The construction method presented on this page should hopefully be quite straight forward. You will be taking some standard 5/8 Groove Patterns and replacing a section of the bar with six sixteenth notes. I will start by showing the pattern in the obvious position at the end of the bar first then I will show how the block can be moved around to create some interesting patterns.

Several examples of this fill construction idea are listed below, all with a brief explanation of what is happening. Remember to experiment with varying and constructing your own fill ideas using this concept.


Example 1

Straight rolls on the snare at the end of the bar. Simple but effective, great for getting your head around note placement.

A 5/8 fill built around six sixteenth notes


Example 2

Moving around the kit in groups of two.

A 5/8 fill built around six sixteenth notes


Example 3

Using a slightly extended version of the 'Triangle Pattern'.

A 5/8 fill built around six sixteenth notes


Example 4

The placement of the fill has moved to the middle of the bar. Straight 16ths on the snare have been used to keep it simple.

A 5/8 fill built around six sixteenth notes


Example 5

A simple tom orchestration of the previous fill placement.

A 5/8 fill built around six sixteenth notes


Example 6

Moving around the kit in groups of two.

A 5/8 fill built around six sixteenth notes


Example 7

An off orchestration combining kicks and toms.

A 5/8 fill built around six sixteenth notes


Example 8

The six note grouping placed at the start of the bar, orchestrated just on snare.

A 5/8 fill built around six sixteenth notes


Example 9

Then orchestrated with moving right hands.

A 5/8 fill built around six sixteenth notes


TASK

  • Using the 2 minute rule, get all exercises up to a tempo of at least 120bpm.
  • Play a four bar phrase in 5/8 where the fourth contains a fill. Repeat this phrase over.
  • Create your own 5/8 fills, write down any that you really like.

Lessons

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