Mastering Inverted Paradiddles on the Drum Kit

Applying inverted paradiddles on a drum kit can significantly enhance your drumming technique and add depth to your rhythmic vocabulary. This article will guide you through the process of mastering this advanced drumming pattern.

Basic Technique

Understand the Pattern: The inverted paradiddle is a distinct sticking pattern that can be written as RLRR LRRL. To break it down further:

R - Right hand L - Left hand

Count it out as:

R L R R L R R L

Practice Slowly: Start by practicing the pattern on a practice pad or snare drum. Focus on maintaining a consistent tempo and clear sound from each stroke. Use a metronome to keep a steady beat and gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable.

Application on the Drum Kit

Single Drum Application

Play the Inverted Paradiddle Entirely on the Snare Drum: This will help you internalize the pattern without worrying about coordination with other drums.

Add Bass Drum

Incorporate the bass drum to create a groove. A common approach is to play the bass drum on the first and third strokes of the pattern:

Pattern: Bass R L R R Bass L R R

This can create a driving rhythm that feels solid and grounded.

Use Different Drums

Experiment by Playing the Inverted Paradiddle Across Different Drums:

Hi-Hat: Play the first stroke on the hi-hat and the remaining strokes on the snare. Toms: Move the R and L strokes between the snare and toms for a fuller sound.

Incorporate Accent Variations

Add Dynamics by Accenting Certain Strokes: For example, you might accent the first stroke of each group:

Accent Pattern: Accent R L R R Accent L R R

Create Fills

Use the Inverted Paradiddle as a Fill in Your Drumming: For instance, you can end a phrase with an inverted paradiddle transitioning from the snare to the toms or cymbals.

Putting It All Together

Integrate the Inverted Paradiddle into Your Grooves

Play the pattern on the snare while maintaining a steady hi-hat pattern and bass drum pulse.

Incorporate with Other Rudiments

Combine the inverted paradiddle with other rudiments like regular paradiddles or flams to create more complex rhythms.

Practice Tips

Consistency: Focus on consistency in sound and timing. Recording: Record yourself playing to analyze your timing and dynamics. Experiment: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different tempos and styles, such as rock, jazz, and funk, to see how the inverted paradiddle fits within various musical contexts.

By incorporating these techniques, you can effectively use inverted paradiddles to enhance your drumming skills and add depth to your rhythmic vocabulary. Happy drumming!