Drum Terminology: The Complete Glossary

Rhythm and Groove Terms

• Beat: The basic unit of time in music. In 4/4 time, there are four beats per measure. The beat is what you tap your foot to.
• Groove: A repeating rhythmic pattern that feels good and makes people want to move. A groove is more than a beat — it has feel, pocket, and musicality.
• Fill: A short rhythmic phrase played between grooves, typically at the end of a phrase (every 4, 8, or 16 bars). Fills transition between sections and add excitement.
• Ostinato: A persistently repeated pattern. In drumming, this often refers to a repeating hand or foot pattern over which other rhythms are layered.
• Backbeat: Accents on beats 2 and 4 in 4/4 time. The foundation of rock, pop, and R&B. Usually played on the snare drum.
• Pocket: The feeling of playing deeply in the groove, with perfect timing and feel. A drummer "in the pocket" makes the band sound tight and effortless.
• Syncopation: Accenting off-beats or weak beats instead of the strong beats. Creates rhythmic tension and interest. Central to funk, jazz, and Latin music.
• Ostinato: A repeated rhythmic or melodic figure. Drummers often use ostinato patterns in the feet while playing independent patterns with the hands.

Rudiments

Rudiments are the foundational sticking patterns of drumming, similar to scales for a pianist. The Percussive Arts Society recognizes 40 essential rudiments. Here are the most important:

• Single stroke roll: Alternating right-left-right-left strokes. The most basic and most used rudiment. RLRL RLRL.
• Double stroke roll: Two strokes per hand. RRLL RRLL. Requires controlled rebound for even sound.
• Paradiddle: RLRR LRLL. Combines single and double strokes. One of the most versatile rudiments, used in countless grooves and fills.
• Flam: Two strokes played almost simultaneously, with one hand slightly ahead (grace note) and the other louder (primary note). Produces a thick, fat sound.
• Drag (ruff): Two quiet grace notes played just before a louder primary stroke. Creates a scraping, rattle-like effect.
• Buzz roll (press roll): Multiple bounces per hand pressed into the head, creating a continuous buzzing sound. Used for sustained rolls on snare drum.

Dynamics and Articulation

• Accent: A note played louder than surrounding notes. Accents create phrasing and musical shape within a pattern.
• Ghost note: A very quiet note played between louder accents. Ghost notes add texture and groove without drawing attention. Essential in funk and R&B.
• Dynamics: The range of volume from soft to loud. Good drummers control dynamics precisely, from whisper-quiet ghost notes to thunderous accents.
• Taps: Quiet, unaccented strokes. Used in rudimental practice to develop control and evenness.
• Grace note: A light, quick note played just before a main note. Flams and drags both use grace notes.

Time and Tempo

• Tempo: The speed of the music, measured in beats per minute (BPM). A ballad might sit at 70 BPM; a punk song at 180 BPM.
• Time signature: Expressed as a fraction (e.g., 4/4). The top number indicates beats per measure; the bottom number indicates which note value gets one beat.
• Metronome: A device that produces a steady click at a set tempo. Essential for developing timing and practicing with precision.
• Subdivision: Dividing the beat into smaller units. In 4/4 at 120 BPM, eighth notes subdivide each beat into two, sixteenth notes into four. Practicing subdivisions builds rhythmic accuracy.
• Rush (drag): Playing slightly ahead of (rush) or behind (drag) the beat. Intentional dragging creates a laid-back feel; rushing creates urgency.

Technique and Skill Terms

• Chops: A drummer's technical ability and speed. "He's got serious chops" means he can play complex, fast patterns with control. Also refers to impressive solo vocabulary.
• Independence (limb independence): The ability to move each limb separately, playing different rhythms with hands and feet simultaneously. A core skill for drum set playing.
• Moeller method: A technique that uses a whipping motion to produce three strokes from a single arm movement. Enables speed, power, and dynamic control with minimal effort.
• Gravity blast: A one-handed roll technique using the rim as a fulcrum. The stick rebounds off the head and rim repeatedly, producing a fast, continuous roll. Used in extreme metal.
• Open-handed playing: Playing without crossing your hands. The right hand plays the hi-hat and the left plays the snare. Allows freer movement and a different sonic approach.
• Odd time: Time signatures other than 4/4, such as 5/4, 7/8, or 11/8. Common in progressive rock, fusion, and Balkan music. Requires strong internal subdivision.

Kit and Hardware Terms

• Cross-stick (rim click): Placing the stick across the snare drum and striking the rim. Produces a dry, woody click. Common in Latin and acoustic music.
• Rimshot: Striking the drumhead and the rim simultaneously with the stick. Produces a loud, sharp, cracking sound. Used for accents and in rock backbeats.
• Choke: Stopping a cymbal from ringing by grabbing it immediately after striking. Used for tight, articulated accents.
• Stack: Two or more cymbals mounted together to produce a trashy, compressed sound. Popular in modern metal and electronic-influenced music.
• Hi-hat splash: Striking the hi-hat and immediately opening it, letting the cymbals ring. Produces a quick, sizzling accent.