Multiple Bounce Roll (Buzz Roll) | Explanation

Onto playing the Buzz Roll.

Alright let's get into this drum lesson! The multiple bounce roll or buzz roll takes kind of a unique technique. To truly get the stick to bounce on the head, you actually need to let go of your back 3 fingers and only hold with your thumb and index finger. I sometime equate this to a similar position as making the 'OK' sign with your hands.

The key to this snare drum technique is making sure that you're not throwing the stick, and that you're actually pushing it into the head. This is kind of a funny thing, because it's the opposite of most the technique you've learned thus far!

Pressure is key.

Getting the right amount of pressure is such a delicate art, and one that is difficult to describe. Here are some trouble shooting technique tips for you:

• If the stick gets a small buzz and quickly dies off, you have too much pressure.
• If the stick has lots of space between the first few bounces, you don't have enough pressure.
• The right amount of buzz is only a second or two long, so it's not much! 

Our best advice for you here is to listen, and play a lot. Spend a few minutes watching the 80 BPM video, and listening to how much time our buzz lasts for. Once you've done that, practice along with the video, and try to match the length.

Beats and fills, using the Buzz Roll

Following our drum rudiment introduction into this course, we give you several beats and fills, using the multiple bounce roll. These applications are meant to be subtle, so make sure not to slam your buzz when you get there!