RUDIMENT #8 OF 40 · ROLL RUDIMENTS

Six Stroke Roll

The six stroke roll is an accented single, two double strokes, and another accented single: R LL RR L. It does not alternate, so the same hand always starts.

Sticking

R L L R R L

Capital letters are main notes. Small letters are grace notes played just before the main note.

How to practice it

  1. Play it at a slow tempo with the click, counting out loud.
  2. Listen for evenness: every double should have two equal notes.
  3. Raise the tempo 5 BPM at a time. When it gets messy, drop back 10.
  4. Make the two accents equal. The doubles in the middle are softer and should sit exactly between them.

Where you will use it

Played around the kit, with the accents on toms or cymbals, the six stroke roll is one of the most used fusion and rock fill patterns.

← Five Stroke RollSeven Stroke Roll →

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