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Like others have said, I think you are off to a good start. I hope that long-winded explanation makes some sort of sense. You can feel the ligaments (tendons?, muscles?) over the top of your hand, being 'strained'. Try it.roll that stick way up to the middle joint (or higher) of the fulcrum finger.then try to keep those back fingers in light contact with the stick. Also, if, in your fulcrum, you have the stick 'pulled up' to the middle joint on your finger, instead of the first joint, it makes it harder for your back fingers to be gently but intimately involved with the stick. What you'd like to achieve is allowing the stick to dance on the drum, to dance in your hand, (feel it dancing on those back finger tips), and your hand/grip is basically the choreographer of that dance. Just 'caress' that little bird gently.fulcrum lightly on the neck, back fingers 'cradling' the body of the little bird. You don't want to injure the little thing, but you also don't want it to slip out of your hand. As for your general grip of the stick, imagine you've found a baby bird on the ground and picked it up. Some say thumb/index finger, some say thumb/middle finger, I've even heard some say between those two. It seems like the fulcrum position is debatable. And yes the Jo Jo Mayer DVD is great! Check it out. Just try and pay attention to tension in your hand.if there is any, find out why and see if there is a better way to achieve what you want. Great on the ride cymbal! Bottom line is that their are a lot of ways to hold a drum stick. This grip doesn't work very well for soft and articulate playing but if you are looking for a bigger and more fluid feel, this grip is pretty cool. The the first and second fingers are just there for control. Also, for REALLY loose grip or even for back beats, some guys hold the stick with their third finger (ring?) and pinkie.basically leaving a lot of space at the top of the hand for the stick to move around. Try to avoid too much pressure on the stick from your uld lead to issues down your arm later on. Whether the fulcrum is using the first finger or second, pay attention to tension in your hand, especially in your thumb. Looks like you are off to a great start.the space between your thumb and first finger is a good thing.