The Best Drumsticks for Beginners 2024
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When starting your drumming journey, finding a good quality pair of drum sticks is crucial for developing proper technique, control, and overall playing comfort.
With lots of brands and stick types available, it can be overwhelming to choose a pair of high quality drum sticks best suited for beginners.
In this post, we will explore good quality drum stick choices in terms of brand and stick types, from the classic 5a stick to the best light 7a drum sticks and fancy innovations to help you improve your drumming.
We hope this helps you to make an informed decision and kickstart your drumming.
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The best 5A drum stick for beginners: Vic Firth American Classic 5A
Vic Firth is a renowned brand synonymous with quality drum sticks, and their American Classic 5A model is an excellent option for beginners.
A 5A is the best drum stick size for beginners and the most popular choice of stick across the board for its medium size and weight.
The size balances versatility and maneuverability, making it suitable for a wide range of music genres.
The Vic Firth 5A is a great choice whether you’re playing rock, pop or even jazz.
With a wooden tip that provides warm tones and a medium taper for enhanced rebound, the Vic Firth American Classic 5A offers durability and control for beginners.
2. The best beginner jazz drum sticks: Promark Hickory 7A
Promark is another well-respected brand that offers exceptional drum sticks for drummers of all skill levels.
For beginners, the Promark Hickory 7A stands out as a top choice. The 7A size offers a lightweight feel, allowing for effortless stick control and reduced hand fatigue during extended practice sessions. A 7A drumstick is the best size for jazz beginners.
The acorn-shaped tip enhances articulation, making it an ideal drum stick for jazz and light rock.
Additionally, the Hickory wood construction is durable meaning you won’t be chopping through too many of these unless you’re playing heavily.
3. The best drum stick for reducing hand fatigue: Zildjian Anti-Vibe 5A
Zildjian is a legendary brand in the world of drumming, and their Anti-Vibe series provides an innovative solution for beginners seeking improved comfort and reduced vibration.
The Zildjian Anti-Vibe 5A drum sticks feature a special rubber coating near the grip area, which effectively absorbs shock and minimises hand fatigue.
One benefit of Anti-Vibe drum sticks is that improve your grip of the stick. For more ideas check out our list of accessories for improving your drum stick grip.
The 5A is a classic size, great for beginners but this is also available in 5B: a slightly thicker profile, offering enhanced power and durability.
5B sticks are particularly suitable for drummers who prefer heavier playing styles or require additional wrist support.
4. The best drum stick for improving grip: ProMark Forward 5B ActiveGrip
For beginners who prioritize grip and control, the ProMark Forward 5B ActiveGrip model is worth considering.
The ActiveGrip technology employed in these sticks ensures a firm hold, even as your hands start to sweat during intense playing sessions.
The 5B size provides ample power and durability, making them suitable for various musical styles, including heavier styles. With increased responsiveness and enhanced grip, these sticks offer a valuable combination of playability and longevity.
Also see our guide for products designed to improve your drum stick grip.
5. The best drums sticks for electronic drums: Vater 5A Hickory Nylon Tip
With many drummers now opting for electronic drum sets it’s important to select the right sticks that feel good to play with, and protect your electronic drums.
While it is generally fine to use your normal drum sticks on electronic drums kits, if you are concerned about damaging the mesh heads you might want to go for a nylon tipped stick.
This is because a nylon tip is less likely to splinter and pierce the drum head.
If going for a nylon tipped drum stick, we recommend choosing a good quality 5A such as the Vater Hickory 5A.
Vater is one of the best drum stick brands and their nylon tipped sticks are durable.
A 5A is the best size drum stick to go for if you’re a beginner as it is medium in length, weight and taper, and versatile in many situations.
Accessories for making quiet drum sticks
If you’re looking for ways to make your playing quieter, we recommend drum stick mutes.
These fit to the tip of your drum sticks easily, making the best way to create quiet drum sticks for practicing drums in an apartment or home without annoying the neighbours.
You’ll also need a good practice pad for working on your technique quietly. Check out our guide to the best practice pads to make the right choice for you.
Finding the best drum sticks for your playing
Selecting the right drum sticks is an essential step for beginner drummers to establish a solid foundation in their musical journey. Brands like Vic Firth, Promark, and Zildjian consistently offer high-quality sticks that cater to different preferences and playing styles.
The Vic Firth American Classic 5A and Promark Hickory 7A are excellent choices for their versatility and maneuverability, while the Zildjian Anti-Vibe 5B and ProMark Forward 5B ActiveGrip focus on comfort and improved grip.
Ultimately, the best drum sticks for beginners will depend on personal preferences and the musical genres you intend to explore. So, grab your sticks, start practicing, and explore what works for you.
For further reading here is our comprehensive guide to choosing drumsticks.
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