Drum stroke

In music, a drum stroke is a movement which produces a single or multiple notes on drums or other percussion instruments such as cymbals. There are several types of strokes: five basic single strokes (noted below), double strokes, and other multiple strokes such as triples, quadruples, or buzzes of indeterminate number. The basic strokes produce a single hit or notes while resulting in different sounds. They are produced by different movements. While the basic strokes are fundamental sequences, the basic strokes are composed of three positions: up position (maximum height of the wrist), the tap position (minimum height of the wrist), and the rest position (when the wrist are still). Each of the basic strokes are a combination of the three positions. The full stroke begins with the tip of the drumstick held 8-12" (20-30 cm) above the striking surface. The drummer strikes the drum and then returns the stick back up to its original position. The down stroke begins with the tip at the same height as the full stroke, but upon striking the drum head, the drummer keeps the stick low (about an inch above the striking surface). The up stroke begins with the tip of the stick hovering about an inch above the head of the drum. The drummer strikes the surface, then brings the stick up to full stroke or down stroke position. In the tap, the stick begins at the same position as the up stroke and remains there after striking. The buzz stroke starts at rest position. The drummer raises the stick to the up position; then, the stick travels to the tap position. As the stick hits the drum, the wrist and elbow allow the stick to bounce multiple times. At the a specified number of bounces, the stick is returned to rest position. The five basic strokes are used to produce a variety of accented and unaccented beat combinations. Push/Pull or Push-Pull Strokes, dual fulcrum strokes with alternated wrist and finger motions. Moeller Method Strokes, the same 4 basic strokes as above, but with a dual fulcrum whipping motion.