Roll Rudiments · medium · start at 50 BPM
Double Stroke Roll
The double stroke roll plays two strokes per hand, alternating RRLL, and is the foundation of the long open and closed buzz rolls. It develops control of the rebound and wrist-finger technique.
Sticking
RRLL RRLL RRLL RRLL
How to practice it
Practice slow and open with two distinct, even bounces per hand, keeping both notes the same volume, then gradually increase speed letting the rebound do the work.
Practice on the full machine →
GrooveSteps practice notes · Updated 2026-10-18 · How these examples are made
Read the sticking accurately
The displayed sticking is RRLL RRLL RRLL RRLL. Read uppercase R as right hand and L as left hand. A space separates a written group; it does not by itself specify the musical duration.
A focused pad exercise
Build the repeated-hand pairs slowly before adding the ending single notes. Listen for a weak second stroke in each pair, and keep the final accent from arriving early. Alternate the starting hand so that both sides can lead a clean phrase.
- Speak the sticking while tapping lightly on one surface. Stop and reset if you lose the hand sequence.
- Repeat four clean phrases at a comfortable speed. Keep the same spacing when changing lead hands; do not raise the tempo while the sequence is uncertain.
- Apply the phrase to a simple fill, then land on a clear downbeat. Listen for the transition back into the groove, not just for the fastest possible roll.
What the browser example demonstrates
The grid is an even-pulse timing aid. It does not reproduce full rudimental notation, grace-note spacing, stick height or acoustic rebound. Use the sticking above for hand order and the Percussive Arts Society reference for standard notation and demonstrations. The notes here are GrooveSteps practice guidance, not a claim of PAS endorsement.
Keep practicing
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