Triplet Paradiddle Inversions

The paradiddle is probably the first rudiment that we learn after single and double strokes. And what a great rudiment it is. There are many ways to interpret and play with it, but this is one I particularly like, especially with regard to more triplet based jazz playing.

Basically the sticking pattern and the accents are kept but the paradiddle is played as triplets. This means that it takes two bars to cycle through the full pattern.

The four inversions are shown here, but you should also start from the second bar of each exercise. So actually there are eight variations to work on.

Start slowly and get used to where the accents fall. You'll notice that the accents mark different ways to play a 3 over 4 polyrhythm.

Next you can try moving the accents and the patterns to different sounds around the kit!

You should discover some nice solo ideas among other things.

Don't just work on this for chops and technique building, explore the phrasing and rhythmic possibilities, and use them to make music.

This was originally posted on "Jazz Drumming Blog" and in the "Ideas for Jazz Drumming" e-book (no longer available). This post has been revised from the original.