When I started drumming there were 26 drumming rudiments

The 26 standard American drum rudiments officially became 40 in 1984. 

The Percussive Arts Society (PAS) compiled and adopted the 14 additional rudiments—which included hybrid, Swiss, and older traditional patterns—to create the PAS International Snare Drum Rudiments. 

Key details regarding the expansion:

The 26 Rudiments: 1933

These were standardized by the National Association of Rudimental Drummers (NARD) in 1933.

The 14 Additions: 1984

The PAS added 14 new rudiments to the original 26 to create a more comprehensive list of 40 in 1984.

Purpose: 

The update was designed to modernize the rudimental library for a broader range of percussion applications.

Additions Include: 

• single stroke four, 
• multiple bounce roll, 
• triple stroke roll, 
• six-stroke roll, 
• Swiss-based rudiments like the Swiss Army triplet. 

The 26 standard American drum rudiments officially became 40 in 1984. 

The Percussive Arts Society (PAS) compiled and adopted the 14 additional rudiments—which included hybrid, Swiss, and older traditional patterns—to create the PAS International Snare Drum Rudiments. 

Purpose: 

Drum rudiments are considered the foundation for modern drummers, serving as the essential building blocks for technique, speed, and coordination.

Essential Rudiments: 

The 40 International Drum Rudiments, including the single-stroke roll, double-stroke roll, and paradiddle, are considered the "vocabulary" of drumming.

These rudiments and techniques allow drummers to develop the precision and control needed to hold down the "groove" or "pocket" in modern music. 

In 2018 Percussive Creativ in Germany increased the Rudiment List to 42

The Percussion Creativ Rudimental Codex consists of 42 rudiments that blend the standard American (PAS) list with traditional European styles like the Swiss and French traditions. 

Percussion Creativ is a German-based non-profit association and network (e.V.) for drummers and percussionists, aiming to promote, support, and develop percussion music in German-speaking Europe. 

Founded to foster exchange, it provides workshops, seminars, and supports young talent via its ensemble, "bundesbeat". 

Below are the 42 rudiments listed in the Codex: 

Single Stroke Roll 
Multiple Bounce Roll 
Double Stroke Roll
5-Stroke Roll 
6-Stroke Roll 
7-Stroke Roll 
9-Stroke Roll 
10-Stroke Roll 
11-Stroke Roll 
13-Stroke Roll 
15-Stroke Roll 
17-Stroke Roll 
Single Stroke Four 
Single Stroke Seven 
Triple Stroke Roll 
Single Paradiddle
Double Paradiddle
Triple Paradiddle
Paradiddle-Diddle
Inward Paradiddle
Reverse Paradiddle
Outward Paradiddle (also known as Mill)
Flam 
Flam Accent 
Flam Tap
Flamacue
Flam Paradiddle
Flam Paradiddle-Diddle
Single Flammed Mill
Pataflafla
Swiss Army Triplet 
Inverted Flam Tap
Flam Drag
Drag 
Single Drag Tap
Double Drag Tap
Lesson 25
Single Dragadiddle
Drag Paradiddle #1
Drag Paradiddle #2
Single Ratamacue
Double Ratamacue (Note: Some versions include the Triple Ratamacue or variations like the Charge Stroke to reach 42) 

Codex 

The Percussion Creativ Rudimental Codex was released in 2018 to bridge the gap between the Percussive Arts Society (PAS) 40 rudiments and traditional European drumming techniques. 

Symmetrical Drumming Australia

At Symmetrical Drumming Australia I see Rudiments as a means to an end to develop even handed articulation and ability to move between note values, to swap between leading hands, and to add emphasis and dynamics from fff ppp accents and ghosting without losing or gaining time! 

Also I see rudimental practice as a means of developing the ability to ‘ornament’ a beat or rhythm to create tone texture, the illusion of duration to a single note… and to create focus beyond speed and volume in a musical context!

https://SymmetricalDrummingAustralia.Org

Exceptions

There are of course many rudimentary patterns not included in the above groups.

Inverted Double

The inverted double stroke is not part of the standard 40 International Drum Rudiments list. Lrrl Lrrl

Instead, it is considered an essential hybrid rudiment or a variation of the standard double-stroke roll.

It is used extensively for advanced phrasing, creating linear grooves, and improving limb independence.

It is frequently associated with drummers like Steve Gadd. 

Paradiddle Permutations

The same applies to the three paradiddle permutations of the standard paradiddle rudiment.

The four main paradiddle permutations (or inversions) based on shifting the starting position of a standard single paradiddle are named based on where the "diddle" (the double stroke) occurs within the pattern. 

They are:

• Single Paradiddle (Root/Basic): RLRRLRLL
• Inward Paradiddle (Diddle in the Middle): RLLRLRRL
• Reverse Paradiddle: RRLRLLRL
• Outward Paradiddle: LRRLLRRL

These permutations allow drummers to maintain alternating lead hands while shifting the accent patterns and are highly effective for creating complex, fluid fills on the drum set. 

In Conclusion

42" is the humorous "Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything"…but, although, and however, its is also the answer to the question ‘ How many Rudiments?’  

But only if you limit the size of the universe to Germany and the USA)!!!!

Thanks for reading!

Mark Campbell