Best Double Stroke Roll Drummers — Who Plays It | MetalForge
Discover which pro metal drummers use double stroke roll. Gear setups, videos, and tutorials for double stroke roll players.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Double Stroke Roll?
The double stroke roll - also called the "long roll" - alternates two controlled strokes per hand (RRLL RRLL...), with the second stroke of each pair generated from a bounce or rebound rather than a fresh muscular hit. It sits directly between the single stroke roll and the buzz roll in rudimental vocabulary: more controlled and articulate than a buzz roll's multiple uncounted bounces, but denser and faster than pure single strokes allow at a given arm speed. Because each hand only needs to initiate one motion per two notes, the double stroke roll is a foundational speed-building tool - drummers who master the bounced second stroke can sustain far higher note density with far less physical effort than those relying on individually struck notes.
How fast are double stroke rolls played?
Double Stroke Roll is typically played around Any.
Who is the best double stroke roll drummer?
Mike Mangini (Dream Theater) is among the most cited Double Stroke Roll drummers, alongside Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree / King Crimson).
What gear do you need for Double Stroke Roll?
The gear requirements for Double Stroke Roll vary by drummer. Browse MetalForge for complete kit specs from pros who use this technique.