Chapter 1
IN THIS LESSON
You will learn the single stroke roll, one of the most important building blocks in drumming, and practice starting with both the right and left hand.
Introduction
The single stroke roll is one of the first and most important patterns every drummer learns.
It’s simple pattern, but it forms the foundation for:
grooves
fills
speed
coordination
Step 1: Starting with the Right Hand
Let’s play the single stroke roll with the right hand lead.
Count slowly:
1 2 3 4
A single stroke roll can be thought of as playing a single hit with each hand alternating your hands evenly.
Play: Right – Left – Right – Left
You’ll see it written as:
R L R L
or in notation form as:
Step 2: Starting with the Left Hand
Let’s work on playing the single stroke roll with a left hand lead this time.
Count slowly:
1 2 3 4
Play: Left – Right – Left - Right
You’ll see it written as:
L R L R
or in notation form as
Starting with the left may feel a little less comfortable at first, and that’s completely normal. Practicing both sides helps your hands develop balance and control.
Practice these exercises slowly as you get comfortable with the pattern.
You can practice this:
On a practice pad
On a pillow
On a table
Or even on your lap
Remember, you don’t need a drum kit to build a strong foundation.
