From Flam To Groove" shows how the rudiments can be used to create exciting patterns for the drumset. This exercise was inspired after hearing Steve Gadd and David Garibaldi apply rudimental styles to the drum set and make it musical, creative, and fun. Rudimental patterns are obviously great for fills, since they can create interesting "licks" as you break them up around the kit. However, the rudiments are also great for expanding your groove vocabulary, as the following patterns will illustrate. For both "From Flam To Groove" #1 and #2, play the rudimental pattern first on the pad or snare and get comfortable with it. The sticking "LRRLR RLLRL" is a rudiment called the Single Flammed Mill. It appears in both patterns. After learning the pattern, place your lead hand on the hi-hat and repeat the pattern. When doing this, the flams should close... this means that you should no longer separate the two strokes but instead play them in unison (this is called a flat flam). Notice how the sound changes as you split your hands on two sound surfaces! Continue by adding the bass drum pattern underneath the groove set up by your hands, and there you have "From Flam To Groove!!" Each exercise has an alternate bass drum pattern at the end for you to try. After going through the two patterns with all their variations, make up your own foot patterns, and then your own rudiment-to-groove ideas!
