Fill-ins & creative ideas

New Orleans Drumming Lesson: Fills and Phrasing

Hello and welcome to another lesson in New Orleans drumming! Today, I want to discuss fills within the styles we've been covering. These styles are primarily based on the groove, and it's essential to focus on these grooves.

The patterns might even seem simple, especially if you're an advanced player. However, as I've mentioned from the start, it's all about the particular phrasing. You really have to listen to fully understand it and have it reflected in your playing.

The Importance of Groove

There's nothing wrong with the groove, so truly concentrate on that. However, when we have the chance to incorporate fills within New Orleans drumming, try to be as melodic as possible.

• Singing the Phrase: Try to sing the phrase you want to play.
• Bass Drum: The bass drum is incredibly important, so consider phrasing with it.

For example, if I'm playing the groove, it might sound like this:

"So bad, bosh."

Practicing Fills

Now, I'll play the groove for a bit longer and throw in a few fills, so you can get a feel for it. Remember, I don't want to be too strict about this; it's very much about self-expression. Once you grasp the rhythm, feel free to unleash your own creativity.

Here are a few ideas that you might find useful:

• Creativity and Funk: We can build up into various elements; it could even end up sounding funky. There's space for creativity within it.
• Understated Styles: I've seen many New Orleans bands that are quite quiet; it's very understated.

Think about tension and release, perhaps using some triplets.

The Essence of Phrasing

While it can be a place to show off, it's more about phrasing. It's crucial to get your phrasing polished. Now that you've started learning these styles and, hopefully, listening to a lot of music, your phrasing should be evolving into something more personal.

You'll be able to express yourself on the drum kit using those rhythms, especially in fills and later with solo ideas.

Conclusion

This wraps up the course, which is meant to be an introduction to New Orleans drumming. It is by no means a definitive guide. Each of these lessons could be a comprehensive course on its own, with details reflecting lifetimes and lifestyles of music-making.

Please take the time to explore each area properly. I hope you enjoy the music as much as I do; it is a valid and enjoyable art form. You can apply it to many aspects of drumming within your own music.

Thank you for joining!