Seven Stroke Roll — Metal Drumming Technique | MetalForge

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, Gavin Harrison. See the full list on MetalForge.

What are the different types of seven stroke rolls?

Seven Stroke Roll has 4 main variations: Open Seven Stroke Roll (Slow, fully articulated RRLLRRL with clear separation across all seven notes); Closed (Fast) Seven Stroke Roll (Tightly bounced doubles compressed into a sustained roll sound, resolving on the accent); Mirrored Seven Stroke Roll (LLRRLLR version practiced equally so the roll can resolve starting from either hand); Extended Fill Seven Stroke Roll (The roll spread across snare and toms as a longer fill that still resolves precisely on the downbeat).