Category: Exercises

Paradiddle Grid Drumset Application

3/23/2015

The following exercise was written by Kim Plainfield, and appears in his book titled Advanced Concepts. This is a great exercise that combines single, double, and triple paradiddles into a phrase that reverses itself every four measures (right hand leads four measures, then left hand leads four measures, etc...). The pattern consists of four singles, three doubles, three triples, and finally one double that flips the sequence.

Preliminary Exercise For Paradiddles by Kim Plainfield

Preliminary Exercise For Paradiddles
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Expanding on Plainfield's concept, the Paradiddle Grid Drumset Application exercise applies the same consistent sticking and phrasing to the drumset. It's important to master the above exercise first, as the pattern will be played consistently on the ride cymbal and snare drum. More than anything, this is an exercise that will challenge your timing, so it's important to practice with a metronome.

First, in example 1 we will be playing both the bass drum and hi-hat foot parts on every downbeat. Once mastered, move this part to every upbeat.
Next, in example 2 we will start "walking" the foot parts, with the bass drum on every downbeat and the hi-hat on every upbeat. Reverse this pattern as well, and play the hi-hat on the downbeats and the bass drum on the upbeats.
Finally, in example 3 we will apply a samba/bossa pattern to the bass drum. Again, the pattern can be practiced with the hi-hat on the upbeats (as written) as well as the downbeats.

KDR Kustom Drum Recording Paradiddle Grid Drumset Application PDF

Paradiddle Grid Drumset Application
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Tackling Triplets

1/19/2015

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Tackling Triplets
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Here's a challenging exercise combining different forms of triplets with varying sticking patterns. Remember to practice slow along with a metronome. The goal is to make the patterns flow and sound as seamless as possible.

Example 1 - First we'll get comfortable by combining sticking patterns allowing us to switch between right and left hand lead.
Example 2 - Next we'll alternate between standard and Swiss Army triplets. Notice that the first note of each line is no longer accented. This is because we're combining the last note of the Swiss Army triplet with the first note of the standard triplet to create a bounce stroke.
Example 3 - Now we'll incorporate a triple stroke between the triplet formats. Try and master each individual line, then combine the two after you're comfortable with both. If you're having trouble with the triple stroke you may want to revisit the flam accent, or consult a qualified instructor (it's important that the triple stroke is bounced).

Example 4 - In this example we'll switch our sticking pattern to the Paradiddle-Diddle.
Example 5 - Finally, layer in alternating double bass drum (or hi-hat and bass drum) for a challenging 4-way coordination exercise.

Once you're comfortable with the patterns, start applying them around the drum set. Remember, this is just a starting point. Change up accents, use different sticking or rhythm patterns, and experiment around the kit. Practice smart, be creative, and most importantly have fun!

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16ths Back & Forth Around The Kit

7/30/2014

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Anyone who is familiar with my teaching knows that I favor creativity above all else. I developed the following lesson to help students increase facility when playing back and forth across the toms. This lesson represents an intro to thinking creatively not only about orchestration, but also how sticking and body positioning are involved in moving efficiently around the drum kit. Using these concepts, students areable to think more critically about how they choose to physically approach the drums, as well as fills requiring extensive movement around the kit. Utilizing basic 16th note patterns and simple stickings, this lesson will also help improve speed and dexterity. I've included a link to a YouTube video featuring Gabor Dornyei in which he discusses similar concepts, but on a more advanced level. The video is well worth watching (or at least skipping through) as Gabor has an interesting approach to his drum setup that perfectly demonstrates how the concepts in this lesson can be applied. Have fun with the lesson, post any questions or comments you may have, and share your patterns for moving around the kit.

16ths Back & Forth Around The Kit
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Click Here To Watch Gabor's YouTube Video:

Moving Around The Kit / Gabor Dornyei

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Speed Up Your Hands

11/12/2013

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Here's a great exercise to help increase your hand speed. Start out slow and work up speed over time. This is also a great warm up to help loosen up the hands.

Have fun!

Chop Builders
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Paradiddle Grid Drumset Application

Tackling Triplets

16ths Back & Forth Around The Kit

Speed Up Your Hands

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