How to Do a Gravity Roll/Blast on a Drum

A gravity roll or blast is a drumming technique that allows the drummer to perform a very fast roll on a drum. It is hard to learn, but very effective once mastered, allowing different beats and styles.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Drum
• Drumsticks

1. The most important part of a gravity roll is the position you hold the drumstick. There is no "correct" spot to hold the stick; it varies between drummers. A good place to try holding it is right below the center of gravity of the stick. Hold the stick with your thumb and first finger.

2. Once you are holding the drumstick in the correction position, push the front end of the stick onto the snare drum, allowing the head of the stick to strike the drum.

3. Push the back of the stick down, ensuring that the back end of the stick hits the rim of the snare. This should be a seesaw like motion. You are essentially using the rim of the drum as a pivot for the stick.

4. Once you have the motion down, and are getting two successive hits (one on the drum, one on the rim), gradually increase the speed.

Tips & Warnings

• It is very important to get the correct hand position first. If you are having trouble with the roll, play around with your hand position.
• A gravity blast is hard to master. It takes a lot of practice. You will not be able to do it within the first couple of tries.