Holding your sticks

Holding the sticks is an important part of playing pan as it determines the quality of sound produced by the instrument. 

Although a firm grip is required, there must be a level flexibility to allow the sticks to bounce off the pan when it is struck.

For the frontline pans each stick should be held between the thumb, the first joint of the index finger (second finger) and the second joint of the middle finger (third finger) of each hand. The ring (fourth finger) and little (fifth finger) fingers should be curled up so that your hands form the shape of a fist.

For the middle pans each stick should be held between the thumb, the first joint of the index finger and the second joint of the middle and ring fingers of each hand. The little finger should be curled up so that your hands form the shape of a fist.

For the background pans each stick should be held between the thumb, the first joint of the index finger and the second joint of the remaining fingers of each hand. The little finger should be curled up so that your hands form the shape of a fist.