Drummer's Abbreviations
Drummers Abbreviations will quickly explain what a certain abbreviation stands for in the eyes of a drummer.
Don't see one? Let me know and I'll fix it!
Efficiency: It IS a good idea to interrupt your playing to learn these because you will encounter them on a regular basis.
Want to know more about typical drummer's lingo and jargon? You'll find the most common terms briefly exlained in
A
A - Audio
In the 3D Drumming System this is one of the main Parts.
B
B - Bass Drum
In Stickings (f.i. RlB = Right Hand (accent) - Left Hand (unaccented / Ghost Note) - Bass Drum)
BD - Bass Drum
C
C - CORE - Categories Of Rhythmic Elements
In the 3D Drumming System this is one of the main Parts. These are the Key Principles of Drumming and Rhythm.
D
D - Down Stroke
One of the four Dynamic Strokes or Control Strokes as Joe Morello used to call them.
- F - Full Stroke
- D - Down Stroke
- T - Tap Stroke
- U - Up Stroke
DDD - Daily Drum Diet
Extremely efficient and effective system to get maximum results with minimal time and effort. Learn more here.
DP - Double Paradiddle
DT - Double Time
E
E - Exercises
In the 3D Drumming System this is one of the main Parts.
F
F - Fills
F - Flam
When applied to Stickings. F is a Right Hand Flam, an F with a circle around it is commonly used to indicate a Left Hand Flam.
f - Forte
This means Loud or Forceful when talking about Dynamics. Dynamics are usually notated in lower case Italic. So f instead of f.
ff - Fortissimo
This means Louder or More Forceful than f when talking about Dynamics. Dynamics are usually notated in lower case Italic. So ff instead of ff.
fff or ffff or even fffff
These are used if more stages of Dynamics are needed. Dynamics are usually notated in lower case Italic. So fff instead of fff.
F - Full Stroke
One of the four Dynamic Strokes or Control Strokes as Joe Morello used to call them.
- F - Full Stroke
- D - Down Stroke
- T - Tap Stroke
- U - Up Stroke
G
G - Grooves
In the 3D Drumming System this is one of the main Parts.
H
HT - Half Time
H - Hi hat
In Stickings. Usually this means a Stepped Hi hat with the Left Foot.
HH - Hi hat
HH - Hand Hammered
Sabian uses this term to indicated the cymbal has been Hammered by Hand.
K
K - Kick (Drum)
In Stickings. Some people refer to the bass drum as the Kick Drum or simply Kick.
L
L or l - Note played by the Left Hand
In Stickings. In Dynamic patterns if a sticking is given L is an accent played by the Left Hand and l is a soft note played by the Left hand.
l - Left Foot
In Double Bass Drumming the Feet usually have a lower case r or l while the hands get the upper case R or L.
LH - Left Hand
LF - Left Foot
M
M - MIDI
In the 3D Drumming System this is one of the main Parts.
MBS - Multiple Bounce Stroke
Mel - Melody
mf - Mezzoforte
Mediocre Loud when talking about Dynamics. Dynamics are usually notated in lower case Italic. So mf instead of mf.
mp - Mezzopiano
Mediocre Soft when talking about Dynamics. Dynamics are usually notated in lower case Italic. So mp instead of mp.
O
Ost - Ostinato
P
p - Piano
This means Soft when talking about Dynamics. Dynamics are usually notated in lower case Italic. So p instead of p.
pp - Pianissimo
This means Softer than p when talking about Dynamics. Dynamics are usually notated in lower case Italic. So pp instead of pp.
ppp or pppp or even ppppp
These are used if more stages of Dynamics are needed. Dynamics are usually notated in lower case Italic. So ppp instead of ppp.
P.A.S.
The Percussive Arts Society (P.A.S.) is a non-profit, music service organization founded in 1961. Their mission is inspire, educate and support percussionists and drummers worldwide. Among other things they're responsible for creating the lst of 40 Rudiments which replaced the classic list of 26 rudiments. More info can be found on their website http://www.pas.org/
PiT - Put it Together
In the lessons and courses by Skillz Drum Lessons this is used to combine things. This formula combines Key Principles from the most basic elements to the most advanced form of drumming and rhythm. Learn more here.
R
R or r - Note played by the Right Hand
In Stickings. In Dynamic patterns if a sticking is given R is an accent played by the Right Hand and r is a soft note played by the Right hand.
RF - Right Foot
RH - Right Hand
R - Rudiments
In courses and lessons by Skillz Drum Lessons an R may refer to the Part R - Rudiments. Click here for a more complete overview of rudiments.
R&R - Record & Review
In courses and lessons by Skillz Drum Lessons R&R refers to one of the Key Ingredients of practice. Learn more here.
S
S - Systems and Formulas
In the 3D Drumming System this is one of the main Parts.
SATK - Singles Around The Kit
In the 3D Drumming System this is one of the Systems in Part S1 - Balance.
SDA - Skillz Drum Academy
SDB - Skillz Drum Books
SDC - Skillz Drum Coach
SDL - Skillz Drum Lessons
SP - Single Paradiddle
SS - Single Strokes or Single Stroke Roll
Sub - Subdivision
T
T - Tips and Suggestions
TP - Triple Paradiddle
T - Tap Stroke
One of the four Dynamic Strokes or Control Strokes as Joe Morello used to call them.
- F - Full Stroke
- D - Down Stroke
- T - Tap Stroke
- U - Up Stroke
U
U - Unison
Two or more notes played at the same time.
U - Upstrokes
One of the four Dynamic Strokes or Control Strokes as Joe Morello used to call them.
- F - Full Stroke
- D - Down Stroke
- T - Tap Stroke
- U - Up Stroke