Best Seven Stroke Roll Drummers — Who Plays It | MetalForge
Discover which pro metal drummers use seven stroke roll. Gear setups, videos, and tutorials for seven stroke roll players.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Seven Stroke Roll?
The seven stroke roll extends the same measured-roll logic as the five stroke roll one double further - three double strokes capped by a single accented stroke, RRLLRRL or its mirror LLRRLLR. Its seven-note length makes it long enough to feel like a genuine roll passage rather than a quick flick, while still resolving on a single, clearly accented stroke that lands on the opposite hand from where it started. That combination - extended bounce-driven density plus a precise, countable resolution - makes the seven stroke roll one of the most versatile measured rolls for building longer fills that still need to land exactly on a target beat. In metal drumming, the seven stroke roll is the natural next step once a drummer has the five stroke roll under control, giving technical players a longer runway of double-stroke motion to spread across the kit before resolving into the next phrase of a fill or transition.
How fast are seven stroke rolls played?
Seven Stroke Roll is typically played around Any.
Who is the best seven stroke roll drummer?
Mike Mangini (Dream Theater) is among the most cited Seven Stroke Roll drummers, alongside Thomas Lang (Various), Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree / King Crimson).
What gear do you need for Seven Stroke Roll?
The gear requirements for Seven Stroke Roll vary by drummer. Browse MetalForge for complete kit specs from pros who use this technique.