Finger Exercises and Strengthening

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There are lots of exercises good for developing finger endurance and speed!

BTW: The Drumopedia Book is Now Done!

Dan applying some finger technique with the Helicopter
Cape Breton Int'l Drum Festival, Nova Scotia, Canada - May 2009:


Learn to Drum - Learn the Drums!



Lessons Online with Dan & Art Verdi! And More Videos Coming!


(1) Newspaper Exercise

One of the oldest and simplest that can be performed without sticks, consists of holding a sheet of newspaper by the corner using your fingers with your arm stretched straight out in front of you. Using the fingers alone, attempt to ball up the newspaper into your hand while keeping the arm stretched out straight. Try to do this as fast as you can and repeat it with a fresh sheet of newspaper (if no one needs to read it!) until your arm, hand, and fingers become fatigued. Gradually, this will help you build endurance and speed - all without picking up a stick. Use the large sheet from a NY Times or Chicago Tribune-type paper. Crumble a newspaper sheet with one hand. Don't use the other hand for help. Do this for a few dozen sheets for each hand.

(2) Simon Phillips

Palms down, Stick Rests on Thumb toward Butt End, One Finger at a time, Raise pad, Basketball Bounce. Just watch one of Simon's videos to see his blazing single strokes!

(3) Marco Minnemann

French Grip Position, Thumb & Pointer Finger are Fulcrum near Butt End, One finger at a time or multiple. Marco actually applies this in his great video!

(4) Dom

French Grip Position, Thumb & Pointer Finger are Fulcrum near Top of Stick, 3 Small Fingers Push the Stick Up. Watch the Master!

(5) Mark Wessels

Forearm & Stick perpendicular to ground, Thum & Pointer hold Stick Upside Down & Toward Butt End, Push toward self with 3 Small Fingers. Mark's great educational lessons!

(6) Mark Wessels

No sticks or newspapers needed! Just hands! Just keep slapping your 3 small fingers against your palm!

(7) Ed Shaughnessy

RLLL RLLL RLLL RLLL (4 Times)
RLLL LLLL RLLL LLLL RLLL LLLL RLLL LLLL (4 Times)
RLLL LLLL LLLL RLLL LLLL LLLL RLLL LLLL LLLL RLLL LLLL LLLL (4 Times) then Reverse Hands!