Drum fills give songs that extra punch. They’re the exciting bits just before a chorus kicks in or during those cool breaks between verses. Ever felt a thrill while listening to a song? That’s often a drum fill doing its magic.
I’m a drummer with years behind the kit, and I’m here to break down drum fills for you. In this guide, we’ll explore what makes a great fill and how you can create your own. So, if you’re ready to dive into the world of drumming and make some noise, let’s get started!
A drum fill is like a mini drum solo within a song. Imagine you’re reading a book, and you find a sentence that stands out, making the story more exciting. That’s what a drum fill does for music.
It’s a brief moment when the drummer adds a unique touch, breaking away from the regular beat. While the rest of the song might follow a consistent rhythm, a drum fill jumps in, shakes things up, and gives listeners a heads up that something is about to change.
It’s not just about hitting the drums faster or louder; it’s about adding flavor and feeling to the song. In simple terms, if a song is a delicious meal, drum fills are the spices that give it an extra kick!
Every iconic beat from legends like Neil Peart to Travis Barker is rooted in research. To master drum fills:
Every drum kit, be it a four-piece or a big setup, offers countless possibilities. The more you play, the more you learn. Here’s how to approach it:
Every drum fill you create must pass the ‘musicality test’. Does it serve the song or disrupt it?
Whether you’re just starting or seeking to diversify your drumming repertoire, these five drum fills can be foundational yet dynamic. They’ve graced countless tracks, spanning genres, and have been the secret sauce for drummers worldwide. Let’s dive into each:
Overview: This is the starting point for many budding drummers and serves as a backbone for more intricate fills.
How to Play: Begin on the snare drum, hitting it with consistent 8th note beats. Then, move in a linear fashion to your toms, maintaining that 8th note rhythm. The key is to keep an even tempo and volume, ensuring each hit is crisp.
When to Use: This fill fits perfectly before a chorus or to signal a shift in song dynamics.
Overview: A variation of the traditional 8th, this fill is about creating anticipation.
How to Play: Start softly on the snare, letting each subsequent 8th note grow in volume. As you progress, move to the toms, building intensity with each hit until you reach a climactic hit on the floor tom or crash.
When to Use: Ideal for songs that need a ramp-up in energy, like leading into a powerful chorus or a guitar solo.
Overview: Twice as fast as the 8th note fills, this one brings urgency and flair.
How to Play: Instead of single hits, you’re now doubling up, producing two rapid 16th note hits on each drum. Start on the snare and move through the toms, ensuring the rhythm remains tight and even.
When to Use: Best for up-tempo tracks or when you want to inject a burst of energy into the song.
Overview: An explosive fill that showcases both finesse and power.
How to Play: Begin with a flam on the snare, this means hitting the drum almost simultaneously with both sticks, creating a ‘fat’ sound. After this pronounced start, swiftly move through the toms with single hits, ending with a resounding strike on the floor tom or crash.
When to Use: This fill works wonders in rock genres, especially during instrumental breaks or just before a significant drop in the song.
Overview: A throwback to the groovy era of Motown, this fill is both rhythmic and soulful.
How to Play: Start with two sharp hits on the snare, followed by a flam. Then, transition into a triplet rhythm across the toms, giving it that classic rolling Motown feel. The fill is both rhythmic and melodic, a nod to the era of tight grooves and soulful melodies.
When to Use: Perfect for songs with a soulful or vintage vibe, but don’t be afraid to mix it into modern tracks for a touch of nostalgia.
Each of these fills, while foundational, offers a world of variation. As you get comfortable, tweak them, add your personal touch and make them uniquely yours. Remember, the best drum fills often come from the heart, so let yours beat through those sticks!
Crafting your drum fills is like adding your unique signature to a song. It’s personal, expressive, and a testament to your growth as a drummer. Here are some pro tips to guide you as you venture into the realm of creating and playing your bespoke drum fills:
Remember, creating your drum fills is an evolutionary process. With each attempt, you’re not just crafting rhythms, you’re also discovering your musical identity. So, embrace the journey and let your creativity flow.
Answer: Practicing drum fills effectively requires a systematic approach:
Answer: Making a drum fill sound good is an art. Here’s how you can refine your fills:
Answer: Reading drum fills relies on understanding drum notation:
Answer: Adding fills to your drumming requires both understanding and intuition:
Alright, so here’s the deal: Drum fills aren’t just about transitioning from one part of a song to another. They’re the moments where you, as a drummer, get to add your own flair and personality. It’s like having a brief conversation with the listener in the language of rhythm. As you progress and refine your skills, you’ll start to feel a deeper connection to these fills. They’ll become a reflection of your musical journey, tastes, and even mood swings.
Always remember, while technical skills are essential, the heart and emotion you pour into each fill are what truly make it stand out. It’s all about finding the balance between precision and feeling. Every drummer has their unique voice, and with each practice session, you’re one beat closer to finding yours.
So, keep experimenting, keep learning, and most importantly, keep having fun. Because at the end of the day, drumming is as much about enjoying the journey as it is about nailing the perfect fill. Happy drumming!
Founder of TheDrumNinja
I’m crazy about drums, it’s been my passion since I was 12 years old. I played in numerous bands going through different styles like Rock, Progressive, Pop & Jazz-Rock. After being featured in major music publications (Drumeo, Guitar Guitar, AudioIssues, MusicThinkTank) I started this website to share my knowledge and create a resource for drummers of all levels.
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