User Manual
©2018 Yamaha Corporation of America. All rights reserved. Yamaha Mallet Resource Guide – 3
Circle of Fifths
The circle of fifths is a tool for musicians to help determine the key signature for any scale. For example,
the key signature for E major has four sharps.
Glossary of Percussion Strokes
There may be as many names and descriptions of good stroke technique as there are good drummers. The list
below is offered as an informative guide. It is important to practice each separately so you may then put them
together successfully.
Natural Stroke or Legato Stroke: A stroke that starts at any height, plays, then returns to its original height.
It flows in constant motion rather than stopping and starting. Also called Rebound Stroke or Full Stroke.
Tap: A stroke that starts low, plays, then returns to its low starting place. It is a soft natural/legato stroke.
Down Stroke: A stroke that starts high, plays, then is stopped close to the drum. Also called Controlled
Stroke or Marcato Stroke.
Up Stroke: A stroke that starts low, plays, then lifts the stick/mallet head above the player’s hands.
Multiple Bounce: Strokes that are used to play a smooth “closed” roll. Also called Buzz or Z Strokes. The
roll that is produced by using this stroke is called Multiple-Bounce, Buzz, Z, Orchestral, Concert or Closed.
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