How To Perform A Single Paradiddle
The Single Paradiddle is a great rudiment to add to your growing library of rudiments. I recommend that this should be the third rudiment that new drummers learn. Before starting this pattern I like to recommend to my students that they already know the Single Stroke Roll and the Double Stroke Roll. I say that because this rudiment requires the techniques that you have developed when working on those rudiments. Also, this should go without saying, but before starting this rudiment it is a good idea to make sure that you are using Proper Stick Technique for holding your drumsticks.
The single paradiddle is different from the first two rudiments that we have learned, because it takes eight strokes before the rudiment repeats. The single stroke roll repeats after two strokes, and the double stroke roll takes four strokes to repeat. I’ve said this in all of my other articles, but I’m going to say it again, it is way better to start slowly and learn it correctly than it is to rush yourself and play it sloppy.
The Single Paradiddle
The Single Paradiddle goes like this. Right Left Right Right, Left Right Left Left (RLRR LRLL)
Now start slowly with a metronome and just practice this over and over. If you are looking for an easier way to remember this while playing think of the word Paradiddle. par- a – diddle, par – a – diddle. Saying this in your head will help you keep the rhythm in your head and let you focus on keeping your hand technique proper and in time.
Now there are two ways that we can practice this rudiment. The first way we can use all wrists. So every single stroke we can move our arm up and down and get a stroke each time. The second way is on the RR or LL you can us the rebound technique that we discussed in the Double Stroke Roll Article. So we go Single Stroke, Single Stroke, Double Stroke, Single Stroke, Single Stroke, Double Stroke. As you speed this up you will find it harder to stay in time if you don’t relax. So make sure that you stay relaxed the whole times, if you arms start to tense up then take a bit of a break. Muscle “burn” is good, but muscle pain is bad.
Uses For The Single Paradiddle
The Single Paradiddle is an essential part in many beats and fills. Until recently it has been that way for quite sometime. Mike Michalkow has recently been pushing it to the foreground in his Moeller Method Secrets DVD, in this DVD he made an entire drum solo entitled “Paradiddle Madness” He goes for 4 minutes straight doing insane beats and fills, all the while keeping a perfect single paradiddle.
Explore posts in the same categories: Drum Rudiments, Beginner Drumming