Roll Rudiments · medium · start at 60 BPM
Seven Stroke Roll
The seven stroke roll is three double strokes ending with an accented single tap, RRLLRRL. It is a staple of rudimental and orchestral snare playing.
Sticking
RRLLRRL
How to practice it
Play three even doubles into a final accent, then practice it starting with the left hand to balance both sides.
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GrooveSteps practice notes · Updated 2026-10-18 · How these examples are made
Read the sticking accurately
The displayed sticking is RRLLRRL. 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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