Do you tend to pulse the quarter when rolling or aim for consistency?

djmemjy

Member
So I've always tried to do my rolls as consistently as possible, with each and every stroke sounding equal. However..

I was just playing along to Foo Fighters, Everlong, when I noticed that Taylor Hawkins accents his rolls on the 2 and the 4 sometimes, and other times on each quarter note.

Should I aim to be able to pulse the roll wherever I feel I need it? Does an accented roll sound better with the 1,2,3 and 4 emphasis compared to a dynamically consistent roll? Does this applie to single stroke, double stroke and paradiddle 'rolls'.

I think I know what the answer will be, but I'd like to hear others opinions on this.
 
He probably plays it that way because his interpretation of how to play the song calls for accented rolls. I'm sure he can do an nice consistent roll just as easily.
 
To be able to play your rudiments to sound exactly the same on each hit is a great thing. You want to be able to have that control. But of course, there are times when accenting is called for. It really just depends on the situation.
 
For me, it varies, but I think I tend to keep all strokes with my hands even. But, I may or may not play the kick straight through, so there is likely a pulse there anyway.

Bermuda
 
It all depends on the application. The song, the rhythm, the melody, even the pattern itself and how I've used it, will all help determine what feel I give it.

There are very few hard and fast rules where music is concerned. Where, when or what notes to accent certainly ain't one of 'em.
 
I'm surprised this doesn't go without saying, but of course you want to be able to have full control over the accenting; and that doesn't just go for rolls. If you can't accent any note you want, at will and hopefully for the music's sake, you should want to keep at it.
 
There is both dynamic accenting and rhythmic pulsing in fills. As said, you want to be able to play things perfectly evenly, and then be able to swing or place accents however you want. Any given tune or group of musicians may stick accents in some place, and you should be able to go with it, without having to think. Tall order I know. Something I aspire to as I know drummers who can do this and love how they can both follow and contribute to the music this way.
 
Yeah I thought as much. My double stroke rolls tend to have an emphasis on the quarter note. Need to wean that out. Or at least make it more controllable.
 
I agree that rolling should be perfected with no accents then perfected with pulse accents at the very least.

In addition I love practicing clean open rolls while keeping a bass drum melody.

I take the melody pages out of my new breed book and play the bass drum notes while practicing clean rolls on the snare.

Fun stuff!!!
 
Depends on what the music wants but if I want my smoothest roll I tend to think in 3 against
the 2 as I play.
 
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