Drum Rudiments and Resources Page
Being a drummer is one of the hardest jobs in the band! If the pulse or the beat is slightly off, it throws the whole band off. There are so many different techniques required in order to perform accurate to the style and grove of the band that it is essential that you you study the music, sticking techniques, rudiments and exercises daily to the build the chops necessary to play with any band. At OKM we highly recommend you take private drum lessons to get one-on-one instruction. Please come and see Ms. Frederick or Mr. Schnellert for suggestions if you are interested in finding a teacher!
Below is a compilation of exercises, videos and resources to help you build your technique on the snare drum. Click here for a page on exercises and videos that will help you build your technique on the full kit. The first half are the most basic rudiments that all drums should master. Many thanks to Lonnie Burma, drum educator extraordinaire, for helping to compile these resources!!
Below is a compilation of exercises, videos and resources to help you build your technique on the snare drum. Click here for a page on exercises and videos that will help you build your technique on the full kit. The first half are the most basic rudiments that all drums should master. Many thanks to Lonnie Burma, drum educator extraordinaire, for helping to compile these resources!!
Rolls and Strokes
Having good stick control is one of the most important aspects to being a good drummer. You should practice these every day to build your chops. You don't need a snare or kit to practice these. A drum pad is perfect to let you practice anywhere without disturbing your neighbours!
Having good stick control is one of the most important aspects to being a good drummer. You should practice these every day to build your chops. You don't need a snare or kit to practice these. A drum pad is perfect to let you practice anywhere without disturbing your neighbours!
- The 4 strokes (rebound-down-tap-up)
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2. The Single Stroke Roll
Vic Firth 40 Essential Rudiments
A single stroke roll involves on downward stick motion for each note and does not use a bounce.
Click on the link above. Practice with the audio track starting on Bronze Level and progress through the levels with the highest being diamond. DO NOT proceed to the next level until you can consistently and accurately perform with the recording.
Vic Firth 40 Essential Rudiments
A single stroke roll involves on downward stick motion for each note and does not use a bounce.
Click on the link above. Practice with the audio track starting on Bronze Level and progress through the levels with the highest being diamond. DO NOT proceed to the next level until you can consistently and accurately perform with the recording.
3. The Orchestral Roll (Buzz)
Vic Firth Multiple Bounce Roll
An Orchestral Roll is a multiple bounce roll where during each stroke, you allow the stick to bounce multiple times. The exercise link above takes you through the same levels with audio tracks to rehearse with. However, here is an important note from the author of these exercises on the order in which you should learn them:
The application of this rudiment is different from all the others in that you’re not starting slow and gradually working on faster speeds. Instead, start by learning to play the 16th based roll subdivision in a medium tempo (exercise #4), then go back to #1 (which is essentially the same duple subdivision, but half the speed). Next, work on the triplet subdivisions (#2 and #5).
Vic Firth Multiple Bounce Roll
An Orchestral Roll is a multiple bounce roll where during each stroke, you allow the stick to bounce multiple times. The exercise link above takes you through the same levels with audio tracks to rehearse with. However, here is an important note from the author of these exercises on the order in which you should learn them:
The application of this rudiment is different from all the others in that you’re not starting slow and gradually working on faster speeds. Instead, start by learning to play the 16th based roll subdivision in a medium tempo (exercise #4), then go back to #1 (which is essentially the same duple subdivision, but half the speed). Next, work on the triplet subdivisions (#2 and #5).
4. The Double Stroke Roll
Vic Firth Double Stroke Roll
A Double Stroke Roll uses two downward stick motions for each note in a R R L L sticking pattern. Practice the exercise link above using the audio tracks and level progression as before.
Vic Firth Double Stroke Roll
A Double Stroke Roll uses two downward stick motions for each note in a R R L L sticking pattern. Practice the exercise link above using the audio tracks and level progression as before.
5. The Single Paradiddle
Vic Firth Single Paradiddle
A paradiddle consists of the following single stroke sticking pattern RLRRLRLL. It is extremely helpful in fills in various musical styles. Practice the link above with the audio recordings and level progression.
Vic Firth Single Paradiddle
A paradiddle consists of the following single stroke sticking pattern RLRRLRLL. It is extremely helpful in fills in various musical styles. Practice the link above with the audio recordings and level progression.
6. The Flam
Vic Firth Flam
A flam consists of a a single stroke proceeded by a grace note. It is extremely common in concert/marching band music. Use the link above to practice with the audio tracks and level progression.
Vic Firth Flam
A flam consists of a a single stroke proceeded by a grace note. It is extremely common in concert/marching band music. Use the link above to practice with the audio tracks and level progression.
7. The Drag
Vic Firth Drag
A drag consists of a single stroke proceeded by two grace notes with the sticking pattern of LLR and RRL. Practice the link above with the audio recordings and level progression.
Vic Firth Drag
A drag consists of a single stroke proceeded by two grace notes with the sticking pattern of LLR and RRL. Practice the link above with the audio recordings and level progression.
Syncopated Rhythm Exercises
Practice the exercise below on the snare drum and once you are comfortable, begin to work them into different beats. (swing, latin, funk, etc.)
Practice the exercise below on the snare drum and once you are comfortable, begin to work them into different beats. (swing, latin, funk, etc.)
16th Note Exercises