Sextuplet Chops

By Wally Schnalle Originally Published in DRUM! Magazine's May 2006 Issue

Sextuplets are six-note groupings that fit in the space normally occupied by four notes. The patterns presented here help your hands develop fluidity between single and double strokes in a sextuplet context. Ex. 1 is only singles. Use it to get used to the pattern. It’s one I learned years ago in drum corp. Ex. 2 uses one double stroke per sextuplet creating a double paradiddle pattern. Exs. 3 and 4 use two double strokes each. Note the paradiddle-diddles in Ex. 3. The last example is all doubles but should sound as clean as the singles. Be sure to play them right- and left-hand lead as the sticking indicates.

DRUM! Music Editor WALLY SCHNALLE is a drummer, composer, and teacher based in the San Francisco bay area, and has performed with Eddie Gale, Ernie Watts, and the San Jose Symphony Orchestra. itrhymes.com