As was stated in Part 2, this article will examine ways to obtain polyrhythmic patterns by using paradiddles. These exercises should be practiced with a metronome until a natural feel for the rhythms is achieved. Again, keep the muscles relaxed and concentrate. If we play triplets with a paradiddle sticking, accenting the first note of each paradiddle, while playing the bass drum on all four beats, we obtain a polyrhythm of three against four, as follows: Playing groups of five with paradiddle sticking, accenting the first note of each paradiddle, while playing the bass drum on all four beats yields a polyrhythm of five against four, as follows: Using the paradiddle sticking for groups of six, with accents on the first stroke of each paradiddle, gives a polyrhythm of six against four: To obtain a polyrhythm of seven against four, play groups of seven with paradiddle sticking, with accents on […]

May 1984 Issue