Rudiments

In percussion music, a rudiment is one of several small patterns that make up the foundation for more complex drum patterns. Rudiments can be compared to a melodic instrument learning and memorizing all of their scales and arpeggios. It gives them patterns that make the rest of music learning easier. The American rudiments began as standardizing and expanding upon drum calls used in battle. They then were expanded upon based on input from other countries and the founding of new hybrid rudiments through Drum Corps International.

The order of rudiments is taught based on Dr. Wooton's Four Tier Rudimental Learning Sequence, stating that each of these rudiments is a fundamental building block that facilitates learning of the other 34 rudiments.

Dr. Wooton suggests that the best approach is to begin with the fundamental rudiments first, instead of the way they are listed in the 40 Essential Rudiments, providing the beginning musician with a base on which to build.

Tier 1 of Rudiments includes:

Single Stroke Roll, Double Stroke Roll, Multiple Bounce Roll, Single Paradiddle, Flam, and Drag.