In this blog, I’m going to cover some very basic rudiments..  but with a little twist.  Instead of playing them normally, I’m going to talk about moving around the accented/unaccented hits, and using your kick drum to give it a triplet feel.  By doing so, you’ll be able to recycle what you might have once thought were just “boring old rudiments” in to something completely new and exciting!

*Rudiment Legend: R, L = Accented // r, l = Unaccented // K = Kick

I’ll start off with a single para diddle.  As most of us know, it’s “RlrrLrll”, and probably the first rudiment all of us learned.  Let’s spice it up though and give it a triplet feel by doing “RLrrLRll”.  Automatically, this should already feel and sound like a completely different rudiment after playing it a few times.  The triplet will definitely be apparent, and probably challenging to most people..  But if you’re having a hard time playing it, don’t fear!  The problem is more then likely when the “LRll” comes in at the end.  If that’s the case, then I highly recommend working on the sticking of “RLrLRl” first, as it will correct that problem in no time!  Moving on with the single para diddle though, let’s now try a new combination and introduce your kick drum at the end by doing “RLrrLK”.  After playing it a couple times, you’ve probably noticed that it’s now starting to turn in to a bit of a lick!  It’s still one of my favorite’s to play out of all the one’s I’ve come up with over the years.

Next up, I’m going to talk about what you can do with the para diddle diddle.  The sticking is “RLrrll”, and arguably easier to play then the single para diddle.  With some moving around of the accents though, nobody will even know what rudiment you’re playing!  Let’s try doing “RLRrll”.  Hitting the third accent is critical, and will take some time being able to transition back to the unaccented hit.  Working on your doubles is the fastest way to help this by practicing “RrLl”.  Once you’re comfortable with that, I’d then recommend to practice your doubles by doing “rRlL”.  It will really even out and make your doubles strong!  Moving on with the para diddle diddle though, let’s now try doing “RLKrll”.  Placing a kick there will definitely change the feel of this rudiment even more, and give it a heavier triplet feel.  It turns in to a great fill!

Once you’ve got these down, spread them around your kit and turn them in to something you can call your own!  Experiment by playing different drums on different hits, and don’t be afraid to use cymbals either!  I encourage everyone to try this but with other rudiments/stickings, as it will open up a lot of doors we never knew exisited, and/or just forgot about over time.  I’m really hoping this blog will show/remind people how much you can do with the most basic of rudiments, and be able to turn them in to something fresh and exciting with ease!  Until next time, enjoy!

- Devon