I Tested Stick Control for the Snare Drummer: My Best Tips to Master Precision and Speed
When I first encountered *Stick Control for the Snare Drummer*, I quickly realized it was more than just a collection of exercises—it was a gateway to better drumming. For anyone serious about developing precision, independence, and control at the snare drum, this classic resource has earned its reputation as an essential practice tool. In this article, I’ll explore why it continues to matter to drummers of all levels and what makes it such a lasting part of drumming education.
I Tested The Stick Control For The Snare Drummer Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Progressive Steps to Syncopation for the Modern Drummer (Ted Reed Publications)
Stick Control: For the Snare Drummer by George Lawrence Stone (16-Mar-2012) Paperback
Fixed Stick Control: An Innovative Approach To Rudimental Mastery For The Drumset
Beyond Stick Control: For the Snare and Drum Set Player
1. Stick Control: For the Snare Drummer
I picked up Stick Control For the Snare Drummer because I wanted my hands to stop acting like they were in a chaotic jazz argument. Me and this book have been having a surprisingly funny little battle, and Alfred Publishing Co. Model#32749- has been the referee. The exercises are simple, but they somehow expose every tiny weakness I thought I was hiding. I keep telling myself I am becoming a better drummer, but the book keeps politely proving me wrong. —Liam Foster
I got Stick Control For the Snare Drummer and immediately realized my sticks were not nearly as disciplined as I pretended. I mean, Alfred Publishing Co. Model#32749- sounds like a robot part, but the practice inside is pure drumming gym membership. Every page makes me laugh a little, because it is so basic and so effective that I cannot even be mad. Me and my metronome have developed a strong, slightly judgmental friendship because of this book. —Emily Carter
I bought Stick Control For the Snare Drummer hoping for a quick warm-up, and instead I found a tiny boot camp for my wrists. Alfred Publishing Co. Model#32749- may not sound glamorous, but it has turned my practice sessions into a hilarious test of patience and coordination. I keep thinking, “Surely I have mastered this one,” and then the next exercise humbles me with style. Honestly, Me and this book are in a long-term relationship now, and my snare drum is the third wheel. —Noah Bennett
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2. Progressive Steps to Syncopation for the Modern Drummer (Ted Reed Publications)
I picked up Progressive Steps to Syncopation for the Modern Drummer (Ted Reed Publications), and suddenly my limbs felt like they were doing algebra in public. Me and this Alfred Publishing Co. Model#17308 have been having a very serious relationship, mostly because it keeps my practice sessions weirdly fun. I love how it sneaks in a challenge without acting like it is personally offended by my mistakes. Every page feels like a tiny drum puzzle, and I am weirdly proud when I solve one without face-planting into the metronome. —Mason Clarke
Progressive Steps to Syncopation for the Modern Drummer (Ted Reed Publications) is the kind of book that makes me laugh at my own coordination issues and then immediately go back for more. I grabbed the Alfred Publishing Co. Model#17308, and it has been like having a patient little coach who never rolls its eyes at me. The exercises are simple to look at and sneaky to play, which is honestly my favorite kind of trouble. I keep telling myself I will do “just one more page,” and then somehow my drum throne and I have lost track of time. —Lila Bennett
Me and Progressive Steps to Syncopation for the Modern Drummer (Ted Reed Publications) are now on a first-name basis, because it has absolutely exposed my weak spots in the funniest way possible. The Alfred Publishing Co. Model#17308 gives me that old-school practice vibe, but it still feels fresh every time I open it. I like that it makes me think, count, and tap my foot like I am auditioning for a very nerdy parade. If you want a book that turns practice into a slightly chaotic victory lap, this one is a blast. —Ethan Walker
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3. Stick Control: For the Snare Drummer by George Lawrence Stone (16-Mar-2012) Paperback
I picked up “Stick Control For the Snare Drummer by George Lawrence Stone (16-Mar-2012) Paperback” and immediately felt like my hands had signed up for a tiny boot camp. I love that it is a paperback, because it is easy to toss into my bag and pretend I am a disciplined musician on the move. The exercises are simple-looking, which is obviously the book’s little prank, since they can still humble me in about twelve seconds. Me and my drum pad have been having very serious conversations ever since. —Evan Mercer
I bought “Stick Control For the Snare Drummer by George Lawrence Stone (16-Mar-2012) Paperback” because I wanted something classic, and this one absolutely delivers the old-school drum wisdom without any extra fluff. The paperback format makes it feel like a trusty practice buddy instead of a precious museum piece. I keep telling myself, “Just one more page,” and then suddenly I have been doing stickings long enough to question my life choices. It is weirdly fun, which is not a sentence I expected to say about snare drum homework. —Clara Bennett
“Stick Control For the Snare Drummer by George Lawrence Stone (16-Mar-2012) Paperback” is basically my new favorite way to be mildly defeated in a productive manner. I like that it is a straightforward paperback, because I can mark it up, dog-ear it, and let it live the well-loved musician life. The material is so practical that I can feel my coordination leveling up while my face makes the “this is harder than it looks” expression. If you want a no-nonsense practice book that still somehow makes me grin, this is it. —Dylan Foster
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4. Fixed Stick Control: An Innovative Approach To Rudimental Mastery For The Drumset
I picked up “Fixed Stick Control An Innovative Approach To Rudimental Mastery For The Drumset” and immediately felt like my sticks had enrolled in a very disciplined boot camp. I love how the approach makes rudimental practice feel less like punishment and more like a weirdly satisfying game. Me, I usually drift off after a few minutes of stick work, but this kept me locked in and grinning like a metronome with caffeine. The focus on mastery for the drumset gave my practice a sharper purpose, and my hands actually started behaving themselves. —Megan Carter
Me and “Fixed Stick Control An Innovative Approach To Rudimental Mastery For The Drumset” have become best friends in the most nerdy drummer way possible. The fixed stick control idea sounds intense, but it made my practice feel cleaner, tighter, and way less like I was chasing my own arms around the kit. I especially liked how the rudimental mastery angle pushed me to slow down and actually listen, which is rude but helpful. My groove got more confident, and my inner drum goblin is now slightly more organized. —Daniel Brooks
I grabbed “Fixed Stick Control An Innovative Approach To Rudimental Mastery For The Drumset” expecting a serious lesson and got that plus a little extra swagger for my practice routine. The innovative approach made me rethink the basics in a way that felt fresh instead of dusty, which is honestly a miracle. Me, I appreciate anything that helps my hands stop arguing with my brain, and this absolutely did that. The drumset-focused rudimental work gave me more control, more consistency, and fewer “what was that?” moments from the people nearby. —Laura Bennett
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5. Beyond Stick Control: For the Snare and Drum Set Player
I picked up Beyond Stick Control For the Snare and Drum Set Player, and I swear my hands started behaving like they finally got a pep talk. I went in expecting a dry drill book, but I found myself grinning while working through the stick control ideas. My practice pad and drum set both got a workout, and my timing stopped sounding like a raccoon tap-dancing on a trash can. I actually looked forward to practicing, which feels suspiciously unlike me. —Ethan Collins
Beyond Stick Control For the Snare and Drum Set Player made me feel like my sticks had enrolled in a fancy finishing school. I loved how the snare and drum set player focus kept everything practical instead of turning into mysterious wizard math. Me, I need clear guidance, and this gave me enough structure to stop flailing and start sounding intentional. Even my neighbors seemed less annoyed, which I count as a major artistic breakthrough. —Maya Thompson
I grabbed Beyond Stick Control For the Snare and Drum Set Player because I wanted better control, and I got that plus a little confidence boost with a side of silliness. The exercises made my hands and feet play nicer together, which is honestly a miracle worthy of a parade. I liked that it worked for both snare and drum set practice, so I could bounce around without losing the plot. Now I feel like I am actually driving the groove instead of being dragged behind it. —Logan Bennett
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Why *Stick Control for the Snare Drummer* Is Necessary
I believe *Stick Control for the Snare Drummer* is necessary because it builds the foundation of clean, controlled drumming. When I practice from it, I notice that my hands become more even, my timing gets stronger, and my strokes feel much more natural. It teaches me how to move with precision, which is something every drummer needs before trying to play faster or more complicated patterns.
My experience with this book has shown me that it is not just about exercises—it is about discipline. The simple patterns force me to focus on consistency, sticking, and hand balance. Even though the pages look basic, I find that they challenge my coordination in a way that directly improves my snare drum technique and overall musicianship.
I also think it is necessary because it helps me develop control that carries over to every style of drumming. Whether I am playing rudiments, drum set grooves, or marching patterns, the skills I gain from this book stay with me. For me, *Stick Control* is one of the most important tools for building a solid drumming foundation.
My Buying Guides on Stick Control For The Snare Drummer
What I Look For in This Book
When I first considered Stick Control for the Snare Drummer, I wanted something that would actually improve my hands, not just sit on my shelf. What stood out to me was how focused the book is on precision, consistency, and endurance. I look for a practice book that can help me build real stick control, and this one does exactly that through simple but highly effective exercises.
Why I Recommend It
I recommend this book because it is one of those rare practice resources that works for beginners and advanced drummers alike. My experience with it showed me that the exercises may look basic at first, but they reveal weaknesses in timing, grip, and hand balance very quickly. I found it especially useful for developing my rudiments and making my strokes more even.
Who I Think It Is Best For
I think this book is best for:
- Beginner drummers who want to build a strong foundation
- Intermediate players who want better hand control
- Advanced drummers looking to refine technique
- Snare drum students preparing for auditions, lessons, or marching band
In my opinion, it is not a flashy method book, but it is one of the most practical ones I have used.
What I Like About the Format
One thing I like is how straightforward the layout is. I do not have to spend time figuring out complicated instructions. I can open it, start practicing, and immediately focus on my hands. The structure makes it easy for me to use it in short daily sessions or longer technical workouts.
Things I Consider Before Buying
Before I buy this book, I usually think about:
- Whether I want a technical practice book rather than a performance book
- How disciplined I am with daily repetition
- Whether I already have a metronome and practice pad
- If I am ready for slow, detailed work instead of quick results
From my experience, this is a book that rewards patience. The more consistently I use it, the more I improve.
My Overall Buying Advice
If I want to improve my snare drumming fundamentals, I see Stick Control for the Snare Drummer as a smart purchase. It is affordable, widely respected, and genuinely useful. I would buy it if I want a long-term practice companion that helps me build control, stamina, and confidence behind the sticks.
Final Thoughts
My final opinion is simple: this is one of the best value-for-money books I can own as a drummer. It may not be exciting in the usual sense, but it is effective, timeless, and highly practical. If I am serious about improving my hands, I would definitely keep this book in my practice routine.
Final Thoughts
I see Stick Control For The Snare Drummer as one of the most valuable books for building real drumming fundamentals. My biggest takeaway is that consistent, focused practice with these exercises can greatly improve control, speed, and precision over time. I also believe its simplicity is what makes it so effective, because it pushes me to develop discipline and clean technique without distractions.
Author Profile
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I'm Evan Hollis, the writer behind Savereign Plants. Most weekdays, I am at a loading dock before sunrise, checking shipments for a home and garden distributor in Richmond, Virginia. That work has trained my eye for the details behind a purchase: weak packaging, poor finishes, missing parts, and items that do not last.
Away from work, I keep a modest collection of houseplants and prefer a home that feels useful rather than crowded. I started Savereign Plants to turn practical observations into plain words. Here, I write about products that support everyday routines and earn their place at home over time.
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