Creating great drum patterns using modified rudiments is an important skill for drummers who want to get better. This skill helps you make your drumming more exciting and fun to listen to. Many musicians don’t realize how useful rudiments can be for making these patterns, but with some creativity and practice, you can turn simple motions into catchy beats.
Rudiments are like the building blocks of drumming. The 40 essential rudiments, put together by the Percussive Arts Society, are well-known for teaching important skills like timing and coordination. If you learn these rudiments well, you can change them up and create your own unique drum patterns that stand out.
Let’s dive into what modified rudiments are. It means taking the traditional rudiments and changing them a little to make new rhythms. You can do this by mixing up the sticking, changing the rhythm, or adding accents. Here are some simple ways to modify rudiments for drum patterns:
Changing Accent Placement: One way to make your rhythm more interesting is by changing where you put the accents. For example, with a single stroke roll (RLRLRL), try accenting the first beat of each group or every other note. Doing this can create a fun, syncopated rhythm:
Altering Sticking Patterns: Instead of only using right and left hands, try mixing in flams, drags, or paradiddles. For example, you can change a basic double stroke roll (RRLL) into a paradiddle (RLRR LRLL). This gives you more chances to play different rhythms.
Adding Ghost Notes: You can add ghost notes to your patterns to make them more interesting. Ghost notes are played quietly and help create a richer sound. For instance, in a basic backbeat, you might add ghost notes on the snare drum to enhance the beat.
Using Polyrhythms: Polyrhythms mean playing two different rhythms at once. For example, you can play a simple backbeat with one hand while the other hand plays a triplet rhythm. This adds complexity to your drumming.
Experimenting with Time Signatures: Most pop and rock music is in 4/4 time, but trying out other time signatures like 6/8, 5/4, or 7/8 can lead to exciting patterns. Playing traditional rhythms in these time signatures makes you rethink how you play the beat.
Once you have your modified rudiment, think about how to use it in your music. Here are some tips for creating cool patterns:
Use of Dynamics: Dynamics mean how loud or soft you play. Changing the volume of different parts of your pattern can make it feel more alive. For example, you might play the main beat strong while making other parts softer.
Syncopation: Drummers who think outside the box often use syncopation to surprise listeners. Instead of just playing on the strong beats, try hitting different beats or divisions while the bass drum keeps the original beat.
Motifs and Repetition: Create short musical ideas (motifs) with your modified rudiments and repeat them with slight changes. This “call and response” style helps the whole band stay connected.
Layering: Use different percussion instruments together. You might combine the modified rudiments with the hi-hat and snare or mix kicks and cymbals for a fuller effect.
Transitional Patterns: Think about how you can smoothly move from one groove to another. For example, if you start with a fast modified paradiddle, you can switch to a slower groove without losing the flow.
Let’s see how this works with a simple modified paradiddle:
Now, add in some ghost notes. You could have:
So it could look like this:
1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &
K S G G K S G G
Where K = kick, S = snare, and G = ghost note.
The best way to make strong patterns is to experiment and express yourself. Your drum set is like a playground. While rudiments give you a solid starting point, your personal style keeps your beats fresh and exciting. It’s a good idea to record yourself and listen back. This way, you can see what works and what can be improved.
Remember that every performance is special. Playing with other musicians can inspire new ideas you might not think of on your own.
By modifying rudiments and making creative drum patterns, you’re not just improving your skills. You’re also building a deeper connection to the music. The impact of your drumming comes from your technique and your ability to be creative and express your feelings when you play. Showcasing your unique style will help you create patterns that sound great and feel truly your own.
Creating great drum patterns using modified rudiments is an important skill for drummers who want to get better. This skill helps you make your drumming more exciting and fun to listen to. Many musicians don’t realize how useful rudiments can be for making these patterns, but with some creativity and practice, you can turn simple motions into catchy beats.
Rudiments are like the building blocks of drumming. The 40 essential rudiments, put together by the Percussive Arts Society, are well-known for teaching important skills like timing and coordination. If you learn these rudiments well, you can change them up and create your own unique drum patterns that stand out.
Let’s dive into what modified rudiments are. It means taking the traditional rudiments and changing them a little to make new rhythms. You can do this by mixing up the sticking, changing the rhythm, or adding accents. Here are some simple ways to modify rudiments for drum patterns:
Changing Accent Placement: One way to make your rhythm more interesting is by changing where you put the accents. For example, with a single stroke roll (RLRLRL), try accenting the first beat of each group or every other note. Doing this can create a fun, syncopated rhythm:
Altering Sticking Patterns: Instead of only using right and left hands, try mixing in flams, drags, or paradiddles. For example, you can change a basic double stroke roll (RRLL) into a paradiddle (RLRR LRLL). This gives you more chances to play different rhythms.
Adding Ghost Notes: You can add ghost notes to your patterns to make them more interesting. Ghost notes are played quietly and help create a richer sound. For instance, in a basic backbeat, you might add ghost notes on the snare drum to enhance the beat.
Using Polyrhythms: Polyrhythms mean playing two different rhythms at once. For example, you can play a simple backbeat with one hand while the other hand plays a triplet rhythm. This adds complexity to your drumming.
Experimenting with Time Signatures: Most pop and rock music is in 4/4 time, but trying out other time signatures like 6/8, 5/4, or 7/8 can lead to exciting patterns. Playing traditional rhythms in these time signatures makes you rethink how you play the beat.
Once you have your modified rudiment, think about how to use it in your music. Here are some tips for creating cool patterns:
Use of Dynamics: Dynamics mean how loud or soft you play. Changing the volume of different parts of your pattern can make it feel more alive. For example, you might play the main beat strong while making other parts softer.
Syncopation: Drummers who think outside the box often use syncopation to surprise listeners. Instead of just playing on the strong beats, try hitting different beats or divisions while the bass drum keeps the original beat.
Motifs and Repetition: Create short musical ideas (motifs) with your modified rudiments and repeat them with slight changes. This “call and response” style helps the whole band stay connected.
Layering: Use different percussion instruments together. You might combine the modified rudiments with the hi-hat and snare or mix kicks and cymbals for a fuller effect.
Transitional Patterns: Think about how you can smoothly move from one groove to another. For example, if you start with a fast modified paradiddle, you can switch to a slower groove without losing the flow.
Let’s see how this works with a simple modified paradiddle:
Now, add in some ghost notes. You could have:
So it could look like this:
1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &
K S G G K S G G
Where K = kick, S = snare, and G = ghost note.
The best way to make strong patterns is to experiment and express yourself. Your drum set is like a playground. While rudiments give you a solid starting point, your personal style keeps your beats fresh and exciting. It’s a good idea to record yourself and listen back. This way, you can see what works and what can be improved.
Remember that every performance is special. Playing with other musicians can inspire new ideas you might not think of on your own.
By modifying rudiments and making creative drum patterns, you’re not just improving your skills. You’re also building a deeper connection to the music. The impact of your drumming comes from your technique and your ability to be creative and express your feelings when you play. Showcasing your unique style will help you create patterns that sound great and feel truly your own.