The push pull technique is one that many drummers try to achieve mastery over. It’s been used for decades, and some of the great drummers of our time (ie Buddy Rich, Tony Williams) were masters and pioneers of this method. It’s simply a range of motion utilizing the fingers and wrist that creates the most speed and strokes with the least amount of energy and movement. Or, simply getting two strokes with the energy it takes to get only one. A few contemporary drummers have mastered this technique, but none better that Jojo Mayer. In his DVD, “Secret Weapons for the Modern Drummer,” he breaks down and demonstrates this highly sought after technique with both traditional, and matched grip. He shows exactly how to practice and develop this movement. Below are a couple of videos of Jojo talking about the basics of the push pull, and some of his other similar techniques.
Jojo Mayer Demonstrating Push Pull
Jojo Mayer Demonstrating Push Pull, and Pull Out Accents
Another famed drummer who has achieved a mastery over this motion is Dave Weckl. In the video below, Dave explains his method behind the “one handed roll,” or in other words, his version of the push-pull. In his explanation he credits Buddy Rich as his inspiration to learn the technique, and he demonstrates it briefly in a drum set situation.
Dave Weckl Demonstrating His One Handed Roll
For anyone who wants to practice and learn this technique, I highly suggest buying Jojo Mayer’s aforementioned DVD. Below I have provided a link to “Secret Weapons for the Modern Drummer” on Amazon, that I used in a previous post. Have fun developing your finger control!
No drummer, or musician for that matter, can argue the fact that Buddy Rich is one of the greatest drummers of all time. He was extremely innovative, and similar to the advances made by John Bonham in foot technique, Buddy Rich shed some much needed light on hand technique and finger control. One of his most notable accomplishments (for which he will be forever known) is called the “push pull.” It is a form of finger control that basically allows one to get twice the strokes with half the motion in one hand. it is a very finite, refined hand motion that, if mastered, allows one to comfortably move the stick with unbelievable speed and control, and very little effort or energy. Below is a video of another great drummer, Jojo Mayer, demonstrating this technique.
Jojo Mayer has made fantastic advances for modern hand technique as well. He has mastered the push pull, and has done amazing things for finger control as well. His DVD, “Secret Weapons for the Modern Drummer” is definitely worth buying and working through.
Buddy Rich played mostly swing and big band and is most famous for his work with Count Basie, Frank Senatra, Tommy Dorsey, his own “Buddy Rich Big Band,” and way too many others to list. He also did major session work, and is featured on recordings for such artists as Ella Fitzgerald, and Louis Armstrong. He was a master soloist, and maintained an almost flawless balance between chops, power, speed, and showmanship. A few of his videos are displayed below demonstrating some of his famous technique and style, so enjoy watching one of the masters of our craft!
Solo From Westside Story with the BR Big Band
One of Buddy’s Famous Drum Battles with the Great Gene Krupa
