Part 1 · Getting Started · Chapter 5
Every note you play is one of four strokes. Knowing them lets you play loud and soft notes next to each other without effort.
| STROKE | STARTS | ENDS | USE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full | High | High | Loud notes in a row |
| Down | High | Low | A loud note followed by soft ones |
| Tap | Low | Low | Soft notes |
| Up | Low | High | A soft note that prepares a loud one |
The trick is where the stick stops. After a down stroke, catch the stick low, just above the head. Before an accent, lift the stick during the soft note that comes first (the up stroke).
All notes loud, sticks starting and ending high.
An accent at the start of each beat. Down stroke on the accent, taps in the middle, up stroke on the last note of the group.
Use just two heights: high for accents (about 12 inches), low for taps (about 2 inches). Clear heights make clear dynamics.