There are several different ways to play the one handed drum roll and it’s a good idea to find a good video course that will break down the technique into a simple step by step method. For the time being have a look at the video below for some useful tips on one handed drum rolls.

It requires multiple strokes for each hand. The easiest way to learn the buzz roll is to start with one hand. Starting with your left hand strike the drum with the drumstick and let it bounce as much as possible. Repeat this with the right hand.You will be making a pattern similar to this LLLLLLRRRRRR.

The difference is when you played the single stroke drum roll you alternated between left and right. When you play the double stroke drum roll instead of just playing left right you will play left left right right right.

There are two ways to practice this drum roll. The first way is to use your wrists for each stroke. The second way is to use rebound.

If you use your wrists try to keep the heights of your drumsticks at the same level for each stroke. Start by playing the drum roll slowly and make sure to keep your arms relaxed.

The rebound technique requires you to get two bounces out of every stroke. The best way to learn to is to start slowly with only one hand. Let your stick bounce twice and then  use your wrist to stop the third bounce.

Look at the video below for an in depth lesson on the double stroke drum roll.

The correct fulcrum point will help improve your drumming a lot. It makes it easier for you to navigate the drum set and to swing your drumstick in a controlled way.

The fulcrum point is the point where the drumsticks should rest in your fingers. It is normally about 1/3 down the drumstick’s length. The correct fulcrum point is the point where the weight of the drumstick is most balanced and where you will get the most rebound efficiency.

There are several different methods for finding the fulcrum point on your drumstick. The video below explains one of the more common techniques.

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With the traditional grip you grasp the drumstick from underneath. Your palms will be facing upwards. It comes from the the way the old marching band drummers used to play their drums.

Holding the drumsticks this way will give you better control and allow you to play faster strokes, making this grip perfect for playing jazz brushes.

The biggest problem with the grip is that it can be sometimes difficult hitting the cymbals because of the angle of the drumstick in your hands.

The video below explains in detail how to hold your drumsticks using the traditional grip.

The drumsticks should act like extensions of your arms as you play and it’s important to feel completely in control of them. The first step to becoming a great drummer then is to learn how to hold the drumsticks. The video below is a great explanation of how to hold drumsticks and the correct posture when drumming.

There is not a lot to it. It is just a matter of playing left then right then left then right. You are basically just alternating your sticking one stroke at a time. Even non drummers sometimes do the single stoke drum roll without even realizing it – slapping their legs etc. As you speed up your strokes the left right strokes will sound more and more like a drum roll.

This grip is called the matched grip because the sticks are held in both hands in an almost identical manner – both hands should match. The matched grip has many advantages including letting you play faster and giving you more control over your playing.

The video below explains how to find the balance point for the matched grip and several other tips and techniques.

If you have a set of drums and you are putting the drum skins for the first time the easy to follow steps below should get you on the right track.

Placing the Drum Head in Position

At the beginning you will have an empty shell. Before doing anything give your drum rim and the drum head a good wipe with a clean dry cloth. You are trying to remove dirt and grime that may cause damage to the drum skin.
Next place the drum head onto the shell. It is important to check that the drum head is the correct size. It should fit over the top of the shell but it should not hang too loosely.

Once you have the drum head in place tighten all the lugs just enough to stop the drum head slipping. You are not concerned about tuning just now.

Stretch the drum head slightly by pressing down on it. This prevents it going out of tune easily.

Tuning the Drums

The next thing you need to do is tune your drums to the correct key. It is important not to tighten the lugs one after the other as this will stretch the drum head incorrectly.

• Follow these steps to tune correctly.

• Pick any lug and tighten it by 1 turn.

• Now tighten the lug directly opposite by 1 turn.

• Tighten the lug immediately to the left of the 1st lug by 1 turn and then tighten the lug directly opposite that.

• Continue using this pattern. The idea is the keep the pressure on the drum head uniform throughout the tuning process.

• To tune your drums tap lightly on the drum head close to one of the lugs. If the sound is similar to what you want use this lug as a guide to tune the rest of the lugs.

• Continue adjusting the lugs evenly around the drum until you get the sound you want. If you start to hear crackling while you tune don’t worry this is normal in new drum heads.

Although there are several advantages to using your fingers, such as added endurance, there are also disadvantages. The main disadvantage of the french grip is that it can be difficult to get power into your strokes.

The video below explains how to hold drumsticks using the french grip in detail.