Double Hang Time (2021) focuses on the concept of “hang time” as it pertains to connecting the “Sanford” approach to the doublestroke roll. Second-note rebound is especially important in doublestroke rolls, so it is great to have an exercise that challenges this aspect of doublestroke fundamentals. Unfortunately, the aggressive feel of the Sanford-type pattern often translates poorly into doublestroke roll fundamentals because of the difference in “hang time” (the time between the second note of a doublestroke and the very next note on the same hand, during which the stick is rebounded but not being thrown into the drum). This exercise juxtaposes the Sanford pattern with an inverted roll breakdown so that the aggressive, high-velocity, high-rebound approach facilitated by the Sanford pattern can be applied with the increased hang time of a doublestroke roll pattern.
A common tendency is to lighten up on the doublestroke roll in order to more easily fill the hang time with motion; less velocity into the drumhead means a slower rebound, which means your hand is not awkwardly paused at the attack height during the hang time. The challenge is to play with high velocity, allow a lot of rebound, and be comfortable waiting for the next attack. In this manner, the benefits of a Sanford-type exercise can be best applied to doublestroke roll patterns.
