Forty P.A.S. International Drum Rudiments

The origin of snare rudiments can easily be traced back to Swiss Mercenaries. Originally armed with pole arms, combat required swift coordination particularly in close-quartered combat. The sound of the tabar was used to set the tempo and to communicate commands with distinct drumming patterns among the fighting troops.  These initial drumming patterns evolved becoming the Forty Drum Rudiments in use today. The patterns of modern drum rudiments are broken down into four distinct categories: Rolls, Diddles, Flams and Drags.

These 40 drum rudiments are essentially the building blocks for every drum beat, fill, or pattern. Just as letters and words make up all the sentences on this page, these drum rudiments make up all the patterns you play at on the drum set and are essential to becoming a competent drummer. However, learning all 40 should not hamper in any way your enjoyment of the drums!