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.
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."
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.
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).
Six Go-Gos
These Go-Go beats are arranged from starter level to more advanced arrangements. Beats 5 and 6 incorporate eighth notes with the hi-hat foot.
Snare Based Grooves
These grooves use the snare drum to carry the beat. Accents, rimshots, and diddle strokes add dynamics and articulation to bring the grooves to life.
A Bit of Linear Funk – Problem Live
This slick funk-rock groove is used by Keith McJimson in the live version of Problem by Ariana Grande.
A Fun Build – 6 Beats
This fun group of six drum beats is a great way to begin your 2018. The audio sample below performs each beat four times before moving onto the next.
Carlock-Esque Ghosted Drum Beat – Scary!
Inspired by the funky, syncopated, ghost-stroke snare patterns immortalized by Keith Carlock, this groove will keep things moving.
Ride Bell Threes
The Ride Bell Threes beat uses groups of three ride cymbal strokes that overlap the bars. The ride is played on the bell on beats 1 and 3 to bring out the downbeats.
Funky Drummer – James Brown – Drum Break
Clyde Stubblefield's drum break in James Brown's "Funky Drummer" is one of the most instantly recognizable and popular funk grooves of all time. The eight measure drum feature has become one of the most sampled elements in hip hop and popular music.
Hesitated Sixteenths
The rests in this funky groove give it a hesitated feel. The second bar gives the impression of odd timing as the backbeat displaces. Be sure to use alternating sticking on the hi-hat.
Go Go Beat Variation
Learn this slick variation in the Go-Go Beat style.
Lesson 33 Groove
This groove's hand pattern is based off the ubiquitous lesson #33 from George Lawrence Stone's book, Stick Control.
Linear Funk Rock
This linear groove uses the ride bell to accent the syncopation. The suggested tempo is 120 bpm, but this groove also sounds cool at slower (or faster) tempos.
