technique confusion (singles and doubles)

[vetchling]

Hi there,

I'm confused about what sort of technique I should be using for my single and double stroke rolls. I seem to keep hearing conflicting advice.

For single rolls, my drum teacher encourages economy of motion - keeping sticks low (1-3" from the drum) with fuller strokes for any accents. But watching youtube videos of Chapin and Weckl, they seem to advocate letting the stick come all the way back up to the vertical position each time. I've tried doing this, but can only do it at low speeds. Very low speeds.

For doubles, I stick each stroke separately up to a certain tempo, and then use bounced doubles. It took me ages to get the bounced double technique down, without trying to force the sticks and with even spacing. But now, throughout this site I keep reading that I shouldn't be bouncing the sticks and should be using two separate hits.

It's all very confusing! I want to be practicing good technique, but it's hard to ascertain what good technique is.

[Wavelength]

You should be able to play a single stroke roll very quietly and very loudly. Working on large strokes will give you the strength and endurance to play fortissimo, and working on small strokes will give you the control and sensitivity to play piano. However, both kind of rolls should be played with the economy of motion in mind, so be sure to let the sticks rebound off the head.

The second stroke of a double stroke is not supposed to be just a rebound. According to the laws of physics, the rebound will always be less powerful than the initial stroke, and to produce a smooth and consistent roll you need to assist the rebound with some additional force. I play the first stroke with a wrist motion, and the second stroke with a finger motion, so I'm basically playing two consecutive free strokes with two different muscle groups. This gives a lot of speed, power and endurance.

[vetchling]

Thank-you, that was very informative. Having looked at my double roll action, I realise I do use my fingers on the second hit a little. I kind of pull up with my ring and little fingers, while at the same time lifting my hand like a pupped attached at the back of the wrist, in anticipation of the next stroke. But I could definitely get more finger control in there.

You make a good point about the different size motions for different dynamics. Dynamic control is one of the many things I need to work on. I seem to find it really hard to let single strokes rebound fully. I can't resist clutching onto them tightly and stopping the motion about half way through.

[mosher]

chapin does singles in a whipping accented way
the Moeller technique