How to Play a Half-Measure Drum Fill Using Quick Toms and Snare

Musicians often use drum fills or guitar riffs to fill in breaks in the music. There are various kinds of drum fills and each has many variations. The half-measure drum fill uses quick drumstick movements on the snare and tom drum and lasts for half a measure. For example, in 4/4 time the drum fill lasts for 2 beats.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Evaluate the music to determine the time the music is written. Figure how long half of the measure is.

2. Play 4 32nd notes on the high-pitched tom drum. The high-pitched tom drum is the smallest of your toms. A 32nd note is half the length of 1 16th note.

3. Move to the snare drum. Play 2 32nd notes on the snare.

4. Transition to the mid-pitched tom drum and play 2 32nd notes. The mid-pitched tom is the medium-sized tom drum. Some drum sets include 4 toms. If this is the case, choose the pitch you like best.

5. Play 4 32nd notes on the low-pitched tom drum.

6. Create variations in the drum fill. Change the amount of hits per drum or change the speed of the hits. To change the speed, double the amount of hits by playing 64th notes instead of 32nd notes.

Tips & Warnings

• Substitute a cymbal for the last note of the fill.