Sticking For The Four Stroke Roll In A Three Note Grouping

In this lesson you will be learning a rhythmic variation on the single stroke four in which an eighth note rest is added at the end of each block of the rudiment. The original version had each short burst of single stroke spread over two eighth notes worth of music, in this version that is increased to three eighth notes. In the time signature of 4/4 phrases lasting two eighth notes fit nicely inline with the pulse, where as groups of three won't. This creates Syncopation which has a much more rhythmically interesting sound.

In this version of this rhythmic concept the part is forced to fit into one bar. This means the last block of the rudiment doesn't have the extra rest.

Listed below are six versions of this new pattern, three using the 'starting on the beat' feel and three ending on the beat. Various different stickings have been shown and an explanation for each is given. At the bottom of the page you will find a list of links to other lessons you may find helpful when learning this part. In the first example I have added phrase markings to clarify the grouping.


Exercise 1

A Single Stroke Four starting on the beat starting on the right hand.

A single stroke 4 in standard sticking.


Exercise 2

A Single Stroke Four starting on the beat starting on the left hand.

A single stroke 4 in reverse sticking.


Exercise 3

A Single Stroke Four starting on the beat with alternating sticking.

A single stroke 4 in alternate sticking.


Exercise 4

A Single Stroke Four ending on the beat starting on the right hand.

A single stroke 4 in standard sticking.


Exercise 5

A Single Stroke Four ending on the beat starting on the left hand.

A single stroke 4 in reverse sticking.


Exercise 6

A Single Stroke Four ending on the beat with alternate sticking.

A single stroke 4 in alternate sticking.


TASK

  • Using the 2 minute rule, get all 6 exercises up to a tempo of at least 135bpm.
  • Experiment with extending the syncopated grouping over two bars.

Lessons

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