Mike Cosgrove: Playing Around With Paradiddles

By Mike Cosgrove
Originally published in DRUM! Magazine’s September 2006

One of the best ways to challenge your technique is to play paradiddles in as many ways possible. Ex. 1 is a standard paradiddle pattern, and Exs. 2–4 shift the starting note by one beat. For an added workout, the accents also change halfway through each bar. As always, use a metronome, and keep time by tapping your foot on the floor, hi-hat, or bass drum. Also try practicing these exercises on a pillow to build strength in your hands. Good luck!

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