Woody Piano Shack’s Finger Drumming: Yamaha Pads Get the Aussie Treatment

Woody’s got no time for gear snobs. He hammers home the point that finger drumming is about technique, not tech. Whether you’re rocking a Yamaha, a cheap controller, or just your own digits, you’ll get something out of this lesson.

He reckons you should just dive in and get a feel for it—no excuses. If you’re keen, you can even play along on your desk. It’s a classic Woody move: making music accessible, no matter what you’ve got in front of you.

Next up, Woody breaks down the pad layout like a BBQ chef explaining the perfect snag arrangement. The big bass drum sits at the bottom, ready for a whack with the side of your thumb. He’s all about using both hands, even if it feels as awkward as a left-handed handshake at first.

The mirrored layout means your hands fall into a relaxed, claw-like shape—ergonomic and comfy, even after a long session. Woody’s tips on finger positioning are pure gold, making sure you’re set up for success whether you’re a righty or a lefty. It’s all about getting those fingers dancing across the pads without pulling a muscle.

Woody dives into the heart of the lesson with a classic four-beat rock pattern—kick, snare, repeat. He keeps it simple, focusing on two fingers so you don’t tie your hands in knots before you’re ready. It’s the sort of foundation that’ll have you jamming along to pub rock in no time.

He’s big on consistency: get your strikes even, and don’t just flap your fingers about. Use your wrist and arm for power, like you’re flicking a mozzie off your arm at a summer BBQ. Woody also encourages switching hands, so you’re not just a one-trick pony—ambidextrous drumming is the goal.

But he doesn’t stop at basics. Woody throws in some variations, adding extra notes and encouraging you to experiment. Whether you’re sticking to quarter notes or sneaking in some cheeky syncopation, the message is clear: make it your own and have a crack at whatever patterns pop into your head.