It occurred to me the other day that there is one simple rock fill that I’ve been playing for decades, but I have never heard anyone speak about it.
Nor have I ever seen anyone write about it.
Perhaps it is because rock drummers play this fill almost thoughtlessly, like it’s always been a part of their vocabulary.
Perhaps it’s too easy for anyone to give it any attention.
Over the past few weeks, I have made a point to show this fill to some of my beginner level students. They love it….and here we are, us “experienced” drummers, taking this little ditty for granted.
I would argue that this is one of the first fills a rock drummer should learn. In fact, every drummer with any experience playing rock music has this in their arsenal, I can promise you that.
It’s definitely NOT a show-stopper. And it isn’t supposed to be. In fact, it is the opposite of that. it’s a very simple rhythmic figure that propels the music forward without breaking up the groove.
Here is the PDF: One Simple Rock Fill You Must Know. The fill itself is on beat four of the second measure. It’s just “four-and-ah.” Sticking is indicated.
Put it in your tool box. I am glad to have broken the silence. 😉
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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