Drag (Ruff)

GrooveSteps practice notes · Updated 2026-10-18 · How these examples are made

Read the sticking accurately

The displayed sticking is llR rrL llR rrL. Read uppercase R as right hand and L as left hand; lowercase letters are quiet grace notes placed before the following main stroke. A space separates a written group; it does not by itself specify the musical duration.

A focused pad exercise

Keep the two grace notes small and close to the main stroke. Practice that ornament on its own, then add the following taps while continuing to count. Avoid making the drag louder than the main note or stealing time from the rest of the phrase.

1. Speak the sticking while tapping lightly on one surface. Stop and reset if you lose the hand sequence.
2. 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.
3. 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

Apply a simple fill · Explore the rudiment library

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