The 4-2-1 Formula
The 4-2-1 Formula consists of three sections. In the first section, play each pattern, rhythm or rudiment 4 times each. Play this section only once. In the second section, play each pattern, rhythm or rudiment 2 times each, playing through this section twice. In the third and final section, play each pattern, rhythm or rudiment once each and play this section four times. “4’s once, 2’s twice, 1’s four times.”
Another way to visualize it is:
AAAA | BBBB | CCCC | DDDD
AA | BB | CC | DD | AA | BB | CC | DD
A B C D | A B C D | A B C D | A B C D
Now that you have an idea of what a 4-2-1 Grid is, here are a few grids to get you started.
Sixteenth Note Grids
Sixteenth Note Paradiddle Crushes
Triplet Grids
Drummin' Around 