Key characteristics of shredding on drums include:
- Speed and Velocity: The primary element of shredding is playing fast and maintaining a consistent tempo. Drummers who shred focus on executing precise strokes with both their hands and feet at lightning-fast speeds.
- Technical Prowess: Shredding involves a high level of technical skill, requiring drummers to master various techniques such as double bass drumming, quick single strokes, triplet rolls, and other advanced rudiments.
- Cymbal Work: Cymbals play a significant role in shredding. Drummers often utilize fast and intricate cymbal patterns, such as continuous sixteenth-note rides, fast open-hi-hat patterns, and complex crash patterns, to add intensity and variation to their playing.
- Coordination: Shredding demands exceptional hand-foot coordination. Drummers must simultaneously execute intricate patterns with both hands and feet while maintaining a steady beat and rhythmic structure.
- Musicality: Despite the emphasis on speed and technicality, shredding should not compromise musicality. Good shredding seamlessly integrates the aforementioned elements into musically appealing and cohesive performances.
Drummers who excel at shredding often push the boundaries of drumming techniques and inspire others to explore complex and demanding rhythms. It is a specialized style that requires significant practice and dedication to master, but it can add an exciting and dynamic element to drumming performances.