Practicing drumming is nowhere near as simple as some people might believe at first. Even though the drums look and feel easier than other instruments, it takes a lot of practice and devotion to get to a good level. At the same time there are other considerations to keep in mind as well, including the need to buy your own drum sticks.

While most people focus on buying the best drum kit and cymbals to make sure they can get a perfect configuration for the full range of their creative expression, drum sticks cannot be overlooked either.

The main point to remember is that each type of drum stick has its own label and number that is based on a standard, traditional numbering system designed to determine the size and circumference of the stick. Naturally, a larger and heavier stick will sound differently than a smaller, lighter and more subtle one, and you’ll have to figure out which fits your playing style best.

You might see drum sticks labeled 3S, 5B, 7A or with other numbers and letters. The number represents the circumference of the stick while the letter refers to different sizes and types of sticks associated to different applications. As a result, “S” was assigned to street applications such as marching bands, while “A” stands for orchestra drum sticks that are used for large bands and orchestras.

The best way to figure out which of these works best in your case is to try out each of them and learn about each type of stick in particular. With time and practice, you’ll find the perfect drum sticks that will help you accelerate your learning process.