In this post we take a look at some tips to help you develop your Paradiddle chops using the “outward” Paradiddle inversion (RRLR LLRL).
PARADIDDLE MELODIES
Every sticking has melodies hidden inside them. These are useful because they help us think of “dry sticking patterns” as actual musical phrases.
Paradiddles are no different. We can isolate these melodies by increasing or decreasing the volume / dynamic level of each hand as we play the sticking pattern. In this example, taking the RRLR LLRL Paradiddle inversion’s R melody, we would accent all the right hand notes and play the left hand notes as ghost notes.
INTERNALISING AND SINGING
Here the idea is that as you practice a sticking, work to internalise the melody until it’s second nature. As such, we want to be able to feel it, making it part of our vocabulary.
Next step is to try and sing the melody as we play. Even if we’re not playing a groove / fill with that melody, aim to sing it as it will change how your groove feels, and will inform your groove and fills.
With this in mind, once comfortable with the melody, try and orchestrate grooves and fills with it. Consequently, for linear grooves and fills, try replacing R notes with bass drums, for example. Experiment with multiple combinations between R and bass drum.
PARADIDDLE MELODY PRACTICE LOOP
Note that the rhythm of the track mirrors the R melody. So, as you play along to the track, don’t stop singing it! This will help solidify your phrasing and make your playing feel more musical.
Lastly, if you’re interested, here’s a little 1 minute song I wrote where I based the intro groove idea on this RRLR LLRL Paradiddle inversion. Indeed, watch it below, or follow this link to watch it on YouTube! Don’t forget to subscribe.
PDF EXAMPLES
Download the free PDF below which has some groove examples as well as some linear fill ideas which are based on this Paradiddle’s right hand melody.
DOWNLOAD FREE PDF HERE
LEARN MORE
If you want to learn more about the Heel Toe or some one-to-one lessons to help you troubleshoot or nail it, check out my drum lessons and get in touch! You can also check out my drum tuition book Concepts to help you create your own awesome grooves and fills!
Thanks and enjoy! 🙂
Nick
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