Patterns: Sticking Patterns: Drumset Book & Online Audio

Chaffee's sticking system speaks directly to what drumset players actually need: a framework for generating grooves, fills, and solos that flows from the realities of the kit itself rather than forcing classical drum rudiments onto the instrument. The 108 pages balance foundational work with immediately applicable material, making this essential for students serious about modern drumset performance.

The sticking patterns unlock a tactile, intuitive approach to the drumset that feels less like practicing etudes and more like discovering how your hands can create the sounds and feels you hear in your ears. Moving from single strokes to doubles to accented patterns creates a sense of building vocabulary and options.

This book serves drumset students who are ready to move beyond rudiments and into technique specifically designed for groove-based playing. It works equally well for private students refining their kit foundation and for ensemble drummers looking to deepen their vocabulary and control.

• Apply the sticking patterns to different dynamic levels and accents before moving them across the drums; this builds independence and reveals how the stickings translate to the physical layout of your kit.
• Work through single-stroke and double-stroke sections slowly, focusing on consistency between hands before increasing tempo; the audio examples will help you internalize the feel.
• Use the accented single-stroke material as a launching point for creating your own grooves and fills; Chaffee's system is designed for you to generate patterns, not just memorize them.

Assign sections of this book throughout a student's year of study, allowing time between concepts for integration into their playing. The accented single-stroke and double-stroke material pairs well with contemporary grooves and stylistic work, so students can immediately apply what they're learning to the music they're playing in ensemble.

• Sticking systems designed specifically for drumset (distinct from classical rudiments)
• Generating grooves and fills using systematic sticking patterns
• Control of accented and unaccented single strokes across the kit
• Double-stroke technique and independence on the drumset
• Translation of hand patterns to drum layout and sound production