There are many different ways of holding the microphone when beatboxing, and each method helps create a certain type of sound. Here are some photos of well-known beatboxers with a short description of the method they use.

1. Closed Clasp

This is the preferred method used by beatboxers who make nasal bass sounds because it directs sounds from the nose into the microphone. The fingers are wrapped tightly around the microphone. Maximum bass!

Here, A-Plus presses his thumb against his nose and wraps his fingers around the head of the microphone. By using his whole hand around the mic, he funnels the sound into the microphone.

In this variation, 3B tucks his thumb under the microphone and presses his fore-finger against his nose

To help direct the sound into the mic, Beatboy covers the exposed side of the mic with his other hand.

Monkey Moo is using a classic clasp but using his other hand for support.

Here you can see German beatbox champion Zeero using his fingers to ensure that his nasal sounds are captured by the mic.

2. Open Clasp

With the open clasp, the beatboxer is not so bothered about capturing nasal sounds. The fingers are spread more leaving gaps between fingers and often the body of the mic is inserted between the little and third, or third and middle fingers.

Anointed S is using an open clasp but with the microphone to the side of the mouth. This helps him maintain eye contact with the audience.

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You don't have to be right handed to beatbox! Here you can clearly see the open clasp favoured by the awesome Beatmaster G.

3. Two Mics

Why use one mic when you can use two? You can use a second mic just about anywhere but the two favoured positions are on the nose or neck.

Here is Shlomo using the Techno Bass or 808 Kick in one of his trademark dance routines.

Of course, there is no 'right' or 'wrong' way to hold the mic. Try experimenting with the different methods shown above. But beware - covering up the microphone completely will render the directivity of the mic useless and this makes it prone to feedback!

All still images are taken from the HUMANBEATBOX.COM Convention 03 DVD.