Reference guide for all 40 drum rudiments.
The Percussive Arts Society (PAS) drum rudiments are divided up into 4 main “families”.
Roll Rudiments
In the context of the rudiments the term “roll” means playing evenly-spaced notes. These notes may be single strokes (alternating from hand to hand) or double strokes (two strokes in each hand) or multiple strokes (three or more strokes in each hand).
Flam rudiments
These are based on one grace note followed by a full volume stroke played very close together in order to sound like one slightly longer note.
Paradiddle Rudiments
A ‘diddle’ is two notes played by one hand, for example RR or LL. A paradiddle involves a combination of single strokes and diddles.
Drag rudiments
Drags consist of two grace notes followed by a full volume stroke. This gives the impression of a “dragged” sound, hence the name.
Every Rudiment In Detail
Below are links to guides and exercises for all 40 drum rudiments. Every rudiment is presented in detail, along with examples of how to apply them in musical situations. Each rudiment worksheet contains examples of grooves and fills using the rudiments.
Practice Tip: Use a metronome when practising rudiments and keep a practice log / diary.
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