Broken 16th Note Drum Fills: Adding Complexity and Groove to Your Playing
Broken 16th note fills are a staple in many drum genres, adding a sense of complexity and groove to your playing. This technique involves breaking down a standard 16th note pattern into smaller, more intricate rhythmic variations. While seemingly complex, mastering broken 16th note fills is a valuable skill that can elevate your drumming abilities.
Understanding the Basics
Before diving into broken 16th notes, it's important to understand the foundation: the standard 16th note pattern. Imagine a hi-hat playing a consistent "tick-tock" rhythm, with each "tick" and "tock" representing one 16th note. This creates a continuous 16th note pattern that is often used as a baseline for drum fills.
Breaking It Down
Breaking down 16th notes involves playing them in different combinations, adding rests and accents to create rhythmic variations. Here are a few basic examples:
Example 1: One-handed fill
- Snare: "tick-tock, tick-tock" (accents on the second "tick" of each pair)
- Hi-hat: "tick-tock, tick-tock"
Example 2: Two-handed fill
- Snare: "tick-tock"
- Hi-hat: "tick-tock, tick-**tock"
Example 3: Ghost notes
- Snare: "tick-tock, tick-tock"
- Hi-hat: "tick-tock, tick-tock" (ghost note on the second "tick" of each pair)
Building Complexity
Once you've mastered basic variations, you can start building more complex broken 16th note fills. Here are a few techniques:
- Adding accents: Use accents to emphasize certain notes and create rhythmic interest.
- Using rests: Introduce rests to break up the flow of the pattern and create space for accents.
- Adding dynamics: Vary the volume of your playing to add expressiveness and create a dynamic feel.
- Combining instruments: Play broken 16th note patterns across multiple drums, like snare, toms, and cymbals.
Practicing and Experimenting
The key to mastering broken 16th note fills is consistent practice and experimentation. Start with simple variations and gradually build complexity. Listen to your favorite drummers and try to emulate their techniques. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations and create your own unique fills.
Utilizing in Different Genres
Broken 16th note fills are versatile and can be incorporated into many genres. From rock and metal to funk and jazz, these rhythmic variations add texture and excitement to your drumming.
Remember:
- Start slow and gradually increase your speed.
- Listen to your fills carefully and make adjustments as needed.
- Don't be afraid to experiment and create your own unique fills.
By mastering broken 16th note fills, you'll expand your rhythmic vocabulary and elevate your drumming to the next level.
