Probably one of the most useful rudiments with one of the silliest names, the paradiddle-diddle is sometimes confused with the double paradiddle, which also consists of six notes (but sounds like ‘para-paradiddle’).
The paradiddle-diddle starts with two singles and ends with two sets of doubles, all played as 8th note triplets (think of it as 3 per beat): RLRRLL
Try to put an accent on the first note of each one if it helps you stay on track.
In this video, Glen explains that the right hand part of the pattern is like the reverse of a standard jazz ride pattern, where you just fill in the missing notes with your left hand.
Like all rudiments, the paradiddle-diddle can sound awesome on the drum set in a groove context! Try playing it as triplet 16ths (or sextuplets, 6 per beat) on the hi-hats, adding a snare on 2 and 4 and the bass drum on 1 and 3. This could also make a cool and subtle hi-hat backbeat fill.
We’ve put together a playlist with drumless tracks at different tempos so you can practice this rudiment over real music:
Whatever you do with it, remember: rudiments are the building blocks of the drumming language. It’s how you speak it that makes it yours!
Glen Sobel is currently the drummer for Alice Cooper. His work with Hollywood Vampires, Chris Impellitteri, Jennifer Batten (Michael Jackson’s guitarist), Tony Macalpine, Gary Hoey, Warner Bros. recording act Beautiful Creatures (Ozzfest tour), and Cypress Hill has built his reputation as one of the top hard rock drummers in the world.
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