If you're an intermediate drummer, you know that improving your stick control is important for taking your drumming to the next level. At this stage, it's essential to build a solid base, so you can handle more complicated rhythms and styles. Let’s look at some great stick control exercises that can help you refine your skills and become a better drummer.

1. Single Stroke Roll

This simple yet important exercise is about alternating strokes between your left and right hands. It's a key part of many drumming patterns and helps improve your hand coordination and speed.

How to practice:

• Start slow and focus on making even and clear sounds.
• Keep a steady tempo and gradually increase your speed.
• Aim for the same volume and timing. Using a metronome can help!

Example Pattern: $RLRLRLRL$

2. Double Stroke Roll

The double stroke roll adds a bit more challenge with two strokes played with each hand. This exercise helps with finger movement and control and is great for learning drum fills.

How to practice:

• Slow down and practice the pattern $RRLLRRLL$, making sure each stroke is clear.
• Pay attention to how the stick bounces back to your fingers for the second stroke.

Tip: Count the rhythm as "1-and-2-and" to help with timing.

3. Paradiddle

The paradiddle is a well-known stick control exercise that combines single and double strokes. It’s perfect for improving your coordination and helps you learn more complicated sticking patterns.

How to practice:

• The pattern is $RLRRLL$ (right-left, right-right, left-left).
• Start slow and focus on smooth transitions between the strokes.

Variation: Try playing some strokes louder than others to create dynamics.

4. Flams

Flams are great for adding depth to your playing. They consist of a quick note followed by a strong note, which creates a fuller sound. Practicing flams will help you gain more hand control.

How to practice:

• Try a flam pattern like $FL- (L)$, making sure the second note is stronger.
• Mix it up by alternating your flams ($R$ and $L$).

5. Grasshoppers

The grasshopper exercise is excellent for increasing speed and building control with different sticking patterns.

How to practice:

• Start with the basic pattern $RLRRLL$. You can add accents or change stick heights to make it more challenging.

Tip: Use a metronome to keep a steady pace and gradually pick up speed.

6. Stick Control Book Exercises

If you haven't checked out the classic "Stick Control" book by George Lawrence Stone, give it a try! This book has many exercises designed to help improve your stick control.

How to practice:

• Pick some exercises and play them along with a metronome.
• Try different dynamic levels, accents, and stick heights to expand your skills.

Conclusion

By adding these stick control exercises to your practice, you’ll see big improvements in your coordination, control, and overall drumming ability. Remember, practicing regularly is important! Set aside time for these exercises, and feel free to try different variations and dynamics. With focus and practice, you'll build a strong foundation for the musical styles you want to explore. Happy drumming!