Roll Rudiments · easy · start at 60 BPM
Single Stroke Roll
The single stroke roll is the most fundamental rudiment, alternating single hits between the right and left hands. It forms the basis for all hand-to-hand drumming and develops evenness between the hands.
Sticking
RLRL RLRL RLRL RLRL
How to practice it
Start slow with a metronome at 60 bpm, focus on matching the volume and timing of each hand, then gradually accelerate and decelerate.
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 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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