garfield's_kid Posted August 14, 2014 Share Posted August 14, 2014 For those of you who either don't know me or forget me (my bad; haven't been active on here for WAY too long), I'm a snare drummer. I'm planning on going for a corps for the 2015 season (still don't know which one yet). But I'm faced with the dreaded traditional grip left hand weakness. I'm right handed, so that doesn't help. I need to build some pretty major chops in all of my left hand, but I mainly want to focus on the index finger and building strength there. Does anybody have any tips/tricks/exercises etc. for building the left hand? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baigern Posted September 4, 2014 Share Posted September 4, 2014 Just play eights on your left hand for days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonnyboy Posted September 26, 2014 Share Posted September 26, 2014 Think of it like lifting weights, you can't just lift over and over, you need a plan. I would suggest serious workouts with the left, also rest periods. Personally I would play lots of exercises with left hand lead, maybe even dedicate yourself to that. The leading hand plays so many more notes, why not give the left the extra attention. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rayfallon Posted September 26, 2014 Share Posted September 26, 2014 I used a horn with a left handed rotary... Or you could practice on a (non-marching) french horn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeN Posted September 26, 2014 Share Posted September 26, 2014 I know it's a stock answer, but Stick Control (George Stone) is still an incredible resource for hand development. Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Percussion827 Posted September 30, 2014 Share Posted September 30, 2014 Jonnyboy and Mike have it right. Grab 'Rudimental Logic' by Bill Bachman for technique tips and rudiment listings (if you don't already have a good sized list), George Stone's Stick control, a metronome and start hacking. Make sure you utilize appropriate technique given in Rudimental Logic and make sure you don't overwork the left wrist as to potentially cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Going off the left to lead warm ups and exercises and maybe even your audition piece would show you're consciously applying more thought into it and getting that pesky left hand stronger. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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