Supplement 30C: Constant Motion | Part 2 of 3

Constant finger motion starts with a downstroke as the fingers open, then stays open, motivating the stick exclusively for as many strokes as you want; some wrist movement while the fingers work is normal, and the last stroke of any constant-motion passage closes with a wrist turn. Exclusive use of the fingers affects tone, speed, dynamics and articulation. With traditional grip, you may need to shift your hand position slightly so the index finger sits in the ideal spot to motivate the stick on its own — again, some wrist involvement is normal here. Faster tempos in some styles call for more constant finger use, as in a fast samba where the lead hand plays rapid 8th- or 16th-note rhythms; it can also come into play during a single-stroke roll when there’s a tempo increase or dynamic shift (Supplement 30C). Any wrist movement is natural — the constant finger motion is the main reason the stick is moving. If you feel any strain, stop and rest, then start again; at this stage, control matters more than speed.