DIDDLE CHECK Playing two notes rapidly with one hand is one of the basic skills of drumming . Mastery of double strokes ( a . k . a . diddles ) includes the ability to string together a series of double strokes as well as neatly inserting a solitary diddle into a musical passage .
Exercise # 2 contains all diddle possibilities within a set of four sixteenth notes . ( Notes with a slash through the stem are diddles — two double-stroked 32nd notes .)
As you practice this exercise with sticks or hands , listen for even volume and correct rhythmic spacing .
PILLOW PRACTICE Deepen your double stroke control by practicing diddle exercises on a surface that will provide little to no rebound . This will assist in improving your ability to control the second note of the double stroke without relying on the rebound . Check out this short demo using a feather pillow as the playing surface :
LOOK , MOM ! ONE HAND ! Practicing scales is a major component of studying keyboard percussion such as xylophone and marimba . You might be able to burn through all the major and minor scales with alternating strokes , but what about onehanded scales ? There are situations when a musical passage moves in scale-wise motion and MUST be played with a single mallet . Next time you ’ re reviewing the Melodic Minor scale , make sure to include both the right and left one-handed versions .
SWEEPING SKILLS Playing drums with brushes consists of both striking and sweeping techniques . Years ago , I
attended a clinic by the renowned drummer Ed Soph . A master of brushes , Ed recommended playing exercises from Stick Control by George L . Stone using the sweeping technique . Duly inspired , I dug out my copy of the classic method book and began to put Mr . Soph ’ s advice into practice . Applying sweeping motions to the permutations in the opening section of Stick Control will not only improve your brush technique but can also inspire ideas to create grooves and fills .
Developing and maintaining technique is a part of being a mature musician . Make it a point to monitor and hone your technical skills so you can successfully transfer your musical ideas from your head onto your instruments .
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Mark Shelton Mark is a freelance musician and educational consultant based in Dallas / Fort Worth . Performance credits include North Carolina Symphony , Tin Roof Tango , Daystar Singers & Band , Gateway Worship , Wichita Falls Orchestra , Strata Big Band , TALEA , and Dallas Wind Symphony . www . marksheltonmusic . com percussionforworship . blogspot . com