Flying Fingers Drum Technique Explained

The flying fingers is a popular term for multiple french grip strokes played in a row, such as in a blast beat. It is really a simple technique to learn and just requires a bit of practice.

[bladelazoe]

Something I wish to add to anyone who is doing this technique and if you're having trouble speeding it up(As I know i did), there are a bunch of ways to practice it but a good method is to practice each finger on it's own including the index finger for the fulcrum, that way each finger is pulling it's own weight and the results speak for themselves.

[vincentbuonora]

Beautiful. You have inspired me to practice Stick Control using the French technique.

[ambrooks]

Comparing it to dribbling a basketball really helped me to hone it in

[drumnation]

Thanks man great video I like how you got right to the point

[twoforcesinbalance]

"its pretty effortless"

*me barely being able to manage past 110 BPM*

[ISOOxDrummer]

i need to learn how to do this, i've been playing drums for a while now but i never managed to blast using this technique, i usually do all wrist and that only last for so long and my left hand is weak when it comes to all wrist blast beats.

[sticktrik]

This is the exact principal that Billy
Gladstone taught!! Like bouncing a ball &
letting the ball rebound to control the bounce.

[cabelinho]

I like your videos a lot, they are very explanatory and show the reality of the techniques to achieve perfection through good training.
I was curious to know the weight of this drumstick, because I realized that it is very thick, I believe it is heavier than normal.

[victormanuelillarramendihu]

Gracias por compartir, excelente explicación. Qué técnica recomiendas para el grip tradicional..?

[ScepticGinger]

How can anything looking this easy be so hard to master?

[erichemard]

Ok maybe I’m just weird…I can’t play using a German or American grip. I’ve even had my wife video my hands while I’m playing and my French grip never changes. I have no issues with dynamics, I use my fingers to control the speed of the stick and use my shoulders to get increase stick height all of which adds or takes away from the dynamics.

[maxxpayne]

Should the index finger and thumb press on the stick? or the index finger must be loose? I'm learning that technique and for some reason the drumstick slips, and only by squeezing the forefinger and thumb I can keep the stick in place, but the problem is that to move the stick I'm only using the three remaining fingers (middle, ring and little finger), and the index finger is almost immobile, and I have seen that those who play fast with this technique, it seems that the ring finger is also moving and pushing the drumstick, but when I try to do that the drumstick comes loose from my hand. So what mistake am I making, or what should I do to fix that?

[SystemofaTim]

Hey Ryan, great vid! I've been working on this and I finally got the form down, but I'm still pretty slow compared to using my wrists. How long did it take you to build up your fingers to that speed? Thanks

[disf]

Can you do it for an extended period? I start crumbling after about 6 measures at top speed

[Plydrms]

So many ways to practice now. I was taught with moeller to pinch the stick between the first index finger joint and thumb. Gordy Knudtson has a video on the open/closed technique. It seems to totally change the grip. Do you recommend re-working years of practice to change techniques? I guess it can help with say fast singles, , , , thanks

[MonacoRocha]

Hi Nice Bro if I learn this will I get good $$$. Gigs .. ?

[robertmilkshake]

Hi Ryan! Your technique is looking great.

I have been feeling very frustrated because I've been working on this technique for years (including exercises which isolate each individual finger) and I still am having trouble getting it to feel natural. My biggest challenge right now is keeping the range of up and down motion straight and to keep it from sliding around.

I mostly practice with marching band sticks and, ironically, when I switch to a smaller stick, it gets more difficult to do, so I have been trying to switch up the stick size that I practice with. Perhaps the weight of the marching band sticks can be used as a crutch for power/rebound?

Anyway, I am wondering if you have any tips for me. Thanks!

[TheSlayerswe]

How would you recommend learning this technique? Should I try playing it slowly to get the motion going then increase speed by 10bpm or play small bursts of like 4-8 faster hits? I use some kind of mix between wrists and fingers at the moment but it's not as durable or fast as I want it to be. I need to work on my hands to get up to speed as I play extreme metal and need a proper technique and I know Eugene Ryabchenko uses this exact technique and he seems to be able to play 8th notes at 270bpm and up with one hand with good stamina.

[nenissaK]

Has anyone learned to do that with two or the three fingers in a row repeatedly one finger at a time? If you play the piano or bass for instance I guess that would be possible for you

[Ranger]

Super video. They play piano, they play guitar, they play violin, even wind instruments with fingers, why not reach out to the farthest potential the French finger technique. Who knows where such could go if practiced slowly then faster from the early years. Seems that drummers are taking this up as adults. Why not start them at say at a very beginning…..then demonstrate say in a few years 16 how well the technique may be developed.