Burton Grip: Mallets 2 and 4 with "V"?

[funnyan]

I've been told often about having mallets 2 and 4 maintaining a "V" formation to play efficiently. It's likely I'm just misunderstanding this advice, but how is that "V" supposed to look in the hands? If I'm wrong with this information, someone correct me, please!

[joe356]

Its not real clear what your question is. Are you asking about 4 mallet technique? If so, the mallets will cross in your hand, not create a V.

[funnyan]

Well, alright, I'll clarify a bit more on what I'm confused about, since it doesn't have to do with holding four mallets in Burton grip, but rather, the position your mallets will be in when playing a two-mallet line (with Burton). The right hand's mallets will be in 90 degrees, while the left hand will maintain a "default" interval. I was told to keep mallet shafts in a "V" position, but I don't know where this "V" is meant to be at. All I'm seeing is an upside-down "V" between 2 and 4—is that it? Haha..

[num1drummer]

I normally keep my fingers in the same position as playing a major 3rd. Index finger and thumb are right next to each other.

Hope that helps!

[joe356]

Well, alright, I'll clarify a bit more on what I'm confused about, since it doesn't have to do with holding four mallets in Burton grip, but rather, the position your mallets will be in when playing a two-mallet line (with Burton). The right hand's mallets will be in 90 degrees, while the left hand will maintain a "default" interval. I was told to keep mallet shafts in a "V" position, but I don't know where this "V" is meant to be at. All I'm seeing is an upside-down "V" between 2 and 4—is that it? Haha..

Ok that makes much more sense. Yes, with burton grip you'll usually use the outer mallet in the right hand (mallet 4) and the inner mallet on the left hand (mallet 2). The right hand will essentially pull mallet three out of the way making the right angle you described. The left hand will generally stay the same, and you'll sort of rotate the forearm to move mallet 2 independently. The size of the interval you maintain in that hand isn't particularly important, but you could describe it as a V. I've never heard it put that way. As long as mallet 1 is staying pretty stationary I wouldn't worry too much about its exact positioning.

[funnyan]

Not quite what I was looking for, num1, but good perspective—thanks (:

And thanks joe356, lots of good clarification on that.

I don't have anyone specific to help me with Burton grip who I can conveniently contact, so does anyone else have any words of advice for learning and improving the grip properly? I genuinely believe that I understand and can implement the proper rotations for each mallet, but it's likely that there's much more to the grip that I'm missing out on. Any videos, books, articles, or just flat-out suggestions people could give? Any aspects of the grip to point out that are often overlooked, commonly misused, or where a lot of beginners fail? If so, advice is greatly appreciated!

[NGPercussion]

Check out Gary Burton explaining several aspects of the grip and technique here: http://www.vicfirth.com/education/keyboard/burton.php