Mark GibsonThis lesson is the third in the series of “Turnarounds”. Just to refresh your memory, a turnaround is a method of sticking that lets you do a roll around the kit from snare to floor tom and back to the snare again. We are using single stroke and double stroke rolls in combinations that make it easy to move around the kit in a continuous, flowing motion.
You may want to check out the first two articles in the series before attempting this one although this lesson can be played on its’ own.

In this lesson we will be doing the roll in 8th note triplets. Just like in part 1, if you attempt the roll using a standard single stroke roll, you soon trip over yourself. Give it a try.
Turnarounds Part 3
The answer once again is to alter the sticking to make it easy. In this case we can change to a double stroke/single stroke roll combination to move around the kit and a single stroke roll on the floor tom to turnaround. Work on this at a slow tempo first until it flows. Once you have it moving smoothly then increase the tempo gradually.
Turnarounds Part 3
After you have your hands moving smoothly you can then add a simple bass drum beat on each quarter note(1, 2, 3 & 4).
Turnarounds Part 3
The next level is to play the first and last note of each triplet on the bass drum or on the “a” as it is counted. This is not easy at first but it is worth putting some time into as it will greatly improve your independence.
Turnarounds Part 3
Lastly you can add some left foot hi-hat on each quarter note. Once again we have all four limbs working independantly, but combining beautifully to form a spectacular roll.
Turnarounds Part 3
I hope you’ve enjoyed this series on turnarounds. They are all wonderful exercises that will greatly improve your independence, endurance and mobility around the kit.

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