How to play a paradiddle.

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By Kebrown
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This article will explain how to perform the percussion rudiment called a paradiddle.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

First, assuming you know how to hold the sticks, demonstrate a full right handed stroke.
Step 2

Perform one left-handed stroke following the right-handed stroke, keeping the strokes sounding and looking even.
Step 3

Add two right-handed strokes, so that the whole thing consists of: Right, Left, Right, Right.
Step 4

Play this pattern in time with a metronome. Try to play each paradiddle evenly with a full beat, each time. Use even strokes and listen as you alternate hands, for inconsistencies in your playing. It may be best to watch in a mirror as you play this, in order to see that your stick heights are matching.
Step 5

Finally, you should then switch and learn the pattern as :Left, Right, Left, Left. You want to learn one as well as the other, as this will lead to more even playing and being a better percussionist overall.

Tips & Warnings

Using a mirror will give you a great advantage in learning to do this rudiment properly.
If you are being self-taught, beware of possible mistakes, such as, uneven strokes, unnecessary accents, etc...