Tenor Technique and Practicing

In order to play well, you must practice correctly.

-- Use a metronome. Here's an online metronome.
-- Use a set of quads or quad practice pad set up to mimic the correct drum height and angle.
-- Use a good pair of marching tenor mallets such as the Pro-Mark ATH1
-- Focus on your practicing and be intense.

-- Heels together, toes at a 45 degree angle.
-- Knees straight but not locked.
-- Be tall, make a staright line from ears to feet.

-- Mark time starting on your left foot. The entire foot comes off the ground flat, and returns flat.

Technique

Here are some photos which will help show the proper technique, including grip, playing position, and stick heights.

Right Hand Grip    

The right stick rests in the fleshy part of the hand. All fingers wrap around the stick. The palm is flat, just slightly turned in but almost parallel to the floor. The motion is initiated by the wrist, with the bead leading the stick. 
 

Right Hand Heights

3 inch

 

6 inch

 

12 inch

 

Right Full

Left Full

 

 

The Left Hand Grip is a mirror image of the right hand.

Stick Position

Drum 2 playing position Drum 1 playing position

Drum 4 playing position Drum 3 playing position



Another view of the stick positions for drums 1 and 3