The Inverted Paradiddle!
Posted on April 28, 2008
Some time ago i told you about the Single Paradiddle. I’m sure you already can beat it on every object you can find, it sounds great almost everywhere.
If you don’t know what i am talking about then go and read my “Introduction of the Single Paradiddle” first. Just grab the basics.
Today i want to show you another fantastic member of the Para-Family: The Inverted Paradiddle!
Don’t worry, you don’t have to flip over and turn head over heels…
The small difference
The Inverted Paradiddle is very very related to the “normal” Single Paradiddle. You could say that both are nearly the same - nearly.
The only thing that differs is the position of the Double Stroke Part.
Remember the Single Paradiddle? R - L - R - R - L - R - L - L -
The 3rd and 4th stroke is a Double Stroke, so it goes single - single - double…
Be inverted
Now you move the Double Stroke Part to another position, the 2nd and 3rd to be exact. You will get another “formula”: single - double - single…
Wow! But how can you play this? Do you know? Okay, here it is:
R - L - L - R
and the other way round:
L - R - R - L
Cool, and together in a row:
R - L - L - R - L - R - R - L -
Great, this is the Inverted Paradiddle.
About the sound
I’m sure you will have some problems with the Inverted Paradiddle at first, especially if you have played the Single Paradiddle for a while.
Technically it’s only a small difference but it can be tricky to catch both paradiddles properly. But once you got them they are great fun.
My tip: Listen to the sound!
That’s the second difference between those both - and the main reason why we learn all those rudiments: They make a different sound and groove.
The Inverted Paradiddle is more funky, it grooves a lot. The Single Paradiddle also sounds great but is very straight forward, has a rougher flow.
Listen to them, you will figure it out.
How to practice
Practice the Inverted Paradiddle the same way like all other Rudiments.
- Play slowly and constantly. The double strokes are not faster than the singles.
- Both hands play on the same level of volume.
- Play with a metronome.
- Play 1/4, 1/8 and 1/16 notes.
- Add different foot figures while you keep on drumming.
Playing with a metronome or adding a foot figure is very important here because without them the ears will turn the Inverted Paradiddle and make it sound like a Single Paradiddle.
So you need something that constantly shows you where the “1″ is.
My next video lesson will be dedicated to the Single and the Inverted Paradiddle. So you will see if you’re doing it right. Have fun.
» Filed Under Beginners, Rudiments
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2 Responses to “The Inverted Paradiddle!”
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A great explanation of inverted paradiddles - well done. Inverted paradiddles are one of my favourite rudiment variations!
Thank you Kevin. Right you are, the inverted is one of my favorites as well…