Usual sizes are for instance. 2a, 5a, 7a. There is no accurate standard to this system. The appropriate sizes vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

General rule: Number 7 is a finer stick than number 2 5b is thicker than 5a.

Here a rough scale:

• 7a - a good stick for light jazz.
• 5a -jazz, light rock.
• 5b - good all rounder for rock, rehearsals and for practice.
• 2a - rock and to practice somewhat heavier material.
• 2b - ideal for heavy rock.

Between them there is a multitude of models; the characteristics differ depending on the make.