OFFHAND FUNDAMENTALS
with music city mystique:
Gumption Position
Music City Mystique Cymbal Instructor Zach Blessing details the Gumption position:
![](https://ae.zildjian.com/wp-content/uploads/gumption-01a-correct.webp)
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.
![](https://ae.zildjian.com/wp-content/uploads/gumption-01b-side-finger-alignment.webp)
You should be able to trace a line from the forearms directly through the middle finger.
![](https://ae.zildjian.com/wp-content/uploads/gumption-08-wrist-alignment-problem1.webp)
Don’t rotate the wrists up or down. This will cause unwanted tension in the wrists and muscle fatigue.
![](https://ae.zildjian.com/wp-content/uploads/gumption-03-too-close.webp)
You should be able to trace a line from the forearms directly through the middle finger.
![](https://ae.zildjian.com/wp-content/uploads/gumption-04-arms-extended.webp)
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.