Rudiments

The 40 International PAS (Percussive Arts Society) Drum Rudiments are the basis of all drum related rhythms commonly used today. Visit the PAS site to download a free copy of the rudiments.

These rudiments grew from the Standard 26 American rudiments that were part of my knowledge when I first began learning drums, to the 40 that are now in use.

They were compiled after an intensive 5 years of research. A selection of the finest percussion educators added other orchestral, European, and drum corps rudiments to reflect the range currently found in contemporary drum music.


Ideally, these rudiments should become part of your personal core of knowledge. They will assist you to develop good technique, flexible co-ordination, better note reading skills, and an even playing tempo.

The best way to practice each rudiment is to grab a pair of drum sticks and a drum pad, and play each one until you can play it repeatedly without stopping.


When you can play some of them without stopping, and at an even, comfortable speed, add a metronome and learn how to play along with the clicks.
















Go to http://www.metronomeonline.com/ or buy a metronome at your local music store.

Once you have a metronome you can start becoming a professional by learning how to play each rudiment from:

1. OPEN = start at a slow and even pace
2. Gradually get faster
3. CLOSED = Stay at your fastest, most even tempo for as long as you can
4. Gradually get slower
5. OPEN = end at a slow and even pace

A great book to show you how to play rudiments in drum fills and around the drum kit, is
"Exercises for natural Playing" by Dave Weckl.

I hope you have fun exploring your drum kit with rudiments.
Drop me a line to let me know how you are going :)