Orchestrating a Syncopated Rhythm
By Nate Brown
Learn six drum fills based on the same rhythmic pattern. The re-orchestration technique allows you to create many drum fills with different flavors.
Groove number 1 outlines a basic, syncopated rhythm in the second bar to be used as a drum fill. Each of the grooves that follow share the same “fill” rhythm but re-orchestrate the strokes around the drum set (i.e. toms, bass and crashes).
After working on these exercises, try to create your own syncopated rhythm, and then creatively re-orchestrate your rhythm around the drums. Writing your ideas down is often helpful.
