Paradiddles
R L R R, L R L L — one of the most useful rudiments you'll ever learn, and a gateway to moving patterns around the whole kit.
What a paradiddle is
A (single) paradiddle combines two single strokes with one double stroke into a four-note figure: R L R R, then mirrored as L R L L. Say it out loud — "para-diddle" — and the rhythm of the word literally matches the sticking. Repeating the two halves back to back gives you an eight-note pattern that always ends on the opposite hand from where it started.
Why it's so useful
Paradiddles train your hands to move fluidly between single-stroke and double-stroke motion without breaking stride — a coordination skill that shows up constantly in fills and grooves. And because each repetition flips which hand leads, paradiddles are a natural tool for moving a sticking pattern around different drums (like toms) without awkward hand crossovers.
Common questions
What is a paradiddle?
A sticking pattern alternating two singles with a double: R L R R, then mirrored L R L L.
Why practice paradiddles?
They build single/double-stroke coordination and let you move patterns around the kit since each measure ends on the opposite hand.
What is an inverted paradiddle?
A variation starting from a different point in the cycle, shifting the accent while using the same four strokes.
How do paradiddles help outside of practice pads?
The alternating lead hand makes them useful for moving fills around different drums without awkward crossovers.
Turn rudiments into real grooves
Melody Monkey's app connects rudiment practice directly to playable patterns — free to try.
Open the free app →Still stuck? Ask Your Personal Music Teacher about Paradiddles →