Importance of simple rudiments..

People often neglect dedicating serious practice time to basic rudiments because they seem "easy" or "boring". However they are extremely important for developing good hand technique. Here are a few examples to start with:

Four Stroke Roll:

RLRL
LRLR

Four Stroke Rough:

lllR
rrrL

an alternative way to play the rough is like this:

rllR
lrrL

Here is an mp3 I recorded of some practice pad doodling which uses both of the above rudiments extensively. A smooth consistent tone can be achieved by practicing these slowly at first and gradually working up speed.

Five Stroke Roll:

rrllR
llrrL

This version of the 5 stroke roll is a total of 5 notes including the accent. The more traditional version is 6 total notes with 5 grace notes. It's slightly easier to perform and I also find it more useful.

Seven Stroke Roll:

rrllrrL
llrrllR

This version of the 7 stroke roll is a total of 7 notes including the accent. The more traditional version is 8 total notes with 7 grace notes. It's slightly easier to perform and I also find it more useful.

Here's an mp3 I recorded of some kit playing with both of these rudiments being used extensively on the hi-hat and ride cymbal.

Contact: mblomquist@berklee.net