Exploring the Use of Mallets in Drumming

So I know in the country section, I talked a little bit about some of the different tools you can use. It’s not all just about drumsticks.

Tools of the Trade

• I use some brushes.
• I use some hot rods.
• Mallets: Now, there’s a very famous song by Fleetwood Mac, early Fleetwood Mac, Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac, where Mick Fleetwood, the drummer, played mallets.

The Song: Albatross

• Song: "Albatross"
• Drummer: Mick Fleetwood
• Focus: He focused on the toms and had a nice sizzle cymbal.

The pattern was something like this.

The Benefits of Using Mallets

I use mallets quite a lot in some of my work as a jazz drummer. They are also good for creating atmosphere.

Applications in Music

• Some of the TV work I've done involves playing music for:
  • Crime dramas
  • Films

For instance, if you want the atmosphere to build during a tense moment—like when the detective is just about to discover a vital piece of information—you might want to play a little roll on the toms or cymbal rolls. It just has a much nicer, softer sound.

Characteristics of Mallet Playing

• The way that the volume swells is a bit more subtle.
• Occasionally, if I’m playing some kind of Latin groove on a jazz gig, it might be nice to play a little pattern across the toms.

So there we go—mallets are not often heard in indie drumming, but it’s a good time to talk about them because they produce a very different sound on the drum kit—one that I enjoy playing.

They also give you a chance to practice your single stroke rolls as well.