How to Do a One-Handed Drum Roll
The one-handed drum roll is a useful technique as it allows you to keep the beat while leaving the other hand free. The technique does require practice to master, but it will give you many options while you're playing.
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Instructions
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Employ the matched grip. Hold the drumstick so that the end touches the palm of your hand and the stick rests between your thumb and the first and second joints of your pointer finger. Curl the rest of your fingers lightly around the drumstick. Allow your hand to point to the outside.
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Strike the drum with your right hand and use your last three fingers to make the stick strike the drum several more times. You can use your wrist, but you'll find that using your fingers will let you strike the drum faster.
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Follow a metronome during practice. Set it to 80 beats per minute and 4 beats per measure. Do eight one-handed drum rolls before the third click of the metronome and eight more one-handed drum rolls before the next three clicks complete.
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Tips & Warnings
Practice the technique until it becomes second nature. You can use it to add extra emphasis as you play a song. Try it with both hands.
