paradiddle

The paradiddle is a common drum rudiment used on snare drum and drum set. The basic single paradiddle consists of four notes played with right-handed and left-handed strokes in the sequence R L R R L R L L. It can be started with either hand, giving L R L L R L R R.

Variants of the paradiddle include the paradiddle-diddle, which is R L R R L L R R, and the double paradiddle, formed by repeating the single paradiddle twice (R L R R L R L L R L R R L L R R). There are other variations as well, but these are among the most frequently encountered.

Usage and purpose: Paradiddles develop coordination, stick control, speed, and dynamic range. They are practiced on the snare and on the drum kit, often with a metronome, and are used across genres such as rock, pop, jazz, and marching percussion.

Notation and technique: In drum notation, the paradiddle is written as a four-note pattern that can be repeated to fit the selected tempo and subdivision. Technique emphasizes relaxed wrists and fingers, even stroke height, and precise alternation between hands. Accents may be applied to the first note of each four-note group to shape musical phrasing.

History: The paradiddle emerged as part of the standardized set of drumming rudiments in the 20th century and is maintained in modern rudiment lists by percussion organizations as a foundational pattern for snare and drumset players.