don’t feel obligated just because it’s what real jazz drummers are “supposed” to do. The music should lead the technique, not the other way around.

Some players even switch grips depending on the tune. For ballads or brushwork, traditional grip might offer that extra touch of finesse. For up-tempo swing or crossover fusion, matched grip might provide the consistency and stamina you need.

So… Is It Better?

Better? No. Different? Definitely.

Traditional grip carries history, artistry, and it works very well for the comping within jazz music. But matched grip is just as capable, if not more so, for powerful playing around the kit

In the end, it’s your hands, your kit, and your voice. Of course, you’ll use both throughout your drumming journey.

Try both. Stick with what feels good. And above all, just keep playing.