Paradiddaloid – the paradiddle's superpower

Welcome to a breathtaking world of possibility, where the building blocks of creation are limitless and a single magical formula guides the way. Here you will find an indispensable tool for marching drummers and kit drummers alike. For those eager to explore a new concept, a generous breadth of application awaits.

What is a paradiddaloid?

We are all familiar with the paradiddle:

Right-Left-Right-Right, Left-Right-Left-Left

RLRR LRLL

A paradiddaloid is not a rudiment, but rather a concept derived from a rudiment. It broadens the scope by substituting two variable patterns for the R and L of the paradiddle. R is replaced with Pattern A, and L is replaced with Pattern B.

A paradiddaloid is an eight-part sequence consisting of two patterns, Pattern A and Pattern B, that are assembled in the following order:

Pattern A - Pattern B - Pattern A - Pattern A - Pattern B - Pattern A - Pattern B - Pattern B

ABAABABB

Why are paradiddaloids interesting?

Each paradiddaloid has a unique personality. They come in all shapes and sizes. An interesting paradiddaloid is largely dependent on the length of its patterns. The patterns must be short; a full measure is far too long to allow for dynamic interplay between the patterns. Short patterns, coupled with the asymmetrical nature of the ABAABABB formula, can add rhythmic tension that energizes the paradiddaloid. Variation of pattern length (one short, the other shorter) can really spice things up.

Why are paradiddaloids useful?

The paradiddaloid is a tool that enables you to create exciting rhythms that are unlikely to emerge by other creative means. Generally, paradiddaloids must be carefully planned and constructed prior to execution. Adding a paradiddaloid to your performance can wow the listener due to its inherent complexity. Some are best suited as a one-off fill on the drum kit, while others might find their way into a groove or cadence. Paradiddaloids can also add a fresh element to your practice routine, challenging your stick control and coordination.

What to expect

This site encourages reader involvement to build a library of paradiddaloid examples that we can all study. Additionally, it is a stage from which we can share our grandest paradiddaloid moments. As we explore the paradiddaloid phenomenon, questions will inevitably arise.