
Syncopation - 8th Note Fills
Lesson Four: 8th Notes & Quarter Notes (pg. 10-11)
Lesson Twelve: 8th Note Rests (pg. 30-32)
8th note rhythms can be played as fills by moving the notes around the drum set.
Parallel motion - Both hands move in the same direction
Contrary motion - Both hands move in different directions
Oblique motion - One hands move around the set while the other hand stays in the same place
You can also experiment with different stickings. You could use single strokes, or you could play double strokes on the 8th notes, or you could play unisons.
Once you’ve experimented with these motions try setting up a 4 bar phrase, with 3 bars of playing time and 1 bar of fill.
Practice these 4 bar phrases by playing along to music.




Syncopation - Quarter Notes & 8th Notes
Lessons One, Two, Three: Quarter Notes & Rests (pg. 4-9)
Lesson Four: 8th Notes & Quarter Notes (pg. 10-11)
Lesson Twelve: 8th Note Rests (pg. 30-32)