First-inversion paradiddles around the drums

2024 UPDATE: Wow, this page looks like crap. See my new bigger and better page of this

This came up in my own practice today— straight conditioning movements around the drums, using the very traditional Joe Cusatis books. I try not to think of this as learning licks; it’s more about programming into my muscle memory some moves that I might not do on the fly. First inversion paradiddles (that’s the RLLR LRRL sticking) are one of the key patterns for playing “hip”, and I use them a lot, so they’re a more logical starting place for me than regular paradiddles.

Notes:

  • Practice measures individually, then in the following sequence:
    Ex. 1-2, 1-3, 1-4… 2-3, 2-4, 2-5… 3-4, 3-5, 3-6… etc.
    On sequences, play each measure once or twice:
    Ex. 1-2-1-2…, or 1-1-2-2-1-1-2-2… etc. 
  • Notes in parenthesis are for making transitions between exercises without a crossover.  
  • Practice these in the quarter note = 120-160 range. You should be able to fly around the drums with these. 
  • Typo alert: Ex.8, second beat- play the right hand double on the floor tom. 

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2 thoughts on “First-inversion paradiddles around the drums

  1. Hi Peter-

    Blogging isn't a great format for that- especially since I'm not doing videos at present. I would seek out a good teacher, or look into the videos by Joe Morello or Jojo Mayer (or many others). I'll probably do a little technique post soon, though. Thanks for reading! tb

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