The construction method presented on this page should shopefully be quite straight forward. You will be taking some standard 7/8 Groove Patterns and replacing a section of the bar with four sixteenth notes. This will be the same idea as our Quarter Bar Fills covered in Level 0 for 4/4 but applied to this time signature. 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
Here is the four 16th notes played at the end of the bar, so starting on count number 6.
Example 2
A simple orchestration of the placement above where the first stroke is played on a tom.
Example 3
Then a second orchestration using the Triangle Pattern concept.
Example 4
The fill placement has now been nudged a long and eighth note so starts on count 5. It is shown below on the snare.
Example 5
Then orchestrated between two toms. The crash at the end leads nicely into the next bar.
Example 6
Again the placement has been nudged a long, this time starting on count 3. This example has a simple time feel to it.
Example 7
This is the same placement again but with a compound time feel. Try orchestrating those 16th note snares.
Example 8
This time the 16ths start on count 2..
Example 9
Here's the same placement again orchestrated in the triangle pattern movement.
Example 10
Finally, placed at the start of the bar on count 1.
Example 11
Then orchestrated to include a kick.
TASK
- Using the 2 minute rule, get all exercises upto a tempo of at least 120bpm.
- Play a four bar phrase in 7/8 where the fourth contains a fill. Repeat this phrase over.
- Create your own 7/8 fills, write down any that you really like.
