Drum Set Curriculum
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Fills

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Syncopation - 8th Note Fills
Entry Level
Syncopation, 8th Notes, Fills & Solos
Syncopation - 8th Note Fills
Entry Level
Syncopation, 8th Notes, Fills & Solos

  • Lesson Four: 8th Notes & Quarter Notes (pg. 10-11)

  • Lesson Twelve: 8th Note Rests (pg. 30-32)

8th note rhythms can be played as fills by moving the notes around the drum set.

Parallel motion - Both hands move in the same direction

Contrary motion - Both hands move in different directions

Oblique motion - One hands move around the set while the other hand stays in the same place

You can also experiment with different stickings. You could use single strokes, or you could play double strokes on the 8th notes, or you could play unisons.

Once you’ve experimented with these motions try setting up a 4 bar phrase, with 3 bars of playing time and 1 bar of fill.

Practice these 4 bar phrases by playing along to music.

Entry Level
Syncopation, 8th Notes, Fills & Solos
Stick Control - 8th Note Fills
Entry Level
Stick Control, Single Beat Combinations, Fills & Solos
Stick Control - 8th Note Fills
Entry Level
Stick Control, Single Beat Combinations, Fills & Solos

  • Single Beat Combinations (pg. 5-7)

Entry Level
Stick Control, Single Beat Combinations, Fills & Solos

Checklist

  1. Explain the purpose of a fill

  2. Explain what a 4 bar phrase is

  3. Play 8th note fills around the drum set using stickings

  4. Play 8th note fills around the drum set using a combination of 8th notes, quarter notes and rests

  5. Play 8th note fills around the drum set using parallel motion

  6. Play 8th note fills around the drum set using contrary motion

  7. Play 8th note fills around the drum set using oblique motion

  8. Play 8th note fills for 1, 2, 3 and 4 beats

  9. Play with a click at 80-120 bpm

  10. Record a drumless track with 3 bars of a rock groove and 1 bar of a fill