Seeing Doubles!

Hello fellow drummers,

I’m incredibly excited to bring you this week’s newsletter!

We all need to work on our double stroke rolls, amiright? Well, that’s the theme this week, with a brief guide as well as hints and tips on how we can all progress towards those silky smooth, machine-gun-like sounds that we all dream about and which signify someone who has really put the hours in…

Whilst our article will likely be of most use to beginners, some of the intermediate or advanced drummers amongst you may appreciate a refresher as well as enjoy the resources we link to.

Aside from our feature on doubles, we also have our usual roundup of the latest online content, and a focus on Louis Cole.

A highly talented multi-instrumentalist with a passion for the drums, Louis will need no introduction to some of you, but to those of you who may not have heard of him…thanks us later… 😃 

I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Louis play with Knower a few years ago, and will be heading to his gig in London later in May.

Enjoy the newsletter!

Iain

We select some (relatively) recent content that we’ve enjoyed, and think that you might too…

• Banging our own drum a bit here (ahem), but if you’re struggling with routine or your schedule, this week we wrote an article on applying the principles from the book "Atomic Habits" to our drumming lives.

• Brian Stephens talks about consistency in his video on “The secret That All Pro Drummers Know”. He makes some great points about our role as drummers and what we should be focussing on, and takes us through some great supporting exercises.

• We have another great video from “Sounds Like A Drum” that covers snare reso drumheads. They remind us not to neglect reso head choice and how head thickness and tensions affects the sound by interaction with the snare wires. Great attention to detail and a fascinating watch!

• Developing independence can be a tough nut to crack. Thomas Lang joined Drumeo to give a great lesson on this topic.

• Rick Beato met with drumming legend Steve Gadd. I love watching these type of chats from those who’ve reached the peak of their game and worked with so many great artists in a notoriously difficult industry.

• Far Out feature an article on Dave Grohl

On paper, the double stroke roll is one of the easiest looking rudiments to play - two strokes on one hand followed by two on the other.

However, playing a consistent and smooth double stroke roll can take a lifetime to get right - I’ve been playing drums for 30 years and this is still a rudiment that I practice regularly.

I often think that some rudiments are more “rudimental” than others. For example, many of the standard set of rudiments are a combination of single and double strokes, so getting to a certain level of competence with singles and doubles can really accelerate your development when it comes to the others.

In this article, we’ll give some insights on technique, some exercises to help with development of the rudiment, and provide some links to fantastic online resources on the topic.

Technique

To execute the double stroke roll smoothly, you must first understand the proper technique.

Start with a relaxed grip on your drumsticks, ensuring that your wrists are loose and your fingers are in control.

The motion for each stroke should come from a combination of wrist and finger movements, rather than solely relying on your arms. This will help you achieve a smooth, even sound while minimizing tension and fatigue in your hands.

At lower tempos, you’ll use more wrist, but as you get faster, the use of fingers becomes more important. At that point, good technique with the fingers is necessary - see the resources section below. Many drummers will have heard of JoJo Mayer’s “Secret Weapons for the Modern Drummer”. In this set of videos, JoJo talks about “going through the gears” in terms of techniques involving arms, wrists and fingers.

It’s important to research and learn about proper technique, but it obviously must be married with consistent practice in order to yield results. Eventually, you will develop a “feel” for the rudiment.

3 Basic Exercises (for Life)

When it comes to double, there’s so many resources out there, but make no mistake - this rudiment should always be cropping up somewhere in your schedule on a pretty regular basis!

These exercises are a good foundation and should stay with you throughout your drumming career, but be sure to dive further into the topic (or “go down the rabbit hole…”) by checking the resources section below.

It’s very important that you use a metronome, since the exercises are so much more valuable when there’s a distinct “one” of the beat. Especially in the case of inverted doubles, where the “one” can get “reset” to a double in your mind - rather than the opening single stroke - if you don’t have a frame of reference.

1. Accented Double Stroke Roll

This exercise consists of a tap stroke followed by an accented stroke on each hand.

By accenting the second note, we attempt to solve a common problem where the second note in a double is weaker. The idea is then that the non accented basic double stroke roll also becomes easier to play more evenly.

Begin by practicing the basic double stroke roll at a slow tempo, focusing on the dynamics between the tap and accent stroke. Gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable with the technique, always keeping your wrists relaxed and your fingers in control.

2. Flip it - Basic Double Stroke Roll Leading with the Left Hand

We suggest also practicing exercise (1) with a left hand lead.

Practicing the double stroke roll while leading with your left hand is an essential exercise to develop ambidexterity and improve overall technique. This will also help you avoid the development of bad habits and ensure that both hands are equally competent.

(If you can’t tell, I’m trying - and failing - to write this whilst making no assumptions about your stronger hand!)

3. Inverted Doubles

This exercise involves playing the double stroke roll starting with a single stroke.

This helps to develop control and fluidity while playing the roll, by displacing the double.

Resources

There are a HUGE number of resources available out there on this topic. However, we’ve curated some of our favourites in this section.

Most importantly, despite all of the info, it’s important that you don’t get overwhelmed.

Stick to the basics, enjoy the process, and know that by applying some consistency, you will get there eventually. The drummers you’ve seen executing buttery-smooth doubles have invested a lot of time in getting there, so don’t be put off.

Having said that, don’t feel bad if you’re not feeling it some days. Take it easy on yourself and come back to it tomorrow - it will be better!

Consistency is key!

1. Maria Wulf - Double Stroke Rolls

I may be late to the party here, but I recently discovered Maria’s YouTube channel - I’ve been missing out! I love her style of teaching - she’s great at breaking down a topic into it’s constituent parts and providing great tutorials starting with the basics, but then providing a framework and additional material to really make progress.

She has related videos that show some exercises once you have the basics, and a brilliant video on finger control that, whilst not directly related to doubles, will really help with your rolls once you begin to progress.

Brilliant stuff Maria!

2. Dr. John Wooton - Vic Firth Rudiments

To me, John is “the rudiment guy”. If I’m practicing rudiments and looking for insights, I’ll usually end up at one of his videos.

John has lots of videos online, definitely dig them out.

3. Drumeo

As you might expect, Drumeo has a TON of stuff covering this topic. Whilst some of their material is publicly available, they do have some real gold as part of their subscription too.

I’ve been a member for years, if you’d like to try it out free for 30 days, here’s my referral link. I only have 5 passes, so be quick and apologies if they’re all gone by the time you click through!

It was hard to pick a video out for the newsletter, so in the end I just went with one featuring Jared (Drumeo founder).

(Actually, I can’t leave this section without mention the Keith Carlock video too 😃 )

BONUS: Tommy Igoe - Great Hands for a Lifetime

This book/dvd/online stream combo is considered one of the essential educational materials by many drummers, including myself.

I use one of the variations of the lifetime warmup almost every day!

Whilst not specifically a topic on doubles, don’t even hesitate to make this part of your library and study if you haven’t done so already.

Louis Cole

Louis Cole, a versatile and skilled drummer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist, is best known for his work with the experimental electronic duo, KNOWER. His unique approach to drumming and music has won the admiration of fans and fellow musicians alike. In this section, we will explore his background, his distinctive drumming style, and his innovative approach to music.

Louis’ unique approach to drumming and music has established him as a groundbreaking and influential figure in the contemporary music scene. Through his work with KNOWER and as a solo artist, Cole has pushed the boundaries of what is possible with drums and electronic music, inspiring a new generation of musicians to think outside the box and explore new sonic possibilities. His drumming and musical style are a testament to the power of innovation, creativity, and artistic expression.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Louis grew up in a musical family, surrounded by diverse influences ranging from classical to jazz to electronic music. He began playing the drums at a young age and quickly developed a passion for the instrument. He later attended the prestigious California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), where he studied music and refined his skills as a drummer and composer.

During his time at CalArts, Cole met vocalist and keyboardist Genevieve Artadi, and together they formed KNOWER in 2010. The duo has since gained widespread acclaim for their genre-defying sound, which seamlessly blends elements of electronic, jazz, funk, and experimental music.

Drumming Style

Louis Cole's drumming style is characterized by its incredible precision, intricate patterns, and syncopated rhythms. Drawing inspiration from a wide range of musical genres, Cole's playing is both technical and highly expressive, often incorporating complex polyrhythms and odd time signatures. His ability to maintain a tight groove while exploring unconventional rhythms has set him apart from other drummers in the industry.

Cole is also known for his unique setup, which typically features a minimalistic drum kit with a distinctive flat ride cymbal. This setup allows him to create a wide variety of sounds and textures while maintaining a compact and efficient playing space.

Musical Style

As a multi-instrumentalist and composer, Louis Cole's musical style is as diverse and eclectic as his drumming. With KNOWER, Cole has been able to push the boundaries of electronic music, blending live instrumentation with intricate, computer-generated sounds. The duo's music is a melting pot of influences, ranging from jazz and funk to electronica and experimental pop.

In addition to his work with KNOWER, Cole has released several solo albums that showcase his prowess as a musician and producer. These albums, which feature Cole on vocals, drums, and various other instruments, highlight his ability to craft infectious melodies, intricate arrangements, and thought-provoking lyrics.

• YouTube channel

• At the time of writing, Louis is currently on tour in Europe

• Bandcamp

I never particularly imagined that drumming would be at the centre of a video game, and the linked review seems to confirm that it’s not a particularly good idea either…

Until next time, have fun!