How to Play a Half-Measure Drum Fill Using the Crash Cymbal

Drum fills are what make drumming fun. Otherwise, it's just a basic beat over and over again. The drum fills allow the drummer to add creativity and individualism to a song. There are an unlimited amount of ways to play drum fills. The steps below will help you throw in the crash cymbal to your basic drum fills when you play the drums.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Begin by playing a basic rock pattern. This can be done by playing a 1-2-3-4 or 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 pattern.

2. Play the drum fills on the snare drum in a quick 1 E and a 2 E and a 3 E and a 4 E.

3. Hit the crash cymbal on the 1, 2, 3 and 4 when playing the drum fills.

4. Return to the basic rock pattern in which you began.

5. Repeat the drum fill as desired to accent the song and help the beat during transitions.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're having trouble with timing, using a metronome can help.
• Don't limit yourself when playing the drums. Try all types of drum fills.
• Play the bass drum when you hit the crash cymbal. This will give more emphasis to the note.