Thanks to Lionel Duperron and this free drum lesson, learning how to play the triple paradiddle has now become much easier. In this video, Lionel breaks down the sticking pattern of the triple paradiddle on a practice pad, so you can learn how to play it accurately. He then takes the triple paradiddle to the drum set, where he shares some ideas on how to incorporate it into your drum beats and drum fills.
The word “paradiddle” in the name of a rudiment, means that that particular pattern has two single strokes (para) followed by one set of doubles (diddle). The word “triple” in this case, conveys the existence of three sets of single strokes for each set of double strokes. You can count the triple paradiddle as 16th notes, or like so: R(par) L(a) R(par) L(a) R (par) L(a) R(did) R(dle). Due to its sticking pattern, the triple paradiddle naturally alternates within itself.
The triple paradiddle incorporates both the single paradiddle and the double paradiddle. Thus, knowing how to play them beforehand will actually make the triple paradiddle a very easy pattern to master.
Exercise #1 is a 16th note half-time drum beat where the triple paradiddle is scattered between the hi-hat and the snare drum. The left hand plays ghost notes and an accented shot on the snare drum, while the right hand plays the hi-hat. Once you have the hands mastered, add the bass drum on count 1 and on the “and” of count 1.
Exercise #2 is a 16th note half-time drum beat. Start by playing the previous exercise. As you’re performing it, move the right hand to the bow of the ride cymbal. Once that’s mastered, remove the bass drum stroke on the “and” of count 1 and add new strokes on all quarter notes.
Exercise #3 is a 16th note drum fill incorporating the triple paradiddle. In the first two counts the snare drum notes are ghosted with the left hand, while the right hand goes around the toms playing accented strokes. Once you get to count 3 it all reverses. The ghosted notes are played with the right hand on the floor tom, as the left hand plays accents around the toms.
Exercise #4 is a very melodic 16th note drum fill featuring two triple paradiddles. The left hand on the first one is kept on the hi-tom, while the right hand moves around the drums. With the second triple paradiddle it’s the complete opposite – the right hand is kept on floor tom, while the left hand moves around the drums.
Had enough of the triple paradiddle? If so, we advise you to check the free drum lesson on the single paradiddle-diddle. If not, check the free drum lesson “Triple Paradiddle Speed” to learn how to increase the speed at what you play the Triple Paradiddle.