Using Stick Control for Drumset

Stick Control  by George Lawrence Stone is a classic text for learning how to play drums.  I think one of the reasons for this is it's step by step approach in teaching stickings, rhythm and coordination as you progress through the book.

Most people see this book and think it's only applicable to Snare Drum.  I've found there are many interesting and challenging things you can do with the exercises in this book that can help you with your drumset playing as well.

Here are some ways you can use this text to help you with your drumset coordination:

1. First off, try playing Quarter notes with your Right Foot (or Left Foot) as you play each exercise with your hands.
2. Next try playing Quarter or Eighth notes with one of your hands (on
   the bell of the cymbal or hi-hat for example) while your FEET play the
   exercises - Right Foot plays R, Left Foot plays L.
3. Now, continue playing Quarter or Eighth notes with your Right Hand
   on the hi-hat or ride cymbal, and have your Right Foot play the R in
   the exercises, while your Left Hand plays the L in the exercises. 
4. Repeat step 3, but play the cymbal with the Left Hand, while the
   Right Foot plays the R in the exercises and the Right Hand plays the L
   in the exercises.
5. Try step 3 or 4 with a diffferent rhythm in the cymbal hand, such as a dotted eighth followed by a 16th.
6. Another variation I like to try is to play each exercise twice:
   once as written, and then repeat the exercise - but this time play it
   in double time.  This gives you a chance to see if your hands are
   really getting the stickings down.

Hopefully these suggestions are helpful to you as you continue to use Stick Control in your studies.  And for those of you not yet familiar with this wonderful book, I urge you to purchase a copy at your earliest convenience!