The single paradiddle is an extremely popular drum rudiment that sounds great while played within drum beats, drum fills, and even unique drum solo patterns. It is an absolutely essential rudiment for any drummer that wants to expand their drumming possibilities. Here is the basic sticking pattern:
As you can see above, the single paradiddle is a combination of single strokes and double strokes. You start by playing two alternating singles, and then a double. That's the first half of the rudiment. Then, do the exact same pattern leading with the opposite hand. When you put it all together - you have a single paradiddle!
Here is a fun drum beat that incorporates the single paradiddle rudiment:
Exercise three uses the single paradiddle within the context of a drum fill:
Once you are finished with this lesson, you can check out some of the other paradiddle rudiments, including the double paradiddle, triple paradiddle, and the interesting single paradiddle-diddle.
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