Single Stroke

The most basic rudiment in the American rudiment system, the Single Stroke Roll is usually among the first rudiments to be learned. Focus should be on playing evenly spaced strokes to ensure rhythmic integrity, while maintaining evenly loud strokes hand-to-hand. Tempo should start very slow and accelerate to as fast as the player can sustain a quality sound.

UK One of the first rudiments to be learned at the Royal Marines School of Music. To be played as evenly as possible concentrating on each stroke. Level 1 tempo starts at C=56 progressing and finishing at level 9 C=168.

The Single Stroke Roll is mostly first learned, as other rudiments are based on its principle. Therefore, it was assigned to the Major rudiment family in Swiss drum literature. At the starting tempo of 30 quarters per minute, it is important that left and right strokes are played equally loud. While continuously accelerating to tempo 100 do not clench – keep cool.

In modern Swiss marches, it is often seen in 32 rhythm and is becoming increasingly popular in compositions. In traditional drumming, the Single Stroke Roll is often seen in slower rhythm.

Le coup simple, ou baton rond, est le premier rudiment enseigné dans les écoles françaises. Il permet de travailler le bon geste, d’équilibrer la pusisance de la frappe entre les mains gauche et droite. D’abord pratiqué très lentement, il s’accélère progressivement, et lorsque l’élève aura atteind un niveau certain, il pourra le “rouler” et ainsi pratiquer la technique des frisés.

En France, la main droite se trouve sous la portée, et la main gauche au dessus.