The fills on this page will be constructed from straight eighth notes that follow a Linear Pattern. A linear pattern is one in which only one voice is used at a time so common movements such as a right hand with a kick or snare aren't used. Simple single stroke style patterns would count as linear but for this construction method I am going to make things a little more interesting by replacing some hands with bass drums. The movements will require some control of your hand/foot co-ordination so it may be worth looking at this Hand Foot Co-Ordination Exercise first. There is also a similar lesson for Fills In 5/8.
Several examples of this fill concept are listed below, all with a brief explanation of what is happening. Each example has two sets of exercises with it, one is a straight snare and kick fill and the second an orchestrated version of that. Try to create multiple fills for each example by re-orchestrating the original kick/snare version.
Example 1
Replace the first note in the bar with a bass drum. The orchestration follows a similar movement to the Triangle Pattern.
Example 2
Replacing the second note of the bar with a bass drum. The orchestration uses a flam and some simple movements.
Example 3
Replacing the third note of the bar with a kick. A straight 'round the kit' movement is used for the orchestration this time.
Example 4
This time the fourth note of the bar is replaced with a kick. Hi hats are used in the orchestration which can create an interesting sound in this context.
Example 5
The fifth note of the bar is replaced with a kick. A Reverse Roll style movement is used for the orchestration.
Example 6
The sixth note of the bar is replaced with a kick. An uneven movement is used for the orchestration.
Example 7
The seventh note of the bar is replaced with a kick. The left hand remains on the snare while the right moves around in the orchestration
Example 8
The eighth note is played as a kick. A moving dotted quarter note style orchestration is followed.
Example 9
The final note has been switched to a kick and a groupings of two ochestration is followed.
Example 10
The next couple of examples show how using multiple kicks can create quite a complex sounding pattern. This version is in compound time.
Example 11
Finally, a similar example in simple time.
TASK
- Using the 2 minute rule, get all exercises upto a tempo of at least 140bpm.
- Play a four bar phrase in 9/8 where the fourth contains a linear eighth note fill. Repeat this phrase over.
- Create your own 9/8 linear fills, write down any that you really like.