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Counting Mixed Rhythms Part II | Applying the Five Stroke Roll to the Drum Set

Applying the Five Stroke Roll to the Drum Set

by Bryon Larrance

Back in high school I really enjoyed marching band. I wasn't very good at reading music, but I loved to play. I learned all of my PAS rudiments mainly from mimicking others. During my junior year I started earning a living by playing drum set. I developed plenty of technical ability on the snare but most of it alluded me on the set. Once I began to dissect the rudiments, an understanding of how they could be applied to the set started to unfold. This article will introduce you to the application of rudiments on the set.

We will start with the 5-stroke roll, which is the 7th rudiment on the PAS rudiment sheet. Example 1 is the 5 stroke roll as seen on the rudiment sheet, below that is the translation. You diddle the "1" and "e" and accent the single on the "and". The sticking is RR LL R then alternate to LL RR L Under the translation is the notated version, which shows how the 5 stroke roll could be played will all singles.

Once you get comfortable with the rudiment on the snare begin to apply the bass drum to the down beats and then the "ands". Next, continue to play the 5-stroke roll while letting your hands move around the set. The combinations are limitless.

Exercise 2 is the inverted version of Exercise 1. It should be practiced likewise.

Exercise 3 is an application of the 5 stroke roll where the single stroke of each rudiment is reduced from an 8th note to a 16th note creating a polyrhythmic exercise.

Exercise 4 is a common use of the 5 stroke roll in a 16th note high hat groove.

Exercise 5 is a couple of fills using the 5 stroke roll.

Exercise 6 is applying the 5 stroke roll sticking over 16th notes in a liner type groove.

These are just ideas to prime your imagination. Have fun, practice hard, and God Bless.

Bryon Larrance is a freelance drummer and educator currently touring with Percy Sledge. You may contact him bryonlarrance@hotmail.com