In this lesson you will be learning some syncopated fills in the time signature of 7/8 that all follow a '4433' sixteenth note grouping. This will be similar to the '233' pattern very commonly used, the difference is that it is extended to fit the time signature. You will then play rolls around the kit, switching voices every time the grouping changes. The only new thing you will be learning on this page is the application of this idea in the new time signature, all mechanical aspects of the part have been covered before. At the bottom of the page you will find links to lessons on similar subjects that may make the learning process a little easier. This includes a lesson constructing fills using the exact reverse of this grouping.
The rhythm for the fill is shown below with phrase markings and accents included to highlight the phrasing.
It would be worth treating this as an exercise that you play over a few times to familiarize yourself with the phrasing. Once you are comfortable the patterns listed below will basically be orchestrations of the above. Remember, note placement is always far more important than speed.
Example 1
Example 2
Example 3
Example 4
Example 5
Example 6
Example 7
TASK
- Using the 2 minute rule, learn all fills up to a tempo of around 130bpm.
- Create your own fills based on the ideas presented on this page.
- Apply the fills in a phrased pattern.