The snare drum is a crucial part of any drum set, known for its sharp, crisp sound that cuts through the mix. Playing the snare drum fast is a skill that can add excitement and energy to your drumming. Whether you’re into rock, jazz, or metal, being able to play the snare fast opens up a world of musical possibilities. In this guide, we’ll take you through the steps to help you play the snare drum fast.
Master the Basics First
Before you can start playing fast, you need to have a solid grasp of the basics.
Proper Grip
There are two main types of grips for holding drumsticks: the traditonal grip and the matched grip.
Traditional Grip: This grip is often used in orchestral and traditional music. For right – handed drummers, the right stick is held with the thumb and index finger, and the stick rests on the middle finger. The left stick is held in a more underhand position, with the thumb on top and the fingers gripping the stick from below.i
Matched Grip: In a matched grip, both sticks are held in the same way. The thumb and index finger form a “V” shape around the stick, and the other fingers curl around the stick for support. This grip is more commonly used in modern drumming styles like rock, pop, and jazz.
Practice both grips to see which one feels more comfortable for you. A proper grip allows for better control and efficient movement of the sticks, which is essential for playing fast.
Hand and Wrist Technique
Your hands and wrists are the powerhouses for snare drum playing. When you play, your wrists should be the primary source of movement. Keep your wrists loose and flexible, like a spring. When you strike the snare drum, the motion should come from a quick, fluid flick of the wrist. Avoid using your whole arm to hit the drum, as this can slow you down and cause fatigue.
Start by practicing single strokes, where you alternate between your right and left hand. Play at a slow, steady tempo, focusing on making each stroke sound clean and distinct. As you get more comfortable, gradually increase the speed.
Warm – up Exercises
Warming up your hands and wrists is crucial before attempting to play fast. Here are some effective warm – up exercises:
Finger Stretch
Hold your drumsticks in your hands. Extend your fingers as far as you can, then curl them tightly around the sticks. Repeat this several times. This helps to loosen up the muscles in your fingers, which are important for precise stick control.
Wrist Rotation
Hold the sticks in a proper grip. Rotate your wrists in a circular motion, first clockwise and then counter – clockwise. Do this for about 30 seconds each way. This warms up the wrist joints and increases blood flow to the area.
Slow, Steady Playing
Start by playing simple quarter – note patterns on the snare drum at a very slow tempo, around 60 beats per minute (BPM). Focus on making each note sound clear and distinct. As you play, gradually increase the speed by a few BPM every few minutes. This warms up your muscles and gets your hands used to the motion of playing the snare.
Specific Exercises for Speed
Single Stroke Rolls
A single stroke roll is a series of rapid single strokes played in succession. To play a single stroke roll, start with your right hand and play a series of notes, alternating between your right and left hand as quickly as you can. Start at a slow speed, around 80 – 100 BPM, and focus on keeping the strokes evenly spaced. As you get more comfortable, gradually increase the speed. Aim to reach a speed where the individual strokes blend together into a smooth, continuous sound.
Double Stroke Rolls
In a double stroke roll, each hand plays two strokes in a row before switching hands. So the pattern is “right – right, left – left, right – right, left – left,” and so on. Double stroke rolls are more challenging than single stroke rolls as they require more control and coordination. Start at a slow tempo, around 60 – 80 BPM, and focus on making each pair of strokes sound even. As you improve, increase the speed. This exercise helps to build strength and speed in your hands.
Paradiddle Exercises
A paradiddle is a basic drumming pattern that consists of four strokes: right – left – right – right, or left – right – left – left. Paradiddles are a great way to improve your hand coordination and speed. Practice playing paradiddles at different tempos. Start slowly, around 80 – 100 BPM, and focus on playing the pattern accurately. As you get better, increase the speed. You can also vary the paradiddle pattern by adding accents or playing it on different parts of the snare drum.
Six – Stroke Rolls
A six – stroke roll is a combination of single and double strokes. The pattern is “right – right, left – left, right – left” or “left – left, right – right, left – right.” Six – stroke rolls are more complex than single or double stroke rolls and require a high level of coordination. Start by practicing the pattern slowly, around 60 – 80 BPM. Focus on making each stroke sound clean and distinct. As you gain more confidence, gradually increase the speed. This exercise helps to improve your speed, coordination, and endurance.
Use a Metronome
A metronome is an essential tool for drummers who want to play fast. It helps you to keep a steady tempo and improve your timing. When practicing the exercises above, always use a metronome. Start at a slow tempo and gradually increase the speed as you get more comfortable. Make sure that you can play the patterns accurately at each tempo before moving on to the next one.
Build Endurance
Playing the snare drum fast requires a lot of physical endurance. To build endurance, you need to practice regularly. Set aside a specific time each day to practice your snare drum exercises. Start with short practice sessions, around 15 – 20 minutes, and gradually increase the length of your sessions as your endurance improves. You can also try practicing for longer periods at a lower intensity, such as playing at a moderate speed for 30 – 45 minutes. This helps to build up your stamina and allows you to play fast for longer periods of time.
Incorporate Rudiments
Rudiments are the basic building blocks of drumming. There are 26 standard drum rudiments, and many of them can be used to improve your snare drum speed. Some of the rudiments that are particularly useful for playing fast include the single stroke roll, double stroke roll, paradiddle, and flamadiddle. Practice these rudiments regularly, and try to incorporate them into your playing. You can also try creating your own variations of the rudiments to add more variety to your playing.
Listen to Other Drummers
Listening to other drummers can be a great source of inspiration and learning. Pay attention to how they play the snare drum, especially when they play fast. Notice their technique, their hand positioning, and how they use different rudiments. You can learn a lot by watching and listening to experienced drummers. You can also try to imitate their playing style and incorporate elements of it into your own playing.
Conclusion
Playing the snare drum fast takes time, practice, and dedication. By mastering the basics, warming up properly, practicing specific exercises, using a metronome, building endurance, incorporating rudiments, and listening to other drummers, you can gradually improve your speed and become a better snare drummer. Remember to be patient with yourself, and don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. With consistent practice, you will be able to play the snare drum fast and add a new level of excitement to your drumming.
Related Topics：
- What Is a Drum Break in Music? All You Need to Know
- How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Drum Set? All You Need to Know
- How to Set Up a Drumkit?
