Get stories like this in your inbox (free!)

Excerpted from Weekly Workout: Rhythm Rudiments

This week, we’ll start working through the second category of international rudiments, the so-called “diddle rudiments.” The most famous of these is the “single paradiddle.” In Example 5, rather than directly adapting the drum pattern to picking strokes as we did in the first week, we’ll adapt the pattern melodically. Try using alternate picking throughout this example, and you’ll notice that a wonderful, propelling rhythm will start to emerge. This kind of rhythmic pattern can really help drive a single-note solo or rhythmic breakdown. Example 6 takes this pattern a step further by applying it to a chordal riff balancing double-stops with the open D string. Again, try using alternate picking throughout. Example 7 takes it up a notch by moving the bass note around between the open D, A, and E strings. 

Excerpted from Weekly Workout: Rhythm Rudiments

Rhythm Rudiments explores a few of the more common drum rudiments and then applies them to the guitar, specifically to picking, strumming, and fretting patterns. By adapting some or all of these patterns into your playing— especially for lead work—you can expect to develop some serious rhythmic acuity, pick speed, and new phrasing ideas.

BUY NOW FOR JUST $3.99