rudimento

Rudimento is an Italian noun that denotes a rudiment or rudiments: a basic element, principle, or skill that forms the foundation of a subject or activity. In everyday language, it can refer to the initial knowledge required to begin learning something, such as the rudimenti of a language or of mathematics. The plural form is rudimenti. The word derives from Latin rudimentum, meaning first principle or element, used to express the idea of something at an early, undeveloped stage.

In music, especially percussion, rudimenti are the fundamental drumming patterns used as exercises to develop technique, coordination, and control. They are practiced with sticks and drums and include patterns such as single strokes, double strokes, paradiddles, and flam-based patterns; together they provide a vocabulary for more complex passages. Drummers typically learn and drill rudimenti regularly, often with a metronome, progressing from simple to more intricate combinations.

Beyond music, rudimenti are used metaphorically to describe the basic building blocks of any field. Mastery usually begins with the rudimenti—the essential steps, rules, or concepts that underlie more advanced work. The term is common in educational and professional contexts to emphasize the importance of fundamentals before tackling complex topics.