Drum Rudiments: Double Stroke Roll

It has been weeks now since my last post in this series of entries on drum rudiments. I apologize for the delay but I hope that, if anyone has been following this series, they would already have developed 1) the proper way of holding the drum sticks, 2) the proper way of hitting with the drum sticks, 3) the strength of their stroke and 4) playing comfortably at slow and fast tempos with the first three lessons (Lesson 1: Single Stroke Roll, Lesson 2: Single Stroke Four, Lesson 3: Single Stroke Seven).

This next drum rudiment also shares the same objectives as mentioned above with the addition that it will 5) develop control in the hands and wrists as the drummer accomplishes the double stroke roll at higher tempos.

In this drum rudiment, each hand does two strokes alternately. As this is done, the drummer must be conscious about 1) applying the same strength (or sound) on both strokes made by one hand and 2) the spacing of each stroke, making sure that they are all evenly spaced. Using a metronome can help develop the right spacing. It is recommended to start practicing at slow tempos then going faster as one becomes comfortable (remember the fourth objective of the rudiments) at the tempos you are practicing at. Level 1 (44-56 bpm), Level 2 (58-70 bpm), Level 3 (72-84 bpm), Level 4 (86-98 bpm), Level 5 (100-112 bpm).

This lesson is played one time, starting at the slowest tempo. The tempo is then moved up 4 beats per minute - eventually ending at the fastest tempo.

An additional exercise (variation) for this is starting at the slowest then gradually speeding up to the fastest tempo the drummer is comfortable with. This will facilitate in teaching the drummer how to close the roll.

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Drum Rudiments: The Single Stroke Four

Here is another drum rudiment which would enhance the single stroke roll. In that first lesson, the strokes were struck evenly spaced. In this rudiment one hand plays triplets (three evenly spaced strokes) before or after a single stroke is made with the other hand.

Below is the application exercise for the single stroke four. it is again recommended that you start at slower tempos then work on speeding up when you are comfortable at the lower tempos.

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Drum Rudiments: Single Stroke Roll

This is the first of a series of entries about drum rudiments. You can play them on the snare or on a drum pad. The purposes of the rudiments are...

1) to develop the proper way of holding the drum sticks,
2) to develop the proper way of hitting with the drum sticks,
3) to develop the strength of the drummer's stroke and
4) to develop playing comfortably at slow and fast tempos.


Instructions on how to play rudiments:

*The best way to practice is to have a metronome with you. The metronome helps you identify the tempo you are playing in. (examples, 45 bpm, 60 bpm) bpm means beats per minute

*The letter "R" means you strike with the right hand and "L" means you strike with the left.

*The notes on the scale are 32nd notes so you hit a total of eight strokes for every beat. For example, you're practicing at 60 bpm, so that tempo is equivalent to every tick of the second hand of a clock, which is one beat. So for every second you must be able to play 8 strokes (4 right strokes and 4 left strokes alternately) total.

*Start practicing at slow tempos then go faster as you become comfortable (remember the purpose of the rudiments) at the tempos you are practicing at. Level 1 (44-56 bpm), Level 2 (58-70 bpm), Level 3 (72-84 bpm), Level 4 (86-98 bpm), Level 5 (100-112 bpm) Credits to vicfirth.com

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