Here is the secret that separates professionals from amateurs. Page 1 of Stick Control (the exercise sheet with R L R R, L R L L) can take you from beginner to advanced in six months—if you use the PDF correctly.
The best PDFs are formatted for tablets. A high-quality Stick Control PDF will have page margins that allow you to view facing pages side-by-side. This is vital because Stone often uses the left page for the pattern and the right page for the repeat structure.
Open the PDF to Page 1 (Right, Left, Right, Left alternating). Set your metronome to 60 BPM. Play one note per click. If you can't play it perfectly for 5 minutes at 60 BPM, you do not get to go faster. stick control for the snare drummer pdf best
When searching for the PDF, you will encounter two main editions. Here is which one is best for you:
| Edition | Pros | Cons | Best For | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Original (1935) | Public domain in some countries; very small file size. | Old notation style; no instructional text; missing accents section. | Historical curiosity only. | | Alfred’s Classic Edition (Current) | Crystal clear engraving; includes "Accents & Rebounds" text; 50+ pages. | Requires purchase ($10-15). | Everyone. This is the definitive version. | Here is the secret that separates professionals from
Verdict: Buy the Alfred Classic Edition PDF. Do not settle for the original 1935 scan.
The exercises in Stick Control are impossible to play at high speeds using "muscle" or force. They require the drummer to utilize the natural rebound of the stick. The "Control" in the title is not about holding on tight; it is about letting go and guiding the energy. The book forces the drummer to discover the "full stroke," "down stroke," and "up stroke" (the Gladstone technique) intuitively. A high-quality Stick Control PDF will have page
Print out the first page of your PDF and do this:
Because you will be looking at this PDF on a backlit screen (iPad or laptop), you need black ink on white paper. Grey scans cause eye strain during 40-minute practice sessions.
Before we dive into the PDF search, it is crucial to understand what you are looking for. Stick Control is not just a collection of rudiments; it is a system.