Sticking patterns are different combinations of “rights” and “lefts” that are used to
... The following are all possible sticking patterns for two note groups, three note ...
Sticking Patterns Sticking patterns are different combinations of “rights” and “lefts” that are used to play a group of notes. The following are all possible sticking patterns for two note groups, three note groups, and four note groups. Sometimes, a certain sticking pattern is some prominent or important that it is given a name. In the following lists, sticking patterns that have received names are circled for emphasis.
The next two lists of sticking patterns are not the complete lists of possibilities but rather are lists of common patterns used in marching percussion. Any five note pattern can be thought of as a combination of a two note pattern and a three note pattern. Ex.: This:
can be thought of like this:
or this:
A six note sticking pattern is nothing more than a combination of two previously learned three note patterns. However, as with four note patterns, six note patterns are so common in marching percussion that they are listed here. Named patterns are once again circled for emphasis.
All Seven note sticking patterns are combinations of a three and a four note pattern each and can be thought of in that context. For example, here are two patterns for a septuplet:
Think of them either as a four and three note pattern:
or as a three and four note pattern:
There is no one “best” way to think of sticking patterns involving five notes or more. Sometimes there will be an easier way to think about them depending on the
specific way the “right’s” and “left’s” are arranged but, ultimately, the best solution is whatever works for you. Usually, conceptualizing sticking patterns of eight notes or more will not be an issue unless you are playing 32nd notes. Even then, thinking about them is relatively simple because they are simply a combination of two four-note patterns and, if four-note patterns have already been mastered, the sticking won’t be difficult to envision. There are two eight-note sticking patterns, however, that have names. They are the: “Right Triple Paradiddle”:
and the “Left Triple Paradiddle”:
Practical Application for Sticking Patterns: The “vocabulary word” approach that makes an understanding of rhythm patterns so useful also applies to sticking patterns. Breaking large amounts of “rights” and “lefts” down into smaller sets of note groupings makes the music more understandable and readable. Ex: Don’t think of this:
As one large set of notes:
Instead, see the music a “word” at a time or a “sticking pattern” at a time:
As you sight-read new pieces of music, breaking it down into its individual sticking patterns makes it more understandable and the music becomes easier to read and remember.
Applying Sticking Patterns: Each emphasis pattern should be played with all possible sticking patterns. For example, this basic accent emphasis pattern:
…should be practiced over and over again using all possible sticking patterns for a four note grouping. Ex:
