3 Types of Drumsticks: How to Choose a Pair of Drumsticks

Drumsticks are wood or metal beaters that musicians use to play percussive instruments like drums. A drummer plays a drum kit or drum set, which consists of multiple drums, cymbals, and metal hardware—yet a drum set is not a complete instrument by itself. It requires some form of beater to play the drums and cymbals. Beaters can be mallets, rods, or wire brushes, but the most common type of beater is a set of drumsticks.

The vast majority of drumsticks are made of wood. Many drummers favor hickory, which is lightweight and absorbs shock readily. Oak drumsticks are heavier than hickory drumsticks, and they hold up better over time. Maple—which is used throughout the world of musical instruments—is the lightest wood option, but it lacks the density of oak. Standard wood drumsticks come with a teardrop-shaped wood tip, but it's easy to find wood sticks with nylon tips, which provide greater durability and a more consistent timbre. The type of wood does not noticeably alter the sound of the drums; players simply favor different types of drumsticks for different styles of playing.

Drumsticks can also be made from synthetic materials including metal and various forms of plastic. These sticks are more expensive than their wood counterparts, but they're designed to last far longer. While there is a difference between the sound produced by wooden drumsticks versus synthetic drumsticks, it is subtle. You'll notice a far greater difference when you change drum heads or use electronic drums as opposed to changing out a pair of sticks. You'll even notice a greater difference simply by switching between nylon and wooden tips.

Drumstick manufacturers classify their drumsticks using a number and a letter. The number refers to the stick's diameter—the higher the number, the thinner the stick. The letter refers to the overall size and suggested application.

1. 1. A sticks: A-style sticks are lighter weight and work well in low-volume applications like classical music and jazz. The 5A stick size is one of the most common and can be good for a percussionist in a chamber ensemble. If you’re looking to practice your jazz drumming, consider a 7A stick.
2. 2. B sticks: These sticks are heavier, and while they work with many playing styles on many percussion instruments, they’re most commonly associated with rock music. A pair of thick, 2B oak sticks could be just the right stick combo for a heavy hitter behind a rock kit.
3. 3. S sticks: Even heavier than B sticks, S-style drumsticks are great for high-volume applications like marching bands.

Choosing a type of drumstick is personal, and the best drumsticks for one player may not appeal to someone else. Keep a wide array of options—from material to weight to tip shape—in your stick bag so you’ll have backups on hand and the right match for the music you’re playing.

Drum brushes are beaters made with bristles attached to the end of a stick; they allow the drummer to play more softly. Metal wire brushes can be a great option if you play jazz or need to limit your volume in other genres. Drum brushes have either a plastic handle or a rubber handle and retractable metal bristles controlled by a pull rod. Retractable brushes allow you to adjust the length and the stiffness of your beater to produce different sounds.

Like drumsticks, brushes come with a variety of options, including wood handles, nylon bristles, and different gauge wires. Plastic brushes are available for those on a budget, but unless you like the sound of plastic or nylon wires, it's advisable to stick to a standard steel wire brush with a plastic or rubber handle.

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