Pete Lockett Preface by Bill
Bruford
Paradiddles have a lousy name. They bear the only technical name in
percussion known to the wilfully unknowledgeable, who think it hilarious
that we drummers should examine such things at close quarters. Young
drummers shudder at the memory of trying to master the harmless little
guy in their early lessons. Most players get the single, double, triple
and perhaps the paradiddlediddle variants down in their primary
inversions and move hurriedly on, thus missing the endless stream of
possible, and in this book, symmetrical, variations that are so
user-friendly and musical when applied around the kit.
Just when you think there is not much more that you can do with a
paraddidle, Lockett comes along with this deceptively simple looking
volume that will keep you busy for years. He examines the rudiment and
its close cousins in an organised and methodical manner, generating
exciting rhythms in not only 4/4 and 6/8, but also the less common 5/4
and 7/4 metres. Since the second half of each exercise is a symmetrical
“mirror image” of the first half, both hands get an equal workout
Paraddidles are at the basis of many a fascinating rhythm. Whether you
know it or not, chances are you are using them somewhere. Some drummers
tend primarily to use the single-stroke style ( most phrases played with
alternate sticking ), others the double-stroke ( two beats with each
stick ). Mastery of the paradiddle, being the simplest possible
combination of the two, will blur that distinction and offer an
invaluable third way to execute the phrase. Follow this book as far as
it will lead you, and your efforts will be amply rewarded.
Bill Bruford, Surrey, UK. June 2003
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