Searching for drumsticks can be an overwhelming experience, and leave you thinking “Why’s this so difficult?” There are lots of different letter and number combinations, that make it confusing for new drummers. Which one should you choose? Well, we've got some tips below that will make this decision easier!
If you're a beginner, we recommend starting with size 5A drumsticks. They're a good choice for students because they’re medium weight and easy to use, which can make practicing easier. They're suitable for playing a variety of genres of music such as rock, jazz and funk. Once you've built some experience, you can move onto more specialist sticks.
Drumstick sizes - The numbers and letters explained
The sizing and numbering system can be confusing to someone who is new to drumming, so here’s a breakdown for you.
Drumsticks are designated with a number followed by a letter, such as 5A, 2B, 7A etc
Number - The number refers to the weight and diameter size of the drumstick, with a lower number being a bigger stick. The numbering system runs from 1-9, but the most common size sticks for use on a drum set are 2, 5 and 7.
Size 2 are heavier sticks, typically used for playing more powerful drum set styles such as rock and metal. Size 7 are the lightest sticks, which can be used for playing jazz or styles that require a lighter touch.
Letter - The letter traditionally refers to the application the stick is being used for. This system comes from the early 20th century and is not really relevant today.
- A - Orchestra - These sticks are lighter and meant for playing in an orchestral setting.
- B - Band - These heavier sticks were intended for use in concert bands.
- S - Street - These are much thicker sticks that are intended for outside marching bands. The thicker size gives them more projection, which is needed in outdoor situations.
As a drum set player the letters that you'll most commonly see are A, and B. You just need to be aware that a B stick will be slightly thicker, so a 5B stick is going to be heavier than a 5A.
The much heavier 'S' sticks are not really suited for use on a kit… especially if you want to play blistering fast fills or delicate ride cymbal patterns.
Commonly used drumstick sizes
Although you'll find dozens of different size drumsticks available, there are 4 that are by far the most popular.
7A Sticks are the smallest sticks and are often used for drum set pieces that involve intricate cymbal work, such as jazz. They are extremely easy to play with, so are a popular choice for novices, people with small hands and youngsters.
5A These sticks are great 'all-rounders' and are the perfect first choice of drumstick for beginners. They're suitable for playing a wide variety of music from jazz to rock, which is great if you're learning the instrument and trying your hand at playing different styles.
5B Heavier than the 5A, these sticks are a good choice for drummers who play heavier styles of music such as rock but still need to play fast.
2B Are at the heaviest end of the spectrum. These sticks are intended for real heavy hitters and those looking to get an aggressive sound from their drums. Ideal for rock and metal players.
Drumstick length
Most drumsticks come in at around 16 inches (406mm) in length but can vary between 15 and 17 inches (381-432 mm)
As the lengths are so similar, this is less of a consideration for beginners than the weight and size discussed above. However, there are a couple of important exceptions:
Young children - There are shorter sticks that are ideal for use for those getting into drumming at an early age. These are typically 12-13 inches in length and often have the same weight guide as standard sticks - so you can buy a 5A stick that is only 12 inches long.
More reach - If you're an advanced drummer and simply want more reach, a longer stick may be an option. Some manufacturers have manufactured sticks that are slightly longer, most notably Vic Firth with their 'Extreme' range of sticks.
How to choose the right size drumsticks
When you first start drumming, you may not have any idea how to determine the right size of drumsticks for your playing. Here are some simple guidelines:
Weight - Don't use sticks that are too light or too heavy for your skill level and ability. A good rule is to start with a pair of medium weight sticks and then decide if you need to change the weight
Try first - If possible, try out a few different sticks to see what feels right. It's the first-hand experience that sometimes makes the difference.
You may be able to do this in the drum shop before you buy them. Alternatively, ask your drum tutor if you could try out several different pairs of sticks which he/she has in their collection.
Types of music - Know what you want to play. Some styles require sticks to be a certain size and weight to achieve the dynamics important in those styles. For example, jazz drumming usually requires lighter sticks than rock or metal.
Materials for drumsticks - wood, carbon fiber or aluminium
Drummers often overlook the importance of the material of their drumsticks. This can affect the weight of the stick, how it feels in your hands and the sound that is produced. Let's start by looking at different woods that drumsticks are manufactured from.
- Hickory - This produces a drumstick that is sturdy and reliable, whilst still being able to absorb the shock of heavy playing. This is a great choice for most drummers and is one of the most popular materials used by the top brands.
- Maple - A drumstick made from this material is 10% lighter and is quick to respond. Perfect for more subtle styles of music, such as blues, but may not stand up to more aggressive playing.
- Oak - being the densest wood, oak sticks are heavier than hickory and can better stand up to hours of heavy gigging - great if you're in a metal or punk band.
Once you've tried wooden sticks you might like to try out some of the other materials available.
Carbon fiber is a lightweight and super durable material with an elegant black color. Expect to pay more than wooden sticks but they should last much longer.
Aluminium drumsticks are a little heavier than their wooden equivalents and are used for practice on a practice pad. Don't use them on your actually kit as you risk damaging your drum skins and cymbals. Their additional weight during practice should make it feel easier to play when you return to your standard sticks.
Common questions on drumstick sizes to use
Is 5A or 5B drumstick thicker?
A 5B stick is thicker than a traditional size 5A. This makes it slightly heavier and more suitable for playing more hard-hitting styles of music.
How long is a 5B drumstick?
Most drumsticks are approx. 16 inches (406mm) in length, but the measurements for a drumstick can vary slightly between different brands and manufacturers. If you need a longer stick, you can find ones that are up to 17 inches (432mm) in length and there are also shorter sticks for younger players.
What are 5A drumsticks used for?
5A sticks are a versatile stick suitable for playing all styles of music. They are great for practicing and performance playing.
What are the best drumsticks for metal?
A good choice for metal are 5B sticks. these are slightly heavier than standard sticks but still allow you to play fast hand patterns. If you're a particularly heavy hitter, you may prefer the even heavier 2B size of stick.
What is the difference between 5A and 7A drumsticks?
5A is a good medium size drumstick, whereas 7A sticks are smaller in diameter and lighter. 7A’s are particularly useful for playing jazz and more delicate styles of music. However, they're more prone to breaking if you use them heavily.