Fingersnapping

Fingersnapping is a technique of percussionists to play faster than they could if using their wrist in a full stroke, or to play softer at fast speeds.

Unlike the usual technique of stroking with wrist motion, in fingersnapping, the drummer uses his finger to cause the stick to strike the drum. There should be very little, if any, wrist motion.

Fingersnapping is also used to play diddles and triple-strokes with greater control than allowing the stick to bounce.

Many drummers consider practicing this technique with brushes before moving on to stick exercises. This is because of the lack of bounce in the brush that incites greater discipline in the motion between the fingers and thumbs.