The Inverted 9 Stroke Roll

This highly useful rudiment inversion came about by necessity, like many inventions. I was working on some 32nd note soloing ideas and I had a few I liked. Unfortunately, the stickings were tricky and I was having trouble coming out of the phrases and landing on “1” (or other places, like the “and” of “1” etc…) with my right hand. Like many of you right-handed drummers, I like to land on my right hand when I come out of fills so I can go back the groove more easily.

I concocted this sticking to allow this to happen, and I’m finding it very useful in my playing. Because I’m a righty, the more useful version of this is shown in example #1, which begins on the left hand and ends on the right. However, some of you may find #2 (which is the reverse sticking, beginning on the right hand) more suited to your needs.

There are two examples on the PDF/worksheet of how to use this sticking (presented as #’s 3 and 4). Example #3 is a groove idea, while example #4 shows a paradiddle combination that uses the inverted 9 stroke roll to land on your right hand as you go back to the groove.

Here’s the PDF: The Inverted 9 Stroke Roll

Write me or comment to let me know what you think.