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Rudiments are set patterns of notes played between 2 hands on a drum. They can also be applied to a drum set.

Rudiments first appeared on the battlefields of medieval Europe. They were used to to relay orders. Different armies had different rudiments with different meanings.

Rudiments were brought to the USA evolving into a musical form. A group of drummers known as NARD published the "Standard 26 American Drum Rudiments" in Chicago - 1933.

drumsticks

Notes

Notation

The rudiments in this deck have been notated in a simple, fun and easy way to read.

Variations

There are endless ways to play and combine these rudiments. How they are phrased and combined define a drummers sound

Sticking

The notation shows R Dominant L Non-dominant hands. Southpaws can switch these stickings. All rudiments should be played and practiced both ways round

n.a.r.d

The National Association of Rudimental Drummers was set up in 1930s Chicago. They created the 13 essential rudiments as an entrance exam into their club.

The following year they released another 13 rudiments to complete the 26 rudiments

Back row, left to right: W. M. F. Ludwig, M. M. (Heine) Gerlach, J. Burns Moore, William C. Miller, Ed. B. Straight

Front row, left to right: Harry Thompson, Geo. A. Robinson, W. M. Flowers, W. D. (Bill) Kieffer, W. F. (Bill) Hammond, Joe A. Hathaway, Geo. Lawrence Stone, Roy Knapp

crown
sticks

drum shops

Below is a map of UK drum shops. Use this when travelling the UK to find places to pick up equipment.