Mill (rhythmic figure)
The mill , a drum rudiment , is a special striking technique for drums . It is a combination of double strikes at different tempos .
Traditionally, the mill (also called mama-papa exercise) is started slowly, then increased to the maximum speed and then slowed down again to the starting speed.
example
R = right hand L = left hand
| RRLLRRLL | RRLLRRLLRRLLRRLL |
(Two consecutive 4/4 measures, the first completely in 8th notes, the second completely in 16th notes)
Variations
Of course you can vary the mill with accents, suggestions, other tempos and beats.
four 8ths, eight 16ths: RRLL-RRLLRRLL
two 8ths, twelve 16ths: RR-LLRRLLRRLLRR | LL-RRLLRRLLRRLL