In this blog, we’ll be looking at some Inverted Paradiddle Exercises. The inverted paradiddle is a drumming rudiment that is based on the standard paradiddle, starting at a different position in the note sequence:
Single paradiddle: RLRRLRLL
Inverted (or Inward) Paradiddle: RLLRLRRL
You can practice the inverted paradiddle by playing it repeatedly with a metronome to develop your hand coordination and speed. However, I have made this worksheet to apply it to the kit.
Inverted Paradiddle on the Kit
The first section moves the inverted paradiddle around the kit in different ways. You could experiment using these as fills or incorporate them into grooves.
In the second section, I share the inverted paradiddle between the bass drum and snare. This produces quite a funky feel but you could use it as a fill in a backbeat.
In the third section, I use the inverted paradiddle as a half-bar fill. Notice how crashes are played with the bass drums in 6a, where as hi-hats do not follow the bass drums in 6b. This is dead funky stuff!
Finally, in the fourth section, the inverted paradiddle is used in a shuffle, which could also – given the bass drum pattern – be a latin feel.
As with all of the rudiments, practising the Inverted Paradiddle helps with developing dexterity and control. Once you’ve mastered it, you can start incorporating it into drumming patterns and fills to add variety to your playing.
And Finally...
It’s always great to hear your feedback. If you found this information helpful, please leave a comment below. Visit the Leicester Drum School Shop for all your drum related t-shirt and mug needs!