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So my older brother has had two drum teachers at the same shop, both of whom are GREAT drummers/teachers, yet they are quite different in their approaches.

The first teacher has, according to my brother, more of a "This is the way you should play, and that's basically the "correct" technique", whereas the second teacher is more open to different approaches. The first teacher had more of a wrists/fingers centric approach; the second teacher uses a variety of techniques, including Moeller m (as well as fingers/wrists), and according to him, "he (first teacher) is more limited in his technique."

What do you guys think? Is it better to focus on one "correct" approach, or is it better to combine approaches, depending on the context?

IMO, both Moeller, Gladstone and straight wrist technique are all essential to fully develop the technique you need to play at a high technical level. They serve different purposes but dovetail with each other perfectly.

It doesn't matter what you use,.. as long as you let the stick bounce freely and have the ability to increase the pressure on the fulcrum point to increase speed.. If you have access to smaller muscle groups you can play faster, if you have access to larger muscle groups you can play louder..

I totally agree with Chris. I also think it takes thousands of hours to master one technique. The more techniques you take on, the more challenging it's going to be to get on top of any of them. If he has that kind of drive, more power to him. Most people want to get to the point where they can really play the drums, not spend countless hours on a pad working on technique.

Recently we were talking about Pelton wearing a gardener globe to play!!!
Unless you´re talking about marching, fusion or other style that requires lots of control and technique there´s no need to become too anal about it.
There´s plenty of guys with odd approach to technique (even Zach and Mark mentioned it on a recent interview) playing great and fresh.
My way to see it is that as long as you´re not hurting yourself, you´re good. Let the music tell you what you need to work on and keep gping...

there is no "right" or "wrong" just like say, pinky in or out is not right or wrong with trad. BUT! there is most definitely a BIG area of "WRONG" that will lead to serious injury. its about steering the player into the "RIGHT" area, which is very large and personal.

so long as everything is relaxed and in control, rock on!


that said goes for probably 90% of the average player. for those who want to take things to the next level, there are going to be adjustments and there is most definitely an efficient and inefficient way to do things. but those people are at a high enough level that debate on the issue is null and becomes more a discussion on what works for THAT individual, because everyone's hands, sticks, bone lengths,etc are different.

Henry II wrote:IMO, both Moeller, Gladstone and straight wrist technique are all essential to fully develop the technique you need to play at a high technical level. They serve different purposes but dovetail with each other perfectly.

Couldn't have said it better.

I say whatever works for you is what you should go with. Jojo Mayer is naturally physically gifted, aside from the hours he put in mastering the various hand techniques. Moeller does not come naturally to me, but I have very fast finger technique, so that's what I use. There is something to be said for playing correctly so you don't hurt yourself. Dave and Vinnie both play correctly, yet they both have hurt themselves at different points and had to take time off. I guess there are no rules and as long as you're sounding good and getting work, it doesn't really matter. Some people say if you need gloves you're for sure playing wrong. A stick should not shock you if you're holding correctly and loosely. But obviously Shawn Pelton is doing something right, I can't argue with his results. Basically, technique shmechnique.