How to Play a Half-Measure Drum Fill Using the Toms

Playing a drum "fill" might sound like technical musician-speak, but it's really a term to describe the length of play. A half-measure drum fill means playing a certain drum for a half measure. Here's how to play a half-measure fill on the toms, the "regular" drums on your set.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Choose a rhythm. The general rhythm of most songs in many genres is 4/4, which means you'll be counting in fours, and when you get back to one, you'll start your drumming pattern over. Get into a good rhythm and begin counting.
2. Use the snare and hi-hat for the "base" rhythm. Make a continual 4/4 measure using these drums so that the half-measure fill will stand out.
3. Find your toms. The toms are the drums that are just simple drum heads on smaller-sized units. They are located to the right of the snare.
4. Play a regular rhythm on the snare and high hat by counting 1 and 2 and then switch over to the toms.
5. Count 3 and 4 while filling in with these auxiliary drums in a beat pattern that matches the rest of your playing.
6. Go back to the snare and high hat to begin the next measure.

Tips & Warnings

• Add drums rather than trying a quick switch. Lots of times, drummers find it easier to do "fills" by playing additional drums with their other hand rather than switching away from what they were playing to do something else. Adding drums also makes for a more powerful end to a measure.