What are drumsticks?
Drumsticks are sticks used to strike drums and other percussion instruments. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, weights and materials to produce different sounds. For drum kits, drummers use sticks on the snare drum, tom-toms, cymbals and other parts of a standard drum set. Beginners getting their first set of drums will need to get drumsticks suited for their skill level.
Consider weight and size
When choosing your first pair of drumsticks, you’ll want to consider the weight and size. Heavier sticks produce louder sounds while lighter sticks provide more rebound. The size of drumsticks is measured by their diameter. Thicker sticks are more durable but harder to control. Thinner sticks are easier to play fast and loose.
For beginners, a medium weight and thickness is recommended. This gives enough power and volume without being too heavy to manage. A 5A or 5B size is a good starting point. The length also depends on your height and arm length but standard drum sticks are about 16 inches. Go for a typical size until you develop your technique.
Wood vs. nylon tips
Drumstick tips come in wood or nylon. Wood tips produce a warm, round sound with more definition. They also allow more variation in tones based on how you strike the drum. Wood tips are suited for rock, jazz and acoustic genres.
Nylon tips have a brighter sound with longer sustain. The sound is more consistent regardless of your playing technique. Nylon tips are common in marching bands and drum corps.
As a beginner, you may want to try both to see what style you prefer. You can get a set with 1 wood tip and 1 nylon tip. Or you can buy separately later as your skills improve.
Match your drum set material
The drum shell material will impact the sound you want. If your beginner drum set has maple shells, maple drumsticks will sound more complementary and resonant. For acrylic or fiberglass shells, nylon tip drumsticks will match better.
Here are common drum shell materials and the best matching stick material:
| Drum Shell Material | Matched Stick Material |
|---|---|
| Maple | Maple |
| Birch | Maple |
| Oak | Oak |
| Acrylic | Nylon |
| Fiberglass | Nylon |
While not a must, having drumsticks made of the same wood as your drum shells will provide better resonance and sound.
Get extra pairs
Beginners should get at least 1-2 extra pairs of drumsticks when first starting. It’s common for drumsticks to break frequently when you’re still learning proper technique and control. Heavier playing can chip the tips and eventually break the stick.
Having spares on hand ensures you don’t have to interrupt practice if a stick breaks. You can quickly swap out the broken one and keep playing. Consider getting 5-6 pairs for your initial purchase. As you gain experience, drumsticks will break less often.
Brands for beginners
For your first drumsticks, stick to reputable brands designed for beginners. Here are some good options:
Vic Firth 5A
Vic Firth makes a wide range of drumsticks but the American Classic 5A is a popular choice for beginners. It has a medium taper and teardrop wood tip. The weight provides enough power without being too thick. Vic Firth 5As give a balanced feel and response.
Zildjian Dip Drumsticks
Zildjian’s Dip model has a long taper at 16 inches. It is thinner for easier control during fast playing. The tip is acorn shaped nylon for bright cymbal sounds. Dip drumsticks are lightweight and balanced.
Promark ActiveGrip
This model has a contoured grip shape for less slipping and better hold. The shoulder ridge keeps the stick balanced vertically. ActiveGrip has a wood tip for defined cymbal sounds. The oval shaft makes motions easier for beginners.
Regal Tip 7A
The Regal Tip 7A has a medium taper and wood tip. It is lighter than 5A with more flex and bounce. Beginners with smaller hands find the thinner 7A very playable. The drumstick is slightly front weighted for enhanced rebound.
Conclusion
To sum up, the ideal drumsticks for beginners are medium weight and thickness, with wood tips. Start with reputable brands like Vic Firth, Zildjian, Promark or Regal Tip. Get 5-6 pairs so you always have spares. Matching your new drum shell material also produces better sound. With the right drumsticks, you’ll be drumming away in no time. Let us know if you have any other questions!