Flam Rudiments · hard · start at 60 BPM
Flam Paradiddle
The flam paradiddle, or flamadiddle, is a single paradiddle with a flam on the first note, lRLRR. It merges flam technique with the paradiddle sticking.
Sticking
lRLRR rLRLL
How to practice it
Flam the accented lead note and keep the closing diddle low, then alternate the lead hand each repetition.
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 lRLRR rLRLL. 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
Separate the single-stroke section from the repeated-hand section. Rejoin them slowly, keeping the second note of each double as clear as the first. Say the hand names before moving the lead accents to a tom; leave the quieter notes on the snare.
- 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
Apply a simple fill · Explore the rudiment library
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