Rudiments

'The Rudiments' of drumming refers to the hand patterns that are used to create the rhythms that have historically been played on the snare drum.  Once percussionists found themselves at a 'trap set' or drum kit in the early part of the twentieth century, it was natural that the rudiments were used to create the rhythmic foundation of their parts.

​There were originally 26 designated rudiments.  This was later updated by the American Percussive Arts Society to the 40 standard rudiments as shown below. They can broadly be categorized into 4 sticking patterns
1.  Rolls
     Single Stroke Rolls
     Multiple Bounce rolls
     Double Stroke or messured rolls
2. Diddles.  Paradiddles  are  a combination of single strokes and double strokes.
3. Flams
​4. Drags