Posted: 25th August 2022
Now that you have explored basic drum rudiments including Single Strokes, Double Strokes, Paradiddles, Double Paradiddles and Flams, it’s time to look at some more complex rudiments.
If you haven’t explored these basic rudiments yet, you can catch up on them by clicking here.
Read time: 7 mins
A paradiddle-diddle is a combination of singles and doubles. It’s based off a standard paradiddle (R,L,R,R) but with an extra double (Or diddle) on the end (L,L). You can also break it down into 2 single hits (R, L) followed by a set of doubles (R, R, L, L). Similarly with the double paradiddle (if you’ve checked out our beginners article), this rudiment adds four notes to create a triplet style feel, which is ideal for use within Latin and Jazz music.
If you’ve already tried the single or double paradiddles from the previous article, you may notice a theme with the triple paradiddle. It consists of 3 sets of singles at the beginning (R,L,R,L,R,L) followed by a double at the end (R,R). This rudiment is then repeated invertedly, starting with the left hand (L,R,L,R,L,R,L,L). As you keep playing and building your confidence, you can look at maybe adding in some accents on the first hit to add a different feel to it.
An 8th note Triplet is a three-note pattern that fills the duration of a typical two-note pattern. This is usually played as singles and is broken down into 3 single hit sets (R,L,R) before repeating the same invertedly (L,R,L). Your accenting will be really important in this rudiment, it will help to give it a true triplet feel. Emphasise the first hit of every 3 and you’ll be a triplet master before you know it.
Those of you that have read our first rudiments article should know how to do the first part of this rudiment. It starts with a Flam (r,L) followed by 2 single hits (R,L). Unlike other rudiments, the Swiss Army Triplet isn’t meant to alternate and instead just loops with either the right or left hand taking the lead.
Directly in between a Flam and a Swiss Army Triplet, the Flam Tap basically explains itself. Starting with a Flam at the beginning (r,L) and then followed by a single hit (or tap) afterwards, depending on your leading hand. This rudiment does require you to alternate between your hands, unlike the Swiss Army Triplet. Effectively, if you’ve mastered the Flam and Double Strokes rolls then you’re pretty much most of the way there.
If you feel like you understand these drum rudiments try them out for yourself! Grab a metronome and follow allow starting at 60bpm, once you think you’ve mastered that try and gradually speed it up gradually to 160bpm.
So now that you’ve explored these complex rudiments, you should be able to describe their sticking patterns and how to apply them to a drum kit.
