18/04/2021
Most drummers are trained to feel every four notes through 1/8th’s, 1/16th’s and 1/32nd notes as a downbeat. This variation when played through these subdivisions has the second note of the double landing on the perceived downbeat and so feels awkward and uncomfortable. This is only because it is probably the least practiced variation but, if mastered like the rest, not only feels comfortable but can also sound awesome!
Moving The Paradiddle Around The Drum Kit
The next three exercises show some of the most common ways the single paradiddle is split over the drum kit. For simplicity and ease of practice I have only used the standard paradiddle sticking (RLRR LRLL) but the ideas being shown can be applied to all four sticking variations.
Single Paradiddle Around The Drum Kit – Variation 1
Single Paradiddle
This is the most common and simplest way of applying the paradiddle to the rest of the drum kit. Obviously the tom-toms I have chosen can be replaced with any drum/cymbal of your choice. It’s easiest to start with this version though as the floor tom is easiest to hit with the right hand and the high tom with the left.
Single Paradiddle Around The Drum Kit – Variation 2
Single Paradiddle
This version plays both of the single notes on different toms while the doubles are placed on the snare drum.
Single Paradiddle Around The Drum Kit – Variation 3
Single Paradiddle
The single notes are now placed on the snare and it’s the doubles that are played on the corresponding toms