Roll Rudiments · easy · start at 70 BPM
Single Stroke Four
The single stroke four is a burst of four alternating single strokes, often used to fill space or accent a phrase. It teaches control over short single-stroke groupings.
Sticking
RLRL RLRL
How to practice it
Play four fast even strokes then rest, leading with the right hand, then repeat leading with the left for balance.
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 RLRL RLRL. 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
Alternate the hands without letting the stronger hand set a different volume or spacing. Begin the phrase with each hand in turn. For a short burst, include the rest or landing note in your spoken count so that stopping is as controlled as starting.
- 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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