3 Ways to Get Creative with Paradiddles!

As drummers we are all told to learn the basic rudiments but sometimes may not be told how to use them in creative ways or develop them into our own ideas.

I will show you a few ways you can improve your playing by using rudiments in new and exciting ways!

                                             R L R R    L R L L    R L R R    L R L L
                          Counting:   1 e & a      2 e & a     3 e & a     4 e  & a

(R = Right Hand, L = Left Hand)

Let's see how we can use this sticking pattern (The Paradiddle) to be more creative!

#1 - Leaving 4/4 Behind:

Why don't we start by trying something a little uncommon but that can be used to create some cool sounding grooves and fills in odd time signatures.

If we take 4 beats of the paradiddle as 16th notes we are left with: RLRR LRLL RLRR LRLL.

Now the easiest way to start getting creative in odd time signatures is to simply remove the final L (Left). This leaves us in the time signature 15/16. It's as simple as that! Moving the pattern around the drums will create unique sounding fills or Maybe you fancy using it as a beat. Try putting the R (Right) on the ride cymbal and the L (Lefts) ghosted on the Snare! Add in your Backbeat Accents on 2 & 4 and also the bass drum on Beats 2 & 3.

There are no strict rules with this. Remove as many notes as you wish or even add them! This is a simple way to move away from 4/4 using the paradiddle!

Check out this video for a visual explanation - Advanced DRUM LESSON - Inverted Paradiddle Beat and FILL in 21/16! (DrummerMattUK)

#2 - Accents:

You may see this as an obvious way to alter rudiments but it is often overlooked!

Why always put the Accent on the main beats of the bar (1, 2, 3, and 4)? Why not move it along 1 16th note onto the 1e, 2e, 3e, 4e etc. This completely changes the feel of the rudiment as it alters the down and upstrokes that you are playing. You can then continue to move the accent along to the 1&, 2& etc. or the 1a, 2a etc. All will feel very different and unique!

Why stop there? Create your own accent pattern combining different and random accents throughout a bar. Here is one for you (Capital letters being the accents):

r L r r  L R l l  r l R R  l R L L - Now Try Your Own!!

#3 - Don't forget your Feet:

Who said you have to play paradiddles or rudiments with your hands? Was it you?! Of course not and you don't have to either! (Sorry if that was cheesy haha)

Why not try R (foot) L (foot) R (foot) R (foot) L (Foot) R (Foot) L (foot) L (foot) etc.

Or even mix things up. All rights in the right hand and all lefts with the left foot. Or just completely random. Now you are creating cool sounding linear patterns that sound great and look impressive! Don't forget to move the pattern around the drums either!

#4 (Bonus) Mix all 3 tips together!

By the end of this you will be playing awesome linear patterns in odd time signatures with random accent patterns! All starting with the Paradiddle!