The roll is, probably, the most characteristic and idiomatic of all of the snare drum techniques.
Isolately played on a snare drum, a 64th-note lasts exactly the same as a whole note. Because percussionists do not have an air column or a bow allowing us to play long notes on a drum, the roll is our only available “tool” to create the ilusion of a prolonged sound.
A good rolling technique is, therefore, a must. The sad thing is that, despite the roll being a basic technique, there are still many wrong ideas and misconceptions surounding it.
Trying to explain my thoughts on the roll, how I analyze it, the way I improved mine, and how I work to control the number of rebounds, I have shot this video:
Working on the “Three Stroke Roll” rudiment has greatly improved my roll. I hope you find this video helpful.
As always, any comment or suggestion will be more than welcome. Anxiously waiting for them!
