Turning Rudiments into Music: The 7-Stroke Roll Drum Solo
At Gavin Payn – Online Drum Lessons, the goal is simple: take the building blocks of drumming and show how they can be transformed into real music. In this new video performance, Gavin dives deep into the 7-stroke roll — a classic rudiment — and brings it to life in a dynamic solo recorded at his home studio. For drummers looking to turn technique into expression, this is a masterclass in how to bridge that gap.
The star of the video is the 7-stroke roll — a powerful pattern made up of three double strokes followed by a single, accented hit. Gavin takes this simple structure and stretches it creatively across the full range of the kit, playing with rhythmic placement, orchestrating accents, and injecting dynamic flair. One of the challenges with this rudiment is keeping the double strokes tight and low while making that final accent pop — especially when it lands on the offbeat, giving the groove a syncopated feel. In the solo, the accented notes often land on the ‘a’ of the beat (think 1-e-&-a), making the phrasing feel unexpected and funky.
Vintage Grit: The Drum Kit and Cymbals
To bring out the best in the rudiment, Gavin leans on a seriously characterful setup. The core of the kit is a 1965 Ludwig Super Classic — a vintage four-piece that’s as musical as it is punchy. With a 22-inch kick, 13-inch rack tom, and a booming 16-inch floor tom, it offers a tonal palette that ranges from tight bebop articulation to fat, low-end thump. It’s no surprise this setup became a favorite among working drummers in the ‘60s — and it’s still earning its place today.
At the center of the solo sits the Keith Carlock Signature Snare by Gretsch — a drier, slightly more controlled take on the classic brass snare tone. The shell’s unique aging process and choice of 20-strand snare wires help the ghost notes speak clearly while keeping the main backbeat punchy and defined.
Cymbals are all Zildjian Kerope and Constantinople models — lush, dark, and full of character. Whether it’s the buttery 15″ Kerope hi-hats or the smoky 22″ Constantinople ride, each cymbal adds depth and dimension to the groove. It’s the perfect combo for anyone wanting to sound great while they learn drums online.
Inspired by the Greats: Channeling Keith Carlock
The solo’s phrasing and vibe take heavy cues from one of Gavin’s biggest inspirations: Keith Carlock. Known for his work with Steely Dan, John Mayer, and Toto, Carlock has a unique ability to make even the simplest ideas feel fresh and unpredictable. Gavin channels that same energy — pulling rhythmic phrases just behind or ahead of the beat, and weaving the 7-stroke roll into broken-up, conversational fills across the kit.
Carlock’s signature style is not just about chops — it’s about phrasing, dynamics, and musical storytelling. That spirit is on full display here. Gavin shows how a rudiment can be broken apart, layered into grooves, and shaped to create something uniquely expressive. This isn’t just a drum solo — it’s a statement on how rudiments can serve creativity, not limit it.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for an online drum teacher or someone seeking advanced drum lessons, Gavin’s performances make it clear you’re in the right place.
Dialing In the Sound: Dirty, Gritty, and Big
Great drumming deserves great sound, and for this video, Gavin aimed for a gritty, gnarly tone that captures both the detail of the playing and the raw vibe of the performance. The engineering approach started with some serious mic choices — including Coles 4038 ribbon mics, Lauten Audio Horizons, and a trusty Shure SM57 — all routed through high-end preamps by Daking Audio and Focusrite.
To give the drums that raw, saturated punch, the session featured the Standard Audio Level-Or on the “Wurst” mic — a crushed, distorted room mic that adds attitude and weight. That same processing was used in parallel on the shell buses, creating a thick, aggressive drum mix that still allows every ghost note to breathe.
It’s the kind of studio setup that elevates virtual performances, and one of the reasons Gavin offers some of the best online drum lessons available today. Whether you’re into classic grooves or creative soloing, you’ll find the inspiration to grow with each session.
If you’re on the hunt for a drum teacher online, or ready to commit to serious virtual drum lessons, Gavin Payn is your go-to online drum tutor. These online drums sessions bring real-world musicality, technique, and energy right to your screen — no matter where you are.
Explore online drum lessons that don’t just teach you how to play — they teach you how to play musically.
