The history of paradiddle rudiments suggests that paradiddle are a uniquely English rudiment. Possibly first invented by the English, they were only adopted by a few other national styles.
This is a rudiment considered incredibly foundational to the American and British styles. Studying the history of paradiddle rudiments and their evolution may lead to interesting discoveries about the stylistic differences between the English and continental Europeans. Specifically, it might show why the English are more likely to balance their sticking, whereas most European styles are right-hand dominant.
In a strict sense, the term ‘paradiddle’ refers to a specific sticking pattern: Right-Left-Right-Right | Left-Right-Left-Left.
In this section, I’m going to explore Paradiddle rudiments, but also rudiments that might not strictly be considered “paradiddles” but are mixed strokes (Bâton Méle) and some open double stroke rudiments (Bâton Rompu) that seem appropriate to this category.
The more traditional Paradiddle Rudiments include:
- Single Paradiddle
- Double Paradiddle
- Treble Paradiddle
- Flamadiddle
- Flamadiddle-diddle
- Dragadiddle No. 1
- Dragadiddle No. 2
Some other mixed strokes rudiments include:
Do you have any questions or observations about performing the Paradiddle in an historic manner? Contact me.