Minute of Drums - Episode 2: Paradiddlediddle

This is no secret to more advanced players, but can unlock a world of pathways around the drum set for intermediate players. “But…” you might ask…”isn’t this just that 6 stroke roll thing that everyone shreds with on YouTube?!” Why yes, it sure is. I never learned this as a 6 stroke roll, but as a displacement of a paradiddlediddle. Conceptually, I teach it to my students as an extension of the ways we can use paradiddles and the related variations to find melodies around the drum set. I find that starting this phrase with the right hand on the upbeat lends itself well to crafting syncopated melodies with the toms and cymbals. Call it what you want, either way it’s useful! Though, it is way more fun to say “paradiddlediddle” than “six stroke roll” isn’t it?!