Woodblock 101: Understanding the Fundamentals of Making a Professional Sound
- Nathan Coles
- 6 hours ago
- 5 min read
Learn how to create a resonant, professional tone using the Black Swamp Overture series.
The woodblock is often one of the first accessory instruments a student encounters, yet it is frequently one of the most misunderstood. It is easy to assume that because it looks simple, it doesn't require technique. However, in a concert band or orchestral setting, the woodblock cuts through the texture with a distinct, piercing voice. If that voice is thin or dead, the whole ensemble suffers. If it is full and resonant, it adds a brilliant rhythmic layer to the music.
In this guide, we are moving past the idea of just "hitting" the block. We are going to explore how to treat it as a serious musical instrument, focusing on setup, mallet selection, and stroke execution to achieve a consistent, professional sound.
Table of Contents
Don't miss a post, sign up for the Black Swamp Newsletter!
Meet Your Instructor
Dr. Trevor Barroero is an award-winning percussionist and dedicated educator. Currently serving as the Principal Percussionist of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, Trevor has performed as a soloist across the globe, including appearances with the Moscow Symphony and The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own." His diverse performance career includes sharing the stage with Andrea Bocelli and appearing on ABC Primetime Specials.
A founding member of the history-making trio Lineage Percussion, Dr. Barroero is passionate about empowering musicians. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Georgia and maintains a private studio of over 40 students. He is proudly endorsed by Black Swamp, Pearl/Adams, Remo, Vic Firth, and Zildjian.
Gear Tour: The Overture Woodblock
For this series, Trevor utilizes the Black Swamp Overture Woodblocks. Many developing percussionists and band directors face the challenge of finding instruments that are budget-friendly but still produce a characteristic "symphonic" tone.
The Overture series is designed specifically to bridge this gap. Crafted from solid, exotic rubber wood, these blocks offer a durability and projection that plastic alternatives often lack. They are designed by concert percussionists for band and orchestra performance, meaning they are tuned and voiced to blend with an acoustic ensemble.
Having a "student" instrument shouldn't mean sacrificing sound quality. The Overture blocks prove that with the right materials, entry-level instruments can absolutely produce a clear, professional sound capable of being used in real concerts.
The Professional Setup
Before you play a single note, your environment dictates your success. The surface on which you place the instrument is critical.
1. The Surface
The ideal location for your woodblocks is a sturdy trap table. If a trap table isn't available, a solid music stand can work, provided it is tightened down significantly to prevent wobbling or accidental drops.
2. The Towel Trick
Always place a thick black towel underneath the blocks. This serves three distinct purposes:
Protection: It keeps the blocks from getting scratched.
Noise Control: It stops the stand from rattling when you strike the block.
Visuals: It looks significantly more professional to the audience.
3. Orientation
How you position the block changes the projection.
Standard: Point the opening (slot) toward yourself. This is less aggressive and allows you to monitor your sound.
Projection: For loud, soloistic passages, rotate the opening toward the audience for maximum volume.
Note: While holding a block in your hand is acceptable for simple solos, keeping it on a trap table is the standard for band and orchestral repertoire. It allows for better technique and faster instrument changes.
Mallet Selection: Rubber vs. Wood
One of the most common questions students ask is, "What stick should I use?" The answer depends entirely on the musical context.
Mallet Type | Best Used For | Sound Characteristic |
Rubber Mallet | General playing, standard band/orchestra parts. | Strong, clear attack without being harsh. Full tone. |
Drumstick (Tip) | Fast rhythms, rudimental passages. | Bright, thin, very articulate. |
Drumstick (Shoulder) | Accents, volume. | Louder, fuller sound than the tip. |
The General Rule: Start with a rubber mallet. It provides the most characteristic woodblock sound. However, in pieces like Sousa marches where you must switch rapidly between snare drum and woodblock, using a snare stick is not only acceptable—it’s necessary.
Finding the Sweet Spot
Not every inch of the woodblock sounds the same. If you strike the extreme edges, you will likely get a "dead" thud.
The Sweet Spot: This is usually located in the center of the top surface, slightly favoring the side with the opening.
The Pencil Trick: To ensure consistency, take a pencil and lightly mark a small "X" on the sweet spot. This gives you a visual target to aim for every time you play, ensuring that your tone doesn't change from beat to beat.
Technique: The Importance of Rebound
The physics of a woodblock are simple: vibration equals sound. If you press your stick or mallet into the wood, you stop the vibration.
The Stroke: Treat the woodblock like a hot surface. You want to strike and immediately lift off. This "piston" stroke allows the wood to resonate freely. If you leave the mallet on the surface (burying the beater), the tone will become choked, thin, and lifeless.
Dynamic Adjustments:
Loud/Accented: Use a higher stroke height and strike the center sweet spot.
Quiet/Blending: Move your striking zone slightly closer to the back edge of the block and use a lower stroke height with a lighter touch.
Musical Context: Snare to Block Transitions
A classic example of woodblock application is John Philip Sousa’s Fairest of the Fair. This piece requires the percussionist to cut through a dense texture with a bright, rhythmic layer, often switching immediately from a snare drum part.
In this context, you don't have time to pick up a rubber mallet. You must use your snare sticks. By utilizing the technique discussed earlier—rebounding clearly off the block—you can still achieve a musical sound with a drum stick.
Student Action Plan
Ready to improve your woodblock chops? Use this plan during your next practice session.
The "Sweet Spot" Search: Take your block and tap every inch of the top surface. Listen for where the sound is most resonant. Mark it with a pencil.
Exercise A: Dynamic Control (Use Rubber Mallets)
Play one measure of fortissimo 16th notes.
Play one measure decrescendo.
Play one measure of pianissimo 16th notes (try moving near the edge).
Play one measure crescendo.
Repeat on each size block you have.
Exercise B: Stick Control (Use Snare Sticks)
Practice a basic Paradiddle rudiment on the block.
Focus on the feel—the rebound is faster and harder than a snare head. Get used to controlling this bounce so your rhythm stays even.
Final Thoughts
The difference between a noise and a musical note often comes down to care. By setting up your station correctly, choosing the right mallet for the job, and focusing on pulling the sound out of the instrument rather than pounding it in, you can contribute a sophisticated sound to your ensemble.
The Black Swamp Overture series makes this easier by providing a professional palette to work with, but the musicality comes from you. Grab your blocks, find that sweet spot, and start practicing!
Comments