Sticking Perspectives: 16th-Fill-in and “Natural” Sticking

The material on this page pairs with Stick Control to form what I find are the three most common sticking methods.

Stick Control is great for problem solving and coordination. 16th Fill-in is a common writing concept and a way to play with consistent tone on sensitive instruments or with voicings in each hand. “Natural” Sticking is a language-based approach to improve accuracy and fluency for reading new material.

Download and print this worksheet to help guide your practice. Try it on a Drum pad as well as Timpani, Keyboards, etc.

Download and print this worksheet to help guide your practice. Use the animal names, or substitute your own words out-loud as you play to tie your language skills to your drumming.

Download and print this worksheet to help guide your practice. These are common Marching exercises, and it’s likely you will play either these or something similar in that activity at some point. Mastering these will set you up for whatever specific variations you may encounter.