Vortex (playing technique)

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In drumming, a vortex is a figure in which many double beats follow one another so quickly that they are no longer perceived as single beats, but as a continuous, even sound by the human ear.

The classic whirling technique consists of a sequence of left and right double blows , in which the first blow is actively performed and then the mallet that bounces back from the skin is pushed in for a second blow. This technique is sometimes called mommy-daddy (or daddy-mommy).

In addition to this double- beat roll , depending on the music style and drum used, other techniques are used, such as the single- beat roll (e.g. on the kettledrum , often called timpani roll) or the press roll (e.g. on the classic snare drum).

In the notes are either quoted directly the individual hits (usually 32nd), but the vortex can also as trill or tremolo are noted. In marching music , there are also traditional drum notations in some places with symbols that can be very different depending on the landscape (e.g. Basel drumming ).

Different types of vortices

There are several types of vertebrae:

  • Open Stroke Roll
  • Closed swivel (closed roll, buzz roll or press swivel)
  • One-handed roll / gravity roll
  • Single Stroke Roll

Open vortex: An open vortex is created with controlled double strokes, in that after the "rebound" (springing back of the drum drumstick) the energy of the first beat leads into the second beat.

Closed vortex: A closed vortex is created with uncontrolled press blows by pressing the drumstick onto the skin and using the "rebound" to generate as many blows as possible per hand. The more beats that can be generated per hand, the denser the vortex sounds.

Single-beat vortex: The single-beat vortex is the only vortex that is not generated by double or multiple beats. With this playing technique only single hits are played. Usually this also happens with a sequence of right and left single hits.

One-handed roll : The one-handed roll differs from all other rolls in that it is not a sequence of right and left multiple strokes . Instead, with this vortex, blows are generated in as quick a sequence as possible with only one hand. B. alternately performs a blow with the wrist and fingers (push pull technique). However, it is easier to use the edge of the drum (Johnny Rabb calls this technique "Freehand Technique")

Areas of application

The different vortices differ in sound: While single-hit and double-hit vortices produce a vortex in which every single beat can be heard or should be heard, the other techniques generate a fine and even vortex that is supposed to simulate a continuous tone. Which vortex should be used depends heavily on the music style.

Any technique consisting of double strikes can be used on any drum. The closed vortex only works on strongly tensioned drums such as B. the snare or the bongos are good. The single beat roll is mainly used on timpani or mallet instruments (xylophone, marimba, vibraphone), but also on all instruments that do not generate sufficient rebound (cymbals, large orchestra drums , tom toms , etc.).

In orchestral music, the closed peg is mainly used; in marching music, the wind band z. B. in Germany and Austria even exclusively. In drum corps around the world, on the other hand, in drum-and-pipe groups (bagpipers with drummers), in drum slides and in general in rudimental drumming , the open peg is used almost exclusively - the use of the closed peg is very rare and is used here then explicitly stated in the notes. In circus music , the drum roll heralds the next highlight of the current artistic number.

See also

swell