Three Stroke Ruff

For the purpose of this lesson, the THREE STROKE RUFF will consist of three alternating strokes. The THREE STROKE RUFF can start on any part of the beat. The following examples show the THREE STROKE RUFF beginning on the "an" and the "downbeat" of each beat.

Count sixteenths out loud (one e an duh)

Preparatory Exercise
Applying the Three Stroke Ruff for Jazz Fills

Variation #1: Three Stroke Ruff based on the Eighth Note Triplet Beginning on the Last Eighth Note of Triplet

Rhythmic Interpretation of Jazz Cymbal Beats
to be Applied in the Following Lesson

Jazz Triplet Feel for Medium to Fast Tempos

Three Stroke Ruff Applied to the Drum Set Exercises
Applying Variation #1 to Jazz Fills and Solos

Play one bar of jazz time before the next examples to create a two-bar phrase.

In the following exercises, the bass drum can be played in a light four, or not at all. The hi-hat plays on two and four.