The Single Stroke Roll With 'a' Count Cymbals

In this single stroke roll orchestration lesson you will be learning another cymbal placement idea that works in a very similar way to our quarter note cymbal placement idea (linked at the bottom of the page). The basis for the orchestration will be a run of single stroke all played on the snare then any time you count an 'a', you will hit a cymbal. This will always be with a left hand and will always be coming off a snare, so cymbals on the left hand side of the kit are the best option. This is a simple idea but is great for fill construction and can be applied in many different ways. It is also a great way of building up strength in your left hand.

As always, feet have been included in all exercises but experiment with different patterns to those shown. If you are finding an exercise difficult it would be worth removing the feet until you are comfortable with the hands. Remember, cymbals tend to sound better when played with a bass drum.


Exercise 1

Single stroke roll played with simulated accents


Exercise 2

Single stroke roll played with simulated accents


Exercise 3

Single stroke roll played with simulated accents


Exercise 4

Single stroke roll played with simulated accents


Exercise 5

Single stroke roll played with simulated accents


Exercise 6

Single stroke roll played with simulated accents


Tasks

Use the 2 minute rule to aim for the following target tempos. This list covers from a beginner to an experienced player so potentially represents several years worth of practice.

  • Level 0: 60bpm
  • Level 1: 90bpm
  • Level 2: 120bpm
  • Level 3: 140bpm
  • Level 4: 160bpm & Demi Semi Quavers at 80bpm
  • Level 5: 180bpm & Demi Semi Quavers at 90bpm
  • Level 5+: 200+bpm & Demi Semi Quavers at 100+bpm
  • Create your own orchestrations using this concept.
  • Use as many different feet patterns as you can think of with each exercise.
  • Apply the orchestration concept to the rudiment in various other time signatures and note values.
  • Apply the concept as a fill in your general playing.
  • Start orchestrating the snares around different toms.

Lessons

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