Free Drum Lessons
Advertisement

Single Stroke Four

TIP: For more drum rudiments, check out the Drum Rudiment System.

Alternative Video-Playback Options
Windows Media Windows Media YouTube YouTube Video
iPod or iTunes iPod & Quicktime Google Video Google Video
Sheet Music
Adobe PDF Adobe PDF
Flash Paper FlashPaper
Resources
Link Notation Chart
Link Discuss Video
Bookmark and Share

Learn How To Play The Single Stroke Four

The single stroke four is a simple rudiment based on the single stroke roll pattern. The primary difference is that instead of continous singles, the single stroke four is played as groups of four notes. It's great for use within drum fills, hand-to-feet combinations, and simple solo patterns. Here is how it looks in drum notation:

1
Single Stroke Fourl #1

As you can see above, the single stroke four can be played with both right and left hand lead. You can start by working through it on a practice pad, and then eventually take it to the drum set. Just be sure you use a metronome to keep the note groups in steady time.

You can transition between this and the single stroke roll to mix up your practice pad routines. Both rudiments are similar enough that you'll have a focused practice, but different enough that it will keep things interesting.

Single Stroke Four - Drum Set Exercise

This pattern is a simple drum beat that incorporates the single stroke four:

2
Single Stroke Four #2

Exercise three uses the single stroke four within the context of a drum fill:

3
Single Stroke Four #3

Always be sure you are practicing rudiments with correct drumstick grip. If you aren't holding the drumsticks properly, you could be forming bad habits that will hurt your playing over time. Watch Mike Michalkow's video lesson on how to hold your drumsticks to get simple tips that will improve your overall drumming.

Fill out the form below for free instant access to exclusive bonus video lessons that teach hi-hat tricks, drum beats, drum fills, syncopation, practice tips, soloing ideas, gigging advice, and more!

Name:

Email:

Here Is What Drummers Are Saying
About The Exclusive Secret Lessons...

Dan B: Hey Jared, I just wanted to thank you for putting together the entire free drum lessons website. I love the secret lessons as they really push my creativity. The x-fill is my favorite soloing pattern now...

Robert S: ... anyway I would like to pass on my feedback to whoever is behind the secret lessons. I can't imagine why you would provide this amazing service, but I beg you not to stop! I look forward to each and every video that comes my way!

Kevin T: How did you get all these drummers to create these video lessons for free? I love this stuff and I hope you continue to create more of the secret lessons... the secret videos are far and away the best stuff on the website even though I love the normal stuff too!

Marty W: Feel free to post this on your website. I just wanted to tell you and anyone else out there how much I enjoy the secret drum lessons. I don't normally bother to send feedback about a website, but this is obviously very much deserved. I've been a secret subscriber for nearly two months and am still trying to figure out if there is a catch to all these wonderful lessons. They are just too awesome!

Dave E: I can't believe you are giving these secret lessons away for free. As a business student, I think these would make a great pay-service. I don't know why I am suggesting you make me pay... I guess I just can't believe anyone would do this for free. Thank you for helping poor student drummers like me.

Get FREE Access To The Secret Lessons
By Filling Out The Short Form Above!