The Seven Foundation Strokes

Just as words in a language are composed of letters of the alphabet, all pipe band drumming rudiments are formed with the seven foundation strokes. These strokes can be practiced in isolation or within the context of the rudiments themselves. Becoming familiar with these seven strokes will inform your rudimental practice and speed your progress and understanding of the 60 rudiments immeasurably.

The Rebound Stroke

  • The stroke begins with your sticks pointing at the ceiling
  • For the right hand: use your third finger to propel the stick toward the drum. Once the stick impacts the head get your hand out of the way and let it "escape" with the stick back up to its starting position
  • For the  left hand: use the thumb to propel the stick toward the drum. Once the stick impacts the head rotate your wrist so your thumb can get out of the way, allowing the stick to return to its starting point

The Control Stroke

  • The stroke begins with sticks pointing at the ceiling
  • For the right hand: use your third finger to propel the stick toward the drum. Once the sticks hits the head do NOT get your hand out of the way. The stick should remain approximately 1-2 inches off the drum, resting against the back of the hand
  • For the left hand: use your thumb to propel the stick toward the drum. When the stick impacts the head do NOT rotate your wrist back to let the stick "escape". The stick should remain just above the drum resting in the left hand cradle.

The Ghost Stroke

  • The mechanics of a ghost stroke are the same as a rebound stroke. However, the starting point for a ghost stroke is between 1-2 inches above the drum. 

The Buzz Stroke

  • The stroke begins with the sticks pointing at the wall almost parallel with the drum
  • To generate a relaxed buzz stroke lift the stick using your arm pivoting at the elbow
  • For the right hand: the third finger provides resistance on impact allowing the stick to buzz
  • For the left hand: the thumb provides resistance on impact
  • Do NOT use your wrist to generate a buzz stroke. This will inject too much energy into the stick making the buzz difficult to control

The Pull Up Stroke

  • The action for the pull up stroke is similar to touching a hot stove element where your hand starts low and pops up immediately
  • The stick plays a ghost stroke and then is immediately "pulled up" by each hand so that it's close to pointing at the ceiling
  • For the right hand: the action that aids in the pulling up (or popping up) of the stick is a gentle "flick" generated by the back of the hand immediately after playing the ghost stroke
  • For the left hand: a small tap upwards by the ring finger helps "pop" the stick up after the ghost stroke is played

The Dead Stroke

  • The stroke begins from a height of only 1-2 inches above the drum
  • For both right and left hand the stick is PLACED (not played) on the pad
  • For the right hand: to eliminate unwanted buzz from the dead stroke gently brace the stick against the back of the hand
  • For the left hand: to avoid extra buzz brace the stick gently against the end (the fingernail) of your ring finger

The Double Bounce Stroke

  • The double bounce is executed in a manner similar to the buzz stroke
  • The stroke is generated by pivoting from the elbow
  • The sticks should remain close to parallel with the drum
  • As with the buzz stroke do NOT use your wrist. Strokes generated by the wrist will generate too much energy and the double stroke will be very difficult to control 
  • For the right hand: use your third finger to provide a small amount of resistance (less than you would use for a buzz stroke)
  • For the left hand: use your thumb as resistance to create the double stroke