Simple Swing Sixteenths - Drum Fills
Some simple patterns, when orchestrated around multiple drums, create complex-sounding, syncopated grooves. In this lesson, we're orchestrating a full bar of sixteenth notes around the kit.
The sixteenth notes in each example below are played with alternating sticking (i.e. R, L, R, L etc.) and are to be played with swing. As you can see in #1, the pattern is simple: a tom stroke and then two snare strokes. This pattern repeats over and over throughout the entire bar. Because this pattern repeats after every 3rd stroke, we get a syncopated sound.
Try out the examples below. Tip: Don't pay too much attention to the open hi-hat indicators in #5. The hi-hat foot will automatically be open when those strokes are hit because of the 8th notes you're playing with the foot.

OnlineDrummer.com founder, Alfred Publishing author, Ddrum artist and veteran Drum! Magazine contributor, Nate earned his Bachelor of Arts in Education at John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio and holds a Master of Arts in Education from the University of Findlay in Findlay, Ohio.
Simple Swing Sixteenths - Drum Fills
Some simple patterns, when orchestrated around multiple drums, create complex-sounding, syncopated grooves. In this lesson, we're orchestrating a full bar of sixteenth notes around the kit.
The sixteenth notes in each example below are played with alternating sticking (i.e. R, L, R, L etc.) and are to be played with swing. As you can see in #1, the pattern is simple: a tom stroke and then two snare strokes. This pattern repeats over and over throughout the entire bar. Because this pattern repeats after every 3rd stroke, we get a syncopated sound.
Try out the examples below. Tip: Don't pay too much attention to the open hi-hat indicators in #5. The hi-hat foot will automatically be open when those strokes are hit because of the 8th notes you're playing with the foot.

Drum Sheet Music
Shop

"Great online resource ... dedicated to drummers and drumming"

"Visitors to the site will find a treasure trove of ... inspirational content that's ideal for motivation."

"The ideal place to find out about drumming"

"If you want to learn how to read drum sheet music, this is one of the best sites ..."

Featured in print and digital issues in the world's #1 magazine for drummers.

"50 Best Drum Blogs and Websites"

"[One] of the best blogs available online for those wanting to learn more about drums, percussion and music!"
Subscribe to our newsletter
Join over 40,000 newsletter subscribers.
Receive free goodies and exclusive sales directly to your inbox.


- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
- Press the space key then arrow keys to make a selection.