INTRODUCTIONWelcome to the developing world of four mallet marimba technique! While there is no substitute for a good teacher, this series of lessons will hopefully help some of you who don't have that option. A word of warning: this can be a tedious and trying experience. At times you may ask yourself, "why am I doing this?" Just remember, everything that is hard may not be worth it, but everything that is worth it usually is hard! Patience and a positive outlook are instrumental here. The chances of this coming to you overnight are slim to none, but with a consistent practice regimen, the rewards will manifest themselves to any level you wish to attain.
Don't forget: if you have any questions or comments about the material posted on this page, don't hesitate to ask in our forum discussion! Good luck & let us know how it's going!
There are four main schools
of thought on how to hold two mallets in each hand: Traditional, Musser, Burton,
and Stevens technique. In this lesson we will be dealing with the Stevens
technique, which is most commonly used in marimba performance. While not used
by every marimbist in the world, it is the most common technique found today.
Why? It has the ability to play single independent lines, access small and
large intervals quickly, one handed rolls, and single alternating passages,
all with ease and flexibility once a moderate standard of execution is met.
Leigh Howard Stevens is the person for which this technique is named. He is
also the author of the book, "Method Of Movement."
This book is HIGHLY recommended and should be studied throughout ones career
as a marimbist, no matter how intermediate or advanced the player.
Here we will be dealing with the very basics and fundamentals of the grip.
What do you need to get started? Four mallets, (malletech CN14 are good general
mallets, as are the LHS 15's) and don't worry, access to a marimba 24 hours
a day is not necessary. Much of what we will be doing to begin with can be
done effectively on the floor!
Now grab your mallets and let's get started!
LESSON 1:
HOLDING THE
MALLETS
We'll
start with the inside mallet. Begin by holding out the right hand parallel
to the ground as if you were to shake someone's hand. Place the base of the
inside right mallet underneath the muscle of the thumb and allow it to rest
on the index finger close to the third joint.
(click on any picture
to
see an enlarged version)
Without any tension or constraint, the mallet should balance with the leverage
between the base of the thumb and the index finger.
Now
for the outside mallet.
In the right
hand, place the mallet between the middle and the ring finger. Next, bring
the ring and pinkie fingers around the mallet as to secure it with the fingers.
Adjust the mallet until the end of the shaft is sticking a quarter of an
inch out from the pinkie finger and the edge of the hand.
Check to see that the mallet is tucked in the curve of the second joint
of the ring finger, and is slightly above the second joint of the middle
finger.
It's important that you
keep yourself from "choking up" on the shaft of the mallet with
the back two fingers. This is a very common mistake! Gripping close to the
end allows the stick to be used to its maximum potential. Careful attention
to the details in the beginning stages of holding four mallets will save you
and your teacher much pain and suffering!
Now
let's see if we can put both mallets in one hand at the same time! Begin
by placing the outsidemallet between your middle and ring finger,
then add the insidemallet between the thumb and index finger. Let
the thumb rest on the inside mallet.
In no way should you
pinch or squeeze the mallets with your fingers! This produces excess tension
in the hand. Also, avoid letting the thumb curl up by raising the second
joint. Strive to have the largest surface of the thumb (rather than the
tip) resting on the mallet. Simply place the thumb on the mallet and you
will be in good shape.
Your
hands should be positioned in the "American" Grip. This is a modification,
or middle ground between French and German Grip. In other words, avoid having
your palms completely horizontal or vertical. Without this you will not
be able to reach the full potential of this grip.
Finally, repeat this entire process in your left hand. You will most likely
need to spend more time in the left hand, (assuming you are right handed).
I'd recommend that you spend some time with the Stevens grip in your strong
hand before moving on to the other. This enables you to use the strong hand
as an example for the weaker hand.
Here's a few more pictures of the grip! At this point do not worry about
the positioning of your elbows. We will cover that material as it relates
to shifting in the next lesson. For now, let your arms naturally relax at
your sides and do not impose any unneeded tension.
Spend a few days (or weeks) getting comfortable holding the mallets! Pick
them up them while you watch t.v. or while you're doing homework.
If
you want to learn more about the 4 mallet technique,
check out the drumset area of Mark Wessels' site:
