Just Updated with New Video!
Experienced drummers are always saying that the groove is the main thing. That’s true. Having a great feel when you play beats is non-negotiable, but you still have to be able to play some cool fills when the time is right.
One of the most common questions I get from beginners is “can you show me some drum fills?” Of course, I’m always happy to oblige. And that is the topic of this post: drum fills for beginners.
Here are 12 simple drum fills. Nothing fancy. Just a dozen reliable fills that will work in many situations. They are all based on eighth and/or sixteenth notes and they are all just two beats long. They are also all just hands only. No hand/foot combinations here. These fills are all about taking simple rhythms and placing them on different drums with confidence.
And they sound pretty good.
There’s a video for you to check out so you know how the fills should sound. Below the video is a link with a PDF so you can download and print out a sheet with all the fills written out note-for-note.
Ready? Check out the video:
OK, here they are on this PDF: 12 beginner drum fills
Why don’t you give these a try? Work on these fills and let me know what you think.
PS: As mentioned at the end of the video, you can sign up for our “Nasty Drum Lick” email list HERE
He first gained attention as one of the winners of Modern Drummer magazine's very first drum solo contest, judged by Rush's Neil Peart.
He's played with Oz Noy, Will Lee, Alison Krauss, Curtis Stigers, Emily Remler, Joel Hoekstra, GE Smith, Andy York, Marshall Crenshaw, Tony Shanahan, The Drifters, The Marvelettes, Big Brother and The Holding Company, and many other artists.
For more info: onlinesessiondrummer.com
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Hey Mark!! Looking and sounding good.
Cheers, Judy
Hi Judi!!
Thank you!
I hope you are well.
Regards,
Mark F
Great fills. been looking for some add’l fills and these seem to do the trick
Hi Lynn!
That’s great! I’m really glad you’ve found them helpful.
-Mark F