Yury Trafimovich
Triple strokes can be difficult to master and many drummers struggle with this technique, often becoming frustrated. There are two approaches to playing triple strokes: the single stroke, where each note is played with an individual wrist turn, and the rebound, where three notes are created from one stroke. Drummers should work on both these techniques so they can be applied in different situations. For example, the single stroke approach is good for slower tempos, while the rebounded approach is better for faster tempos. To improve your triple strokes, you can try exercises such as keeping an 8th-note base consistent or playing a basic back-beat groove and shifting the bass drum pattern.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of approaches | 2 |
| First approach | Play every single note of the triple stroke with individual wrist turns to create a grouping of three individual notes of the same velocity and volume |
| Second approach | Create three notes from one stroke. Make one primary wrist turn to create the first note and then use the natural rebound of the stick to create the second and third notes |
| First approach usage | Slower tempo triple strokes and moments when the music specifically calls for every note of the triple stroke to be the same volume |
| Second approach usage | Faster tempo triple strokes and accented triple strokes |
| How to improve | Practice both approaches at various tempos |
What You'll Learn
Master the single and double stroke roll drum rudiments first
Drumming, like any skill, requires patience and practice. The same goes for mastering the triple stroke roll. Before you can get to grips with this rudiment, it's crucial to have a solid understanding of the single and double stroke roll rudiments. This foundational knowledge will help you master the triple stroke roll much faster.
The single stroke roll involves one stroke per hand, while the double stroke roll involves two strokes per hand. These rudiments are essential to master because they form the basis of the triple stroke roll, which involves three alternating strokes per hand. By mastering the single and double stroke rolls first, you'll develop the necessary muscle memory and coordination to tackle the more advanced triple stroke roll.
When learning the single and double stroke rolls, focus on playing consistent-sounding strokes. Check the evenness of your strokes by observing the height of your drumsticks. Uniform distances between the drumhead and the drumstick for each stroke will result in even-sounding strokes. Additionally, pay attention to your wrist technique. Use full wrist turns to play each stroke, especially when working at slower speeds.
As you progress and increase the tempo, you'll naturally start to bounce the drumstick off the snare drum or practice pad for the second and third strokes. This technique is crucial when playing the triple stroke roll, as it allows you to achieve the desired speed and fluidity. However, when playing on tom-toms, this bouncing technique may not work as well due to their limited rebound. In such cases, you can adjust by using your fingers to play the second and third strokes, while still initiating the first stroke with your wrist.
Remember, drumming is a journey, and it's important to build a strong foundation. Take your time to master the single and double stroke rolls before tackling the triple stroke roll. With consistent practice and a solid understanding of the fundamentals, you'll be well on your way to becoming a proficient drummer.
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Use full wrist turns to play each stroke at slower speeds
To play each stroke of the triple stroke roll at slower speeds, you can use full wrist turns. This is because, at slower tempos, you play each note with an individual stroke at the same volume. However, as the speed increases, you will naturally shift to using diddles, creating two or three notes out of one stroke. This will allow you to play your rolls much faster with more control and less energy.
When playing triple strokes, it is important to first develop a good double-stroke roll, as triple strokes are an extension of double strokes. When playing triple strokes, the first stroke should be played mainly with the wrist, while the second and third strokes are played with the fingers. Think of the first stroke as the setup throw from the wrist, and the second and third strokes as dribbles from the fingers.
To check if your strokes are even, you can watch your stick heights. Uniform distances from the drumhead to the drumstick for each stroke will help you achieve even-sounding triple strokes. Additionally, you can also check your stroke evenness by observing the volume of each stroke. Each stroke should be played at the same volume.
It is worth noting that the technique for playing triple strokes will change slightly as the tempo increases. At faster speeds, you will need to pick up the stick after the third note, as it becomes challenging to play a free stroke. In this case, you will use a combination of free strokes and downstrokes, with your fingers adding velocity to each stroke.
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Check stroke evenness by watching your stick heights
Checking stroke evenness is a crucial aspect of achieving smooth and consistent triple strokes on the drums. One effective way to do this is by observing your stick heights during practice. By ensuring uniform distances from the drumstick to the drumhead for each stroke, you can achieve even-sounding triple strokes.
When you're playing triple strokes, it's easy to accidentally add a slight accent to the first stroke of alternating hands. This can disrupt the evenness of your playing. By paying close attention to your stick heights, you can identify and correct this tendency. Make sure that each stroke follows a consistent arc and reaches the same height above the drumhead. This visual feedback will help you internalise the feeling of playing even triple strokes.
In addition to watching your stick heights, you can also use other methods to improve your triple stroke technique. Practising in front of a mirror can help you spot any discrepancies in your playing, such as uneven stick heights or a difference in grip between your left and right hands. Filming your practice sessions is another valuable tool, as it allows you to review your technique from a "third-party" perspective and identify areas that need improvement.
As you increase the tempo of your triple strokes, the technique will also change slightly. At faster speeds, you may need to pick up the stick after the third note to maintain control. This is where the alley-oop-oop technique comes into play, with the first stroke played with the wrist and the second and third strokes played with the fingers.
Remember, achieving smooth and even triple strokes takes time and practice. Don't be discouraged if you don't get it perfect right away. With consistent practice and a focus on checking stroke evenness through stick heights, you'll gradually improve your technique and be able to incorporate triple strokes into your drumming with ease.
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Play the second and third strokes with your fingers
Playing the second and third strokes with your fingers is a technique used for the triple stroke roll, also known as "threes". This technique is particularly useful when playing on a drum with minimal rebound, such as a floor tom.
When playing triple strokes on a drum with minimal rebound, the first stroke should be played with the wrist, and the second and third strokes with the fingers. This is known as the "alley-oop-oop" technique. Think of the first stroke as the setup throw from the wrist, and the second and third strokes as dribbles from the fingers. This technique is similar to dribbling a ball.
The "alley-oop-oop" technique is particularly useful for playing triple strokes at faster tempos. As the speed increases, it becomes challenging to play a free stroke, and a combination of free-free-downstroke is used instead. The fingers are crucial in adding velocity to each individual stroke. When played very fast, triple strokes will sound like a buzz roll.
To improve your finger technique, it is beneficial to practice on surfaces with little to no bounce. This helps strengthen your wrists and fingers, enabling you to play triple strokes at higher speeds with greater control. Experimenting with different hand positions, such as the French grip and German grip, can also help you find the most comfortable and effective technique for playing triple strokes.
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Experiment with different hand positions
Drumming, like many other skills, requires a lot of practice and patience. One such aspect of drumming that can be challenging to master is the triple stroke roll. This technique is similar to the single and double stroke rolls, but with three alternating strokes per hand.
To improve your triple strokes, it is important to experiment with different hand positions. As you try out various hand positions, you will discover what works best for you and gain a better understanding of the technique. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Start by positioning your hands closer to a French grip, which involves placing your thumbs on top of the stick. This grip favours the use of your fingers, allowing for more precise control over the second and third beats of the triple stroke. On the other hand, the German grip, with palms facing down, is better suited for wrist-dominated movements. Finding a comfortable balance between these two grips will enable you to seamlessly switch positions while playing.
When playing triple strokes, the first stroke is primarily a wrist movement, while the second and third strokes rely more on the fingers. This technique is often described as "alley-oop-oop". Think of the first stroke as the initial throw, and the subsequent strokes as quick dribbles. After the third stroke, allow your hand to relax so that the stick naturally rebounds to its starting position.
As you increase the tempo, you may need to adjust your technique. At faster speeds, it becomes challenging to execute free strokes, so a combination of free-free-downstroke movements may be more manageable. Utilise your fingers to add velocity to each stroke, and remember that consistent practice at various tempos will help you improve.
Additionally, pay attention to the height of your drumsticks. Maintaining uniform distances from the drumhead to the drumstick for each stroke will help you achieve even-sounding triple strokes. This visual cue can be a helpful indicator of stroke evenness, along with the auditory feedback you receive as you play.
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Frequently asked questions
There are two approaches to playing triple strokes. The first is to play each note with individual wrist turns to create three individual notes of the same velocity and volume. The second is to create three notes from one stroke, making one primary wrist turn for the first note and then using the natural rebound of the stick to create the second and third notes.
One exercise is to keep an 8th note base consistent so that your hand-to-hand transitions from one triple stroke to the next sound smooth. This involves playing a measure of eighth notes with alternating sticking followed by a measure of triple strokes.
For faster tempos, it may be easier to play triple strokes with a French grip (thumbs on top of the stick), as this grip favours the use of the fingers. The German grip (palms down) favours the wrist and may be better for slower triple strokes.
It is important to start slowly and focus on getting the technique right so that you are relaxed and not tense. You can then gradually increase the tempo. It is also helpful to play on a hard surface with minimal padding, as this will reduce the bounce and make it easier to play clean triple strokes.
One common mistake is to play triple strokes by simply bouncing the stick on the drumhead. Another mistake is to play each stroke individually with the wrist, rather than using the rebound of the stick to create a flowing free stroke.
