OK Mike, let's start with the 1st rudiment John D mentioned.

Single stroke roll: One tap of the stick on the drum, alternating hands. Now of course, this sounds so simple and it is. But, one out of sync tap is the same as one bad note on any other instrument.
Then there is the matter of attack. How hard should the single stroke hit the drum. Mastering alternating single strokes leads to the single stroke roll.

Last edited by John Marnie; 02/24/09 05:36 PM.

John Marnie: Drummer and singer in
"Too Little Time" Band:
http://www.TooLittleTime.net