Finding Your Fulcrum: Snare Drum Basics with Todd Meehan
- Nathan Coles
- Jun 12
- 4 min read
Let’s be honest—talking about fulcrums probably isn't the most exciting percussion topic. But stick with us (pun intended). If you’ve ever struggled to get consistent bounces, smooth rolls, or effortless rebound on snare drum, the solution might just lie in understanding one deceptively simple concept: your fulcrum.
In this lesson, percussionist and educator Todd Meehan breaks down snare drum fulcrum fundamentals in a clear, practical way that will transform your playing from the ground up. Whether you’re a student looking to master rolls or a seasoned player fine-tuning your grip, there’s something here for you.
Table of Contents
Don't miss a new post 👇
Meet Your Instructor
Todd Meehan is a renowned percussionist, educator, and the founder of Liquidrum, an innovative platform for percussion education. He serves on faculty at Baylor University School of Music, where he shares his passion for percussion and commitment to musical clarity with students from around the world. Known for his thoughtful approach and attention to detail, Todd brings deep insight—and a dose of humor—to even the most fundamental percussion topics.
What Is a Fulcrum?
Let’s start simple. A fulcrum is just a pivot point. On the snare drum, it’s the spot where the stick pivots naturally in your hand, allowing it to rebound after striking the head.
Understanding where this point exists—and how to manipulate it—opens the door to fluid, efficient playing. It’s not about gripping tighter or hitting harder; it’s about letting the stick work with you, not against you.
Finding the Right Fulcrum Point
Here’s a quick exercise:
Hold the stick loosely between your thumb and first finger—any way will do for now.
Start at the base of the stick and drop it onto the drumhead.
Notice how it rebounds (or doesn’t). Move your grip up the stick incrementally, repeating the drop each time.
You’re searching for the sweet spot—the point where the stick naturally gives you the most rebounds. For most sticks, this is roughly one-third up from the butt. But don’t take our word for it—test each pair of sticks in your arsenal. Every set behaves a little differently.
How to Hold the Stick at the Fulcrum
Todd plays with an open grip:
The flat of the thumb opposes the first knuckle crease of the index finger.
The remaining fingers stay relaxed and open under the stick.
This allows space between the thumb and finger, promoting mobility, control, and (most importantly) comfort.
Why Your Fulcrum Might Not Be Working
Here’s where it gets tricky.
Even if you find the “correct” fulcrum point, it doesn’t mean your stick is functioning like a pivot. If you’re throwing the stick from your wrist or arm, that macro motion can override the stick’s natural pivot. In that case, the real fulcrum is in your wrist—not your fingers.
So why do we care about the finger-level pivot at all? Because it becomes essential when we’re talking multiple bounces, rolls, and nuanced control.
Introducing the Micro and Macro Fulcrum
Think of it like this:
Your macro fulcrum is in your wrist or arm—it governs large movements.
Your micro fulcrum is on the stick itself, controlled by thumb and finger interaction.
When executing multiple bounce rolls, it’s the micro fulcrum that matters. We need to momentarily immobilize the stick close to the drumhead so it can rebound naturally. That means holding the fulcrum in place for a split second while still allowing the rest of the stick to move.
Using Finger Pressure to Control Rebounds
So how do we keep the stick down while still letting it bounce?
That’s where your middle finger comes in.
By applying gentle resistance behind the fulcrum, you can control the number of rebounds. A little pressure = two or three bounces. More pressure = a tighter buzz. Less pressure = an open roll.
It’s not about muscle—it’s about balance. You’re guiding the stick, not forcing it.
Open vs. Closed Rolls: Same Fulcrum, Different Feel
From open to closed rolls, the basic mechanics stay the same:
The skeleton rhythm stays consistent.
The stick stays down for the same amount of time.
The only thing that changes is the amount of finger pressure behind the fulcrum.
With practice, you can morph seamlessly from a crisp double bounce to a warm, dense buzz—all from the same fulcrum position.
Experiment and Explore
Here’s where you should go from here:
🎯 Try this fulcrum-finding exercise with every pair of sticks you own.
🎯 Practice adding and removing pressure with your middle finger to control your rebounds.
🎯 Record yourself morphing between open and closed rolls using the same underlying rhythm.
And most importantly, stay curious. Your fulcrum is a tool—not a rule. Sometimes you’ll shift it up for softer dynamics. Other times you’ll move it back for more weight. Understanding the mechanics gives you the freedom to make those choices intentionally.
Thanks for reading—and keep exploring your sound!
To dive deeper, check out more percussion insights and gear solutions at Black Swamp Percussion or Liquidrum.
🎬 Want to see Todd demonstrate all of this in action?
Comments