Nate Brown
Publisher of OnlineDrummer.com, Alfred Publishing author and veteran Drum! Magazine Groove Analysis video instructor, Nate holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from John Carroll University in Cleveland, OH and is currently undertaking a Master of Arts in Education at the University of Findlay in Ohio.
Quick Travis Barker Drum Lick
This week's lesson explores a quick drum fill in the style of Blink 182's stickman, Travis Barker. The fill can be played as either 16th notes (2 bars) or a single measure of 32nd notes.
Take Me Home Tonight – Eddie Money
The full drum sheet music for Take Me Home Tonight by Eddie Money from the album Can't Hold Back (1986).
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Six Punchy Short Fills
Short fills are perfect for light transitions or breaking up repeated bars of drum beats. If overused, they can become annoying and predictable. Used with purpose and judgement, short fills are a great addition to the song.
Unique Crash Placements in “Down-the-Tom” Fills
Accenting the down-the-tom fills with crashes brings a new flavor to the classic fill technique. These four drum fill examples feature the bass drum along with each crash. The audio example plays each fill one time before moving on.
Stickin’ with the Bass – Drum Beats
Enjoy 8 grooves that feature an additional hi-hat stroke each time the bass drum is played on an "e" or "ah."
Four-on-the-Floor Drum Beats
The four-on-the-floor phrase is a catchy way to describe drum beats that feature the bass drum on beats 1, 2, 3, and 4. This bass pattern is often used in dance music, pop, rock, funk, and any song that benefits from a driving feel.
Six Two-Bar Rock Grooves
These six rock grooves use a two-bar repeating pattern. The beginning grooves are simpler and become more complex throughout.
Rock Ride & Tom Build – 6 Beats
Starting with a straightforward rock groove, each beat builds from the previous. The first grooves are easier and grow with complexity. The audio example plays each groove 4 times before moving on.
Fortunate Son – Creedence Clearwater Revival
The full drum sheet music for Fortunate Son by Creedence Clearwater Revival from the album Willy And The Poor Boys (1969).
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Non-Standard Open Hats
The open hi-hat technique is often used to create an off-beat feel or to accentuate a particular stroke or two. These 8 groove examples incorporate 4 unique open hat patterns that instead create a rhythmic layer on top of the grooves.
Thunder & Hi-Hat Technique
Learn to play the chorus groove from Thunder by Imagine Dragons and a simple hi-hat technique to bring a new feel to your grooves.
Rockin’ the Ands
We often find ourselves in a straight-8th-note rut when it comes to playing the hi-hat. Step out of the rut with these 8 beats featuring an "and" ostinato on the hi-hat.
Six Ghostly Beats
Enjoy a collection of six drum beats using varying ghost stroke techniques to fill out the sound. After learning these, try adding ghost strokes to beats that already play. Note how the sound/feel of the groove changes.
Easy Lover – Phillip Bailey & Phil Collins
The full drum sheet music for Easy Lover by Phillip Bailey & Phil Collins from the album Chinese Wall (1984).
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Six Linear “Skeleton” Drum Fills
The term "Skeleton," in drumming, refers to drum parts that use only the snare, bass, and cymbals. In other words, no toms or other drums are used. If you see a drum kit with only snare, bass, and cymbals, you could call it a skeleton setup (or skeleton kit).
