Drums For Beginners: How To Play Cool, Simple Drum Fills And Stay In Time!

Back to basics today - if you want to be a drummer (a drummer that other musicians will want to play with anyway!), my advice would be to make it your business to be able to keep count of where you are when playing a basic drum groove, and to be able to play simple single stroke roll 16th note drum fills which start on beat 1,2,3 and 4 of the bar - then crash back into your groove on beat 1 and keep it rolling, in time.
These are absolutely core skills that are IMO a much higher priority at first than than: playing fast, playing fancy bass drum patterns, plays any kind of licks or chops, trying to learn any particular famous songs, or just about anything else. These are the basic skills that you’ll lean on again, again and again in your drumming.
Recommended drill is 3 bars groove, 1 bar fill (1 bar containing the drum fill)
Have fun and please let me know if any questions,
Mike 😊
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[@MikeBarnesDrums]

Back to basics today - if you want to be a drummer (a drummer that other musicians will want to play with anyway!), my advice would be to make it your business to be able to keep count of where you are when playing a basic drum groove, and to be able to play simple single stroke roll 16th note drum fills which start on beat 1,2,3 and 4 of the bar - then crash back into your groove on beat 1 and keep it rolling, in time. These are absolutely core skills that are IMO a much higher priority at first than than: playing fast, playing fancy bass drum patterns, plays any kind of licks or chops, trying to learn any particular famous songs, or just about anything else. These are the basic skills that you’ll lean on again, again and again in your drumming. Recommended drill is 3 bars groove, 1 bar fill (1 bar containing the drum fill) Have fun and please let me know if any questions, Mike 😊 Please check out my “Buy Me A Coffee" page here: www.buymeacoffee.com/mikebarnesdrums, where you can support this channel and/sign up as a monthly member. As a channel member, you get a complimentary zoom session as well a personalized practice plan and lots of other benefits including priority requests for videos on this channel, a 20% discount on drum lessons and access to full notation for tutorial videos: . Recent interview I did with Taryn Arnold from Buy Me A Coffee about the amazing way this channel is supported by it’s viewers: kzbin.info/www/bejne/joitoYx9gNVrqZI

[@joanthewad7510]

The best drum teacher and most likeable personality I’ve ever seen on You Tube drumming videos. No showing off, rabbiting on or unnecessary bad acting - unlike so many others, just plain, simple, precise and thorough instruction delivered with infectious enthusiasm and a friendly smile, Just brilliant.

[@MikeBarnesDrums]

Ah much appreciated, cheers Joan!

[@CrackedCandy]

This was the best explanation in 30 years I've ever heard regarding a fill. Just get used to the spacial location of the kit, and play a 16th and move it around. Very nice. I got my son in lessons and have been sending him your videos. Great teacher. If that raise comes through, I will buy him some time with you.

[@MikeBarnesDrums]

Cheers! So glad you dig :)

[@davegill7614]

A year on from my last comment i practised this a lot...now i dont even need to think about where i am in the bar or what orchestration to do its just become second nature...thanks Mike

[@svensvander]

Your stuff is MASSIVELY helpful!!! I just started drumming at the age of 52…….it’s absolute fun, because your explanations actually make me look like I know what I’m doing ‼️ Thank you, man! 🤘

[@MikeBarnesDrums]

Ha, cheers Michael!

[@BostonballH8ter]

you and I both ,I mean I played around a lot but having a blast with these lessons , nobody calls me old man🤪

[@danielwood1820]

Top drum lesson, even for seasoned drummers. Keep up the good work Mike

[@MikeBarnesDrums]

Cheers Daniel

[@royyavnai1195]

Absolutely great!!! Best lesson for beginners ever, thanks!!!

[@CrazyHenkie777]

You are a great teacher, and I love how you are smiling all the time!

[@tylerreum4011]

This is a revelation to me, thanks for explaining so well!!!

[@davegill7614]

This is the most useful drumming video I have ever seen....I have learnt so much in those few minutes Mike...you are a great teacher

[@MikeBarnesDrums]

Nice one Dave! Glad you dig :)

[@tellitlikeitis5856]

There are lots of great people on line teaching drums. I love them all. But, in my honest opinion, Mr. Mike Barnes is by far and away the best drum teacher instructor hands drumming down! Mr. Mike Barnes, Awesome!

[@flyingchris81]

What a great lesson. I just tried it out and without knowing 2 hours went by. Thank you so much!!!

[@Shadeoo.sunglasses]

Started drums 3 days ago. Best video yet. I'm an accountant so I have a good chance!

[@MikeBarnesDrums]

Cool! Thanks for watching.

[@samsonestilloso]

I like the way you teach, how you explain its very clear and helpful

[@BostonballH8ter]

I'm so glad I found this channel,been playing off and on ,more off for last 20 yrs,old fart like me still kicks licks and really wanted to get more technical,amazing teacher and outstanding lessons

[@MikeBarnesDrums]

Thanks! Much appreciated and glad you dig.

[@petersonjeanbaptiste7112]

Your are the best, very clear teaching

[@A_Really_Nice_Guy]

Excellent teacher!

[@mslinklater]

Fantastic video. I'm learning SO much watching your channel. Thank you so much !

[@alzmanfield3659]

Hey Mike, thanks for sharing this such a great simple lesson for me as a beginner of having 3 drum lessons 😂

[@awilliams379]

I fucking love your videos mate. 44yr old Aussie here, musical training on strings but just picked up the sticks and a electric kit, you are one of the best web teachers around. I love that you're enjoying it even more than i am. Great lessons.

[@MikeBarnesDrums]

Ha, cheers man!

[@awilliams379]

@@MikeBarnesDrums Its the truth. Probably focused too much on harmonic training, scales, modes all that bullshit, and have let the fundamentals of rhythm "figure itself out", but coming back to the drums, you need to know the foundation you're laying, and out of all the people on youtube, you're the best instructor I've found. I have enough to know the theory, and you lay it out in such a way that makes it simple to understand and gives me tools to put it into the muscle memory. Drumeo could learn a lot from the way you teach. I hope your channel grows, and to think that a middle aged fart in QLD Australia has found what you're doin in the UK, means something is working! Good luck my friend, I'll be watching.

[@ZPX945]

Great lesson!🎉

[@darrelandersonchetty2121]

Wow what a good trainer

[@seewhy7761]

So glad I found this channel. Just took up the drums and this is a perfect explanation of the basics of fills. Thank You!!!

[@MikeBarnesDrums]

Cheers!

[@gavinvonmeyer3746]

I can safely say, while there are some other great KZbin channels that I learnt quite a lot of valuable information from, like mechanics, genre-specific styles theory, drum kit info (set ups), etc. etc... This here channel has become my go-to for getting my drumming ability to take flight and to fly with confidence... Many Thanks for your super great efforts and sincerity and most importantly brilliant, to the point lessons!!

[@davidgalton5610]

I have just spent a very enjoyable day following your clear and simple instruction. Keep the good work.

[@paddy4710]

Mike, I'm a novice drummer and have watched a few online videos now and yours are my favourite - you're such great teacher! Thank you! : )

[@lucasmcdaniel]

Wow! This is the most helpful and informative drumming video I have stumbled across. This is so practical and looks like a lot of fun. Thank you, again!

[@MikeBarnesDrums]

Cheers Lucas, thanks for watching, glad you dig :)

[@smokehappy21]

The fact that you don't have more views is baffling. Thank you for your help

[@MikeBarnesDrums]

Cheers Adam! Much appreciated. This channel does have nearly 7 million views, which I’m very happy with! 🙏🏻👊🏻

[@64PeterA]

Your timing is amazing

[@MikeBarnesDrums]

Cheers and thanks for watching!

[@alanferreirapassos6707]

One thousand likes. Thank you very much for your video

[@conniet3090]

Great tips! Thank you!

[@kevins232]

Thanks Mike, Awesome Drumming!!!

[@sierraesquivel]

Very nice 👍 you're awesome 👊

[@startraxcelebritynews]

Thanks mike really appreciate that info.

[@hananshells8055]

Have been playing drums for a few years and after watching y r videos i realize the mistakes i am making, so its back to basics which i thought i was over. Thank you. Greetings from Israel. God Bless you.

[@MikeBarnesDrums]

Cheers Hanan!

[@andrew007s]

Amazing explanation. Didn't know you had made this video! Thank you!!

[@johnmundy5303]

Love it.. keeping it simple & enjoyable..

[@MikeBarnesDrums]

Cheers John! Thanks for watching :)

[@stufromsaturday3957]

Another superb video, thank you so much for sharing this.

[@MikeBarnesDrums]

Cheers Stu!

[@davidc4565]

Super lesson Mike and so well explained as always.👌🏻. Thank you.🙏🏻

[@MikeBarnesDrums]

Cheers David!

[@lc7789]

thanks m8

[@mixinkperranporth]

Great lesson I've been teaching myself and got ahead of myself this is just what I needed to rein it in 👍

[@MikeBarnesDrums]

Cheers Mike, glad if it was useful man!

[@darrenmoore9154]

Learn so much off you Mike

[@MikeBarnesDrums]

Cheers Darren!

[@gudjongd]

Great lessons.....lot's of ideas :-)

[@MikeBarnesDrums]

Cheers! 👊🏻

[@AlanReeve287]

Great video and so very apt for me right now. This has made a massive difference to my basics and enjoyment of jamming along to a track. Who knew counting up to 4 could be so much fun :-)

[@MikeBarnesDrums]

Nice one Alan! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@des11487]

You explained brilliantly mike .. wish I lived near you I'd be round day for lessons 😄👍

[@MikeBarnesDrums]

Cheers Derren, glad you dig! Monthly membership available with comp Zoom session, practice plan, ongoing drum support etc if that's ever of interest (plus face-to-face in Cambs UK as and when you can): www.buymeacoffee.com/mikebarnesdrums

[@stephaniepellow3275]

Happy Easter Mike! I have watched many of your videos, and this is the first, where I saw u make a mistake a correct it with flare and style And the VALUE of the content of this video! Love it man!!!

[@MikeBarnesDrums]

Cheers Stephanie!

[@slwyee54]

Love your videos So helpful From your 68 yr old fan

[@MikeBarnesDrums]

Cheers Stephanie!

[@JimMitchell-jg7rd]

Thanks Mike very helpful. I've only been playing about 3 months. No problem when playing grooves but working on making smooth fills. Going into and coming out of those fills & staying in time. Great advice for me to work on.

[@MikeBarnesDrums]

Cheers Jim, thanks for watching.

[@domenicodilauro2244]

Bella lezione semplice ma molto costruttiva per me che sono alle prime armi. Grazie mille 🤗🤗🥁🥁👋👋

[@MikeBarnesDrums]

Cheers Domenico! :)

[@simonrandle2032]

Thanks for another great lesson. Love the stuff for beginners. And I've brought you 5 coffees. 👍

[@MikeBarnesDrums]

Cheers Simon, and thanks so much! Glad you dug and really appreciate you supporting the channel 🙏🏻

[@pareman456]

I am so glad I came across this video, holy cow!! I feel like more of a drummer after this haha. Thanks!!@

[@MikeBarnesDrums]

Cheers Perry! Glad you dig :)

[@FensterstockHias]

I have never played the drums but for some reason i really enjoy watching your lessons. I probably should just go find someone with a drum kit and give it a try...

[@MikeBarnesDrums]

You should! Thanks for watching 🙏🏻👊🏻

[@kevinforrester7460]

Brilliant just what I need, been playing Roland electric drums for eight months getting on okay, got my acoustic set six weeks ago and seem to be going backwards? So back to basics 🤔. Thanks for cheering me up 😎👍. If you have any advice it would be much appreciated.

[@MikeBarnesDrums]

Back to basic is ALWAYS a good look I'd say. Cheers Kevin!

[@knolljo]

Any ideas or tips to come up with good sounding orchestrations?

[@MikeBarnesDrums]

Experiment, record yourself and listen back!

[@MarioCorallo]

HI Mike I think you' re a really supercool teacher I love the way you explain plain and simple but I also love your groove, i' m a beginner and really enjoy learning from your videos...Can I ask you if you would kindly tell me which is the track you play on because i really like it and would like to play along with it! cheers

[@MikeBarnesDrums]

Cheers Mario! So glad you dig and thanks for watching :) I'm not playing along with a track in this video!

[@MarioCorallo]

@@MikeBarnesDrums OMG sorry you' re right I was watching 2 different videos and commented here...the one where you' re playing along is this :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4ConJmwaq-Zgbc

[@keithmorgan8851]

Mike. Late 50’s and been playing for a few years. My biggest limitation is flow around the kit. Videos like this remind me to spend time on basics. Two Qs, can you give a lesson on flow, and can you recommend any tracks to practise this stuff along to? Cheers, K.

[@MikeBarnesDrums]

Great Keith, yes will do! Generally speaking, I think of "flow" on the kit as the result of our practice, but will def do some videos addressing it directly. And songs to play along to for this kind of basic practice - pretty much anything in 4/4 with a straight 8s feel on the hi-hat/ride (as longs as it's not too fast at first!). Play to your favourite tunes, or search "drumless tracks" on here/spotify etc. This spotify playlist is a good example of stuff you could use: open.spotify.com/album/73BL76Z9XyJ7zeKDFkcjkd?si=tQoC9at5Qmy0kgPeis_xNQ Cheers Keith!

[@jerryweston4097]

Mike barnes awesome once again..could you maybe do nights on Broadway..bee gees..

[@MikeBarnesDrums]

Thanks for making a video request. At present, there’s a large number of requests from channel members on the list and I’m working my way through them - so I’ll be honest and say it’s unlikely I’ll be able to fulfill any general requests at this point. But thank you for watching and for your interest :)

[@mtridentdrums4800]

Hi Mike! Have been a huge fan and you helped me a lot during my songs. Could you tell me what app is best to edit the video in windows? I and trying to record it and I tried it with my mobile and my cam but it was not working.😭😭

[@MikeBarnesDrums]

Not sure about Windows, I use iMovie on Mac. As you can probably tell, my editing process is not very sophisticated (and nor do I want i to be!). Most of these videos are largely recorded in one take from one angle just now, and are very much focused on the content rather than editing and production. Cheers! :)

[@mr.trident4524]

Sure! Thanks for your suggestion😋😁

[@avitolourenco]

Maybe use a pop filter or a foam mic cover? A lot of air sound

[@MikeBarnesDrums]

Thanks for watching and paying attention to detail!

[@lc7789]

do you ever hit the kick drum when you do your fills?

[@TonyBecks1969]

I was also just thinking this whilst watching. I know I do on the beat with a tom but not sure if it's right or not?

[@MikeBarnesDrums]

Yes, hitting the bass drum is a common feature in drum fills. You can play it as a “timekeeper” on quarter notes or eighth notes, or as part of the main phrase of your fill as a “third hand”. Check out my drum fills playlist here: kzbin.info/aero/PLcfoni8UPb9q21HMRB9fqGUhffLOZG-pc My drum fill of the week playlist here: kzbin.info/aero/PLcfoni8UPb9qtPPDWOKA5csgos-JYGhAD And little course about creating your own drum fills here: kzbin.info/aero/PLcfoni8UPb9opFnGubPIthJTQm5jKFrVU Also here’s a video about simple “linear” fills, where both hands and the bass drum are used: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3bQgqmeeNZ3jtk

[@MikeBarnesDrums]

If it sounds good it’s right! 👊🏻

[@danielduncan5719]

So can I be a member? I went to your website and was wondering since I’m in America could I join with our different currency

[@MikeBarnesDrums]

Yes!

[@peterfekete4967]

Thank you Mike! Could you name songs with this groove?

[@MikeBarnesDrums]

Cheers Péter! With this beat? The groove here is a straight 8s feel or basic rock/pop groove in 4/4, it’s the most common drum feel in the world! Billie Jean by Michael Jackson, Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson/Bruno Mars are examples. But of course the focus of this video is creative 16th note fills. Cheers!

[@peterfekete4967]

@@MikeBarnesDrums Oh sorry, I wanted to ask this question at your 'Great Groove For Developing Ghost Notes + Quick Bass Drum Doubles (Grade 4 Level) - One Min Lesson' video (maybe YT changed to next video-I was inattentive). I'll ask there too!

[@warburtonpaul]

OK, somebody has to ask the dumb question. By starting the fill on beat 2 that reduces the number of fills before the end of the bar? And fewer fills still starting on 3 and 4? Apologies to all those rolling their eyes...

[@MikeBarnesDrums]

If you start the fill on beat 2, it'll go "2e+a, 3e+a, 4e+a". If you start on beat 3, the fill will go "3e+a, 4e+a" If you start on beat 4 it'll go "4e+a". In this simple case, the drum fill always ends at the end of the bar, and you crash on beat one going back into the groove. So starting the fill on beats 2, 3 and 4 reduces the length of the fill, yes. Not "the number of fills", it's all one fill - but the number of beats the fill takes up. Cheers Paul!

[@openyoureyes4799]

I got a beautiful new kit and my Pearl set has one pipe coming up from the base drum to mount my two small toms on but my new set one hole but two small toms? How in the world do I set up two small toms on my base? Anyone have a clue? it's a ddrum.

[@MikeBarnesDrums]

Maybe using something like this? gibraltarhardware.com/products/sc-pm-3-way-tom-cymbal-arm-bracket

[@openyoureyes4799]

1234 2234 3234 4234, that's the best way to count to keep straight where you are.

[@MikeBarnesDrums]

Yes I quite like that count too! My experience though is that's helpful for some beginners and others say they find it confusing! Thanks for watching.

[@openyoureyes4799]

@@MikeBarnesDrums I'm a 74 year old woman and I've been playing since I was in my early 20's. I would have liked to play in grade school. but the teacher said no girls could play drums! My parents wouldn't stand up for me so I had to take lessons on my own when I got a job!

[@royasaifi5653]

You need a bigger size drum kit. Lol

[@leeamgaming1447]

monkey member’s?😂😂😂