How to Differentiate Between Stroke Types in Basic Drumming

When playing the snare drum in the marching band or concert band, individual strokes can be defined as either a full stroke, a down stroke, an upstroke or a tap stroke. Drummers combine this variety of strokes to create the drum beat and allow the music to flow easily. If playing in a drum line, each player should use the same strokes.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Move the arm down fully to create a full stroke. The drumstick strikes the drum head squarely in the center.

2. Tap the drum near the edge to produce a tap stroke. Defining a tap stroke is especially useful when playing a change in rhythm.

3. Bring the drumstick down in an arching motion for the down stroke. The down stroke should be played smoothly with the stick held firmly.

4. Let the drum head bounce the drumstick slightly for an upstroke. The upstroke is the most effortless of the four basic drum strokes.

5. Rehearse with other members of the percussion section. Every player should use the same strokes to define the same piece of music.

[Blower20205]

on 7/7/2008 These fundamental strokes have nothing to do with where you strike the drum, it helps sure, but to define the stroke, it is all about starting height and ending height and how hard you strike the head.