The N.A.R.D. 13 Essential Drum Rudiments

During the early 20th century in the United States, the most well-known snare drum texts were The Drummer’s and Fifer’s Guide (1862) by George Bruce & Daniel Emmett; and Strube’s Drum and Fife Instructor (1869) by Gardiner A. Strube. There were many other texts as well, and there were differences and contradictions between them.

In 1933, the National Association of Rudimental Drummers (NARD) adopted the 25 rudiments of Strube’s book and added the single stroke roll to compile what they called the “26 Standard Rudiments.”

NARD created this list to ensure that snare drum competition would be adjudicated fairly because the same “standards” would apply to all performers.

To become a member of NARD and eligible to enter competitions, a drummer was required to master 13 of the 26 standardized rudiments, considered “essential” drumming skills. The 13 essential rudiments had to be performed in the presence of a qualified NARD judge. Each exercise had to be played “open-closed-open.”

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