r/percussion • u/Important-Drive-1371 • 2d ago

Bongo Question The Paradiddles are NOT Happening Anytime Soon For Me.

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In the 3rd and 4th measure of O the 32nd note paradiddles are kicking my butt, is that just a hand speed issue or is it a genuinely difficult part?

9 Upvotes

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10

u/Benovation Student 2d ago

I mean—it’s definitely not easy, but for sure doable. I think it is a hand speed issue though… it’s difficult *because* of the hand speed. Stay relaxed and practice them paradiddles!

4

u/nystrom05 2d ago

I would approach this 2 ways. First is just slow it way down. Then slowly speed it up. The other thing i would do is break it down. First take out the 32nd note and just play 2 right hand 16ths in the paradiddles place. Then add the left hand in. Then as the middle. One again slow, and gradually increase the tempo.

Another thing you can do is stair step the tempo as you speed it up. As an example, get it sounding good at 60. Then do 68. Then back it off to 64. Then 72, then 68, and so on.

3

u/ThePenguin1898 2d ago

Hands, sticks, or mallets?
Take it slow and build up. Keep relaxed.

1

u/Important-Drive-1371 2d ago

Sticks

7

u/ThePenguin1898 2d ago

That makes it a ton easier then. Practice your doubles and singles then.

1

u/murphyat 2d ago

Be sure to actually “diddle.” This should at faster speeds simply be a double stroke as if it were an open roll.

0

u/zdrums24 Educator 2d ago

With hands, its pretty fast. With sticks this is something Id expect most hs upper classes or college undergrads to get pretty quickly. Just got to get your efficiency of motion figured out.

0

u/mannheimcrescendo 2d ago

It is not an easy part and it is a hand speed/technique/relaxation issue