In this lesson you will be learning some simple fill construction ideas in the time signature of 5/4 that involve playing a fill over beats 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the bar that will be built solely of 16th notes. A similar concept has previously been applied in other time signatures so it is just a case of getting comfortable with the concept in the context of the new time signature rather than the mechanics of the parts. Links to these other lessons can be found at the bottom of the page. In 4/4 this would have been referred to as a three quarter bar fill for self explanatory reasons. However, in 5/4 that terminology doesn't apply as the section now fills four fifths of the bar.
When learning these fills, start the pattern slowly and make sure your note and hand placement is accurate first. When you are happy with the movements, then work on building up tempo a bit at a time. Once you can play the part at a good speed (I'd recomend 110bpm plus) try playing an AAAB style pattern all in 5/4 where the 'B' section is your new fill. As the fills are that bit shorter, the start of the bar is filled with two beats of groove.
Example 1
Example 2
Example 3
Example 4
Example 5
Example 6
Example 7
Example 8
TASK
- Learn the examples shown above up to a tempo of at least 120bpm.
- Create your own variations on each example by moving around the orchestration.
- Add the fills into a structured pattern.
