Learning Drums: Understanding the world of eighth and sixteenth note fills

 In Zelus Academy's online drums course, you’ll learn how to orchestrate dynamic fills using eighth and sixteenth note grooves. Here’s a guide to mastering these techniques:

Counting and Playing Eighth Notes:

• Eighth Note Groove: Count as “1-&-2-&-3-&-4-&.”
• Eighth Note Fill: Add fills on “3-&-4-&.”

Steps to Practice Eighth Note Fills:

1. Basic Groove:

   • Play a steady eighth note groove on the hi-hat.
   • Add the kick drum on counts 1 and 3.
   • Play the snare drum on counts 2 and 4.

2. Orchestrating the Fill:

   • On “3-&-4-&,” move your right hand to play single strokes on the snare, hi-tom, mid-tom, and floor-tom.
   • Ensure the kick drum hits on every right-hand stroke.

Counting and Playing Sixteenth Notes:

• Sixteenth Note Groove: Count as “1-e-&-a-2-e-&-a-3-e-&-a-4-e-&-a.”
• Sixteenth Note Fill: Add fills on “4-e-&-a.”

Steps to Practice Sixteenth Note Fills:

1. Basic Groove:

   • Play a steady sixteenth note groove on the hi-hat.
   • Add the kick drum on counts 1 and 3.
   • Play the snare drum on counts 2 and 4.

2. Orchestrating the Fill:

   • On “4-e-&-a,” move your right hand to play single strokes on the snare, hi-tom, mid-tom, and floor-tom.
   • Ensure the kick drum hits on every right-hand stroke.

Tips for Mastery:

• Start Slow: Begin at a slow tempo to ensure accuracy and even spacing between notes.
• Use a Metronome: This helps maintain a steady rhythm and timing.
• Gradual Tempo Increase: Increase the tempo as you become more comfortable with the fills.

By practicing these techniques, you will enhance your ability to add creative and rhythmic fills to your drumming. Zelus Academy’s online drums course provides detailed instructions and interactive lessons to help you master these skills. Our experienced instructors offer personalized feedback, ensuring you progress efficiently in your drumming journey.

Enroll in Zelus Academy’s online drums course today and take your drumming skills to the next level. With our comprehensive curriculum and expert guidance, you’ll be orchestrating impressive fills with confidence and precision. Continue reading

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