Comparison of traditional and matched grips: Rhythmic sequences played in jazz drumming

Traditional and matched grips have been compared using a series of measurements involving rhythmic sequences played by experienced jazz drummers using each of the two grips. Rhythmic sequences played on the snare drum were analyzed using high speed video as well as other measurement techniques including laser vibrometry and spectral analysis of the sound waveforms. The high speed video images, used with tracking software, allow observation of several aspects of stick-drum head interaction. These include two-dimensional trajectories of the drum stick tip, a detailed picture of the stick-drum head interaction, and velocities of both the stick and the drum head during the contact phase of the stroke. Differences between the two grips in timing during the rhythmic sequences were investigated, and differences in sound spectrum were also analyzed. Some factors that may be player dependent have been explored, such as the effect of tightness of the grip, but an effort has been made to concentrate on factors that are independent of the player. [Work supported by US National Science Foundation REU Grant PHY-1004860.]