OFFHAND FUNDAMENTALS
with music city mystique:
Gumption Position
Gumption is first of two primary positions for playing crashes and crash chokes. We call it “gumption” because of the commanding attitude and boldness, “umph” that it demonstrates when correctly performed.
Music City Mystique Cymbal Instructor Zach Blessing details the Gumption position:
ESTABLISHING A PERFECT GUMPTION POSITION:
Gumption is often called a “seat belt” position because it traces the line that a seat belt would have: top of the left shoulder down to the right hip.
The edges should line up front to back and top to bottom and there should be a 2 inch gap between the cymbals all around the edges. Notice the position of the arms – a natural “bow” with the elbows (taking up space), right hand at chest level.
As you practice moving into or out of this position, be sure to check yourself in a mirror, have a friend critique you, or film yourself to make sure you’re accurate. Because this is a very visual element for the cymbal line, it’s extremely important that every player has the same checkpoints throughout.
Pay attention to the position of your wrists and arms.
You should be able to trace a line from the forearms directly through the middle finger.
Don’t rotate the wrists up or down. This will cause unwanted tension in the wrists and muscle fatigue.
You should be able to trace a line from the forearms directly through the middle finger.
Don’t rotate the wrists up or down. This will cause unwanted tension in the wrists and muscle fatigue.
Pay attention to your blade positions.
The blades of the cymbals should be straight forward, aligned around the circumference of the cymbals with a 2″ gap between.
Don’t put too much pressure on the right hand fingers, which will show the logo of the top cymbal.
Too much pressure in the left hand fingers will show the logo of the bottom cymbal.