Mark Gibson Here comes part 2 of my look at Accented Paradiddles. As in part 1, we will be using the Single Paradiddle that we learnt in Paradiddles - The Basics although these exercises can, and should, also be practiced with all 4 forms of the Paradiddle.
Just like the first set, take them slow and steady at the start and don’t try to go too fast. Remember, as with all accent studies, try to play the non-accented notes at a low level so you can hear the accents distinctly. If you are “a basher” as I was in my youth then you give yourself nowhere to go.
Accented Paradiddle
Accented Paradiddle
Accented Paradiddle
Accented Paradiddle
Accented Paradiddle
Once you have mastered all of these exercises you can extend them further by applying the following variations.

  • Put a bass drum on each quarter note. ie the 1, 2, 3 & 4 of each bar.
  • Play the accented notes on different drums. ie right hand accents on the floor tom and left hand accents on the 1st tom.
  • Play the exercises as 16th notes.
  • Play the accents on the bass drum

By the way, if any of you have other examples of how to vary an exercise to extend it, I’d love you to leave it in the comments so everyone can benefit from your knowledge.
In the next article in this series we will look at a simple way of using paradiddles in a beat.

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Related Articles

  • Accented Paradiddles Part 1
  • Using Paradiddles - A Readers Suggestion
  • Online Drum Lesson - Using Paradiddles