Killer Speed

Drum strokes is just the act of hitting the drum in a single motion. There aren't too many types of strokes but nearly an infinite amount of combination's. The first most basic stroke that all the other strokes are built from is the single stroke. Very basic and I'm sure you've all been able to play this with ease. Your wrist does nearly all the work on a single stroke. You can also use your fingers if your wanting to increase the volume of the stroke or if your going at a really fast speed. Okay I know you probably already know about this stroke but wheres the real meat at?

Double Stroke

To implement a double stroke after a single isn't too hard. Just after you make contact with the drum  and it goes back up just a little, squeeze with your fingers to make it come in contact again. Naturally your wrist will move up with the stick but don't allow it to setup for another single stroke. This double stroke alone has separated the beginners from the novice drummers so drastically its amazing people don't try and master it sooner. Would you like to know why I think that?

Sweep Stroke

Ever heard of Buddy Rich or any other old jazz drummer just tearing it up without a sweat?  Its because they  use a single technique that separates them from most drummers and your about to learn it right now! You may have even seen a drummer play the toms and cross their hands back and forth. Its very cool and can impress some of the more advanced drummers.

This stroke is more commonly known as the sweep stroke and involves doing a double stroke but between the double stroke it moves to a different drum. Then it starts on the drum it ended on and moves to another drum all using doubles. This maybe a hard lesson for some of you but I encourage you to watch some videos of Buddy Rich and see if that doesn't inspire you to learn! Refer back to setting up your drum set so you can maximize the true potential of this stroke. But there's more!

There is one particular part that requires a different motion then you've probably ever used. Doing a sweep from the snare to the floor tom can be most effectively done when you flip your hand over like you were going to look at all that dirt underneath your finger nails. From that position hit the floor tom and then move back over to the snare. Now see if you can do a sweep with the other hand on different drums.

Start off slow and you'll get it. Even if your not able to do a sweep stroke drum solo you eventually will with lots of practice. Congratulations is due because now once you've mastered this you won't be huffing and puffing just to play some solo or fill, not to mention once you get old and have to use a walker to get to your set you'll still be able to play your socks off!

The Flam

The next stroke doesn't have a learning curve like the sweep stroke but I'll give it to you anyways. Its more popular with snare drummers than say drum set rockers, but its called the flam stroke. Its suppose to sound like one stick is echoing the other. The only difference this stroke has to the other strokes you've learned today is the fact that it involves both hands, and both using singles. The first stroke will be ideal to attempt while your stick is just above the drum, and the other hand positioned higher so it hits after. Try the flam using both your right starting first and then your left starting first. This stroke even though its more popular with snare drummers, it can still be used all around the set either on toms or cymbals.

Increase Your Stick Speed

Focusing on stroke exercises is an excellent way to improve all around the set. I've owned this book called "Stick Control" for years and recommend it to any drummer no matter your skill level, its very cheap and should be in every drummers archive. I'm positive there isn't one drummer out there who doesn't to improve their speed and coordination. Most want it so bad they'll pay somebody month after month to have a personal mentor teach them how to play.

Avoid the hassle and start snooping around here and learn what your drum teachers haven't taught you! Not because they don't want you to be better they do, but they don't want you to become too good or you won't need them anymore. Don't get me wrong some of you beginners may need some help in learning what your doing wrong but other than that you can learn all you need to by using the internet a few books and common sense.