paradiddle

[ par-uh-did-l ]

noun

1. an exercise or sequence performed typically on the snare drum, marked by four basic beats with alternation of the right hand and left hand on successive strong beats, and begun and ended slowly with a dramatic increase in tempo in the middle.

paradiddle

/ ˈpærəˌdɪdəl /

noun

1. a group of four drum beats produced by using alternate sticks in the pattern right-left-right-right or left-right-left-left

Word History and Origins

Origin of paradiddle¹

1925–30; staccato syllables partly imitative; diddle ²; perhaps with para- ¹ facetiously representing the alternation

Word History and Origins

Origin of paradiddle¹

C20: of imitative origin

Example Sentences

His work on “Peggy Sue,” is a deceptively simple use of paradiddles, a rudiment that most beginning drum students are taught to practice with a metronome.

From Washington Post

It’s a balmy afternoon in May, and Chu, 41, is doing paradiddle tap steps down some stone stairs in his Calabasas backyard.

From Los Angeles Times

Listen to the entire conversation with John Densmore, including asking fellow drummer and "terrific guy" Ringo Starr about "paradiddles," on "Everything Fab Four" and subscribe via Spotify, Apple, Google or wherever you get your podcasts.

From Salon

It isn’t just how to strum a power chord or whip off a paradiddle.

From Washington Post

“Not lies exactly, but—” “Fictions, whoppers, paradiddles—whatever terminology you like. When did you realize Abraham was telling you the truth?”

From Literature