Flams

/flæmz/ noun

Definition

Plural of flam; rapid drum beats played with slight offset between sticks, or quick deceptions.

Etymology

From the singular 'flam,' likely of imitative origin in drumming contexts, though possibly also from Old Norse or Germanic roots meaning to strike.

Kelly Says

Drum rudiments called 'flams' are fundamental to percussion worldwide—a flam is one of the few drum techniques that's been notated the same way for over 200 years, making it a true universal language.

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