Drum Lesson 3

"The One Handed Roll"

At the end of my Drum Songs solo, I go into a section I call "Chop-Fest". Once in, I go into a sub section paying respect to Buddy Rich. Here, I use Buddy's "One-Handed Roll". Using his roll allows my right hand to move around the kit (with or without the bass drum) always playing a continuous roll. I've learned to use this roll within a beat, in fills and in my solo. 

First, start with 1/8 note triplets, using a RLL sticking. 

Second, add the right foot with each right hand.

Third, as you begin to memorize, try dropping the right hand; but, keep the right foot going (here, it helps if you hit the right hand in the "air"-at first-this will help build your right foot independence).

Now, begin moving the right hand around the kit. Try "throwing in" the "dropped right hand" (step #3 above) every few beats. When doing so, be sure to keep the integrity of the triplets. It helps to play the left hand at a piano (p) dynamic. Here's a fill idea:

  In fact, you can use the "One Handed Roll" within a drum beat.

In conclusion, the "One Handed Roll" was popularized by Buddy Rich. By keeping the triplets going on the "te's" and the "tah's", you create the illusion that the roll never stops- even when you remove the right hand! It helps build up left hand speed, makes your doubles better, and improves independence. It can be used in fills and drum beats.

See ya next Month, Rick Steel..