5 Chops To Improve Your Drum Fills (Aaron Spears Lesson)

It’s easy to beat yourself up over “chops.”
Amazing drummers, like Aaron Spears, make it look so effortless - and they do it so fast that it’s almost impossible to figure out what they’re playing. But here’s the thing…
All chops are simple patterns broken up around the kit. And you can play them too - as long as you know the pattern.
So in today’s lesson, Aaron Spears HIMSELF is going to break down a few of his go-to chop patterns - so you can start playing them at your own pace and work your way up to his tempo. Check it out!
►Chapters
0:00 - Introduction
0:17 - Chop 1
1:15 - Chop 2
2:49 - Chop 3
4:26 - Chop 4
5:08 - Chop 5
7:14 - Outro
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►Website: www.aaronspears.com/
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#drumfill #aaronspears #drumeo

[@BBT609]

RIP my dude. Love how you just slayed the drums but was a gentle soul and a wonderful person to be around.

[@jamaicanxhoney4218]

Omg he passed ? When ? He’s one of my favorite drummers 😢😖🤦🏾‍♀️

[@BBT609]

@@jamaicanxhoney4218 he passed Monday October 30, 2023

[@german80]

@@jamaicanxhoney4218 about a week ago. rest in peace, the great Aaron Spears.

[@gsxerwhite]

Damn dude didn't know

[@Shona_thecatalyst]

So so sad mehn!!!

[@brandodurham]

My favorite drummers are the ones who use mind blowingly simple stuff and make it sound inane and complicated. Love all of these

[@DrumeoOfficial]

Right there with you. Cheers Brandon!

[@mattdickie4696]

Did you mean insane?

[@TerryBollea1]

I agree. Inane sounds are the best! I cant even describe them!

[@andrewacosta6806]

Inane was an interesting word choice haha

[@lopezfam7317]

God bless you and God bless anyone reading this! Hope you have an awesome day! Seek him while you can! Jesus is the way and the only way and he is returning soon! Whenever you think you aren't loved... Remember the ultimate sacrifice was for love! ENDING YOUR LIFE IS NEVER THE ANSWER! For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 KJV The wages of sin is death (hell) but Jesus paid our debt on the cross, for our salvation! We must turn to God and away from our sinful ways, Confess Jesus is Lord and believe with our hearts that he was risen from the dead by God, and we must be baptized in the name of the Father, the Son and The Holy Spirit and live by His word and Commandments! Trust that God will help with the rest! Seek God today before it's too late! Today could be your last day on earth! Have a blessed day! ❤️❤️❤️

[@sean_fisher]

Aaron was probably one of the most influential modern drummers of the 20th century. This man stole the show at the modern drummer festival 2006. I've watched that video probably thousands of times at this point

[@dylaverdrums]

RIP Aaron Spears, such tasty drumming and a kind person! Will be very missed, both on and off the stage

[@wdaniel9888]

I never forget the video of him playing Caught Up at a drum clinic. Aaron is a monster player.

[@matthewmeehan-lam8986]

Yeah that gospel summit vid changed my life as a musician forever. Got me into the old thank you gospel chops vids.

[@DrumeoOfficial]

Just gonna leave this here in case ya missed it 😏 kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5LchaR9pLVopLM

[@wdaniel9888]

@@DrumeoOfficial Yo it is my birthday and Drumeo commented on my comment! That is what's up! Also... This moment right here kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHKlg2OXrNKbq8U Not even human.

[@komedias]

@@DrumeoOfficial It's not the same without his hi hat stand falling over and him carrying on as if nothing is wrong :P

[@lopezfam7317]

God bless you and God bless anyone reading this! Hope you have an awesome day! Seek him while you can! Jesus is the way and the only way and he is returning soon! Whenever you think you aren't loved... Remember the ultimate sacrifice was for love! ENDING YOUR LIFE IS NEVER THE ANSWER! For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 KJV The wages of sin is death (hell) but Jesus paid our debt on the cross, for our salvation! We must turn to God and away from our sinful ways, Confess Jesus is Lord and believe with our hearts that he was risen from the dead by God, and we must be baptized in the name of the Father, the Son and The Holy Spirit and live by His word and Commandments! Trust that God will help with the rest! Seek God today before it's too late! Today could be your last day on earth! Have a blessed day! ❤️❤️❤️

[@munkymunk]

Aaron always comes across as a happy guy who just loves what he does. Great vid.

[@DrumeoOfficial]

Thanks!

[@versatilethearcane]

A happy guy who loves when someone asks him to demonstrate something other than "Caught Up" for the millionth time

[@lopezfam7317]

Dios te bendiga y Dios bendiga a Todos los que estan leyendo esto! Deseo que tengan un hermoso dia! Buscad a Dios mientras pueda ser hallado! Jesus es el camino y el unico camino y regresa pronto! Recuerda cuando te sientas que no eres amado... el mayor sacrificio se hizo por amor! EL SUICIDIO NUNCA ES LA RESPUESTA! Porque de tal manera amó Dios al mundo, que ha dado a su Hijo unigénito, para que todo aquel que en él cree, no se pierda, mas tenga vida eterna. S. Juan 3:16 RVR1960 La paga del pecado es muerte (infierno) pero Cristo pagó nuestra deuda en la cruz para nuestra salvacion! Debemos volvernos a Dios y apartarnos de nuestros caminos pecaminosos, confesar que Jesús es el Señor y creer con nuestro corazón que fue resucitado de entre los muertos por Dios, y debemos de ser bautizados en el nombre del Padre, del Hijo y del Espíritu Santo y vivir por Su palabra y mandamientos! Confia que Dios ayudara con el resto! Busca a Dios, antes de que sea muy tarde! Hoy podria ser tu ultimo dia en la tierra! Que tengas un hermoso dia! ❤️❤️

[@tripledeluxe9101]

Aaron does that well. I really dig it.

[@munkymunk]

RIP Aaron ❤

[@Xtianster]

Aaron Spears is one of the reasons why i love to play the drums! Im not that good but watching this guy in so many videos that i've watched is always giving me that fire to just keep on playing!!!

[@colincolin8722]

I am sure, you are a great Drummer.. We all need some inspiration, Power from other Musicians and most of all: believe in yourself!!!

[@tripledeluxe9101]

I get that way with Aaron sometimes too.

[@DerekScheel]

I feel that !! My mom took me to see Usher in like 2004 ? It was my first concert. We were pretty close and whole time I was fixated on Aaron watching him play 😭 the next day I decided I wanted to play drums. Like 19 years later here I am. I’m still no where near his level but he gives me the motivation everyyyyytime !! He’s a monster on the kit 😭😭

[@Xtianster]

@@colincolin8722 Thanks man! God bless!

[@albertofalzoi1541]

what a Master, so comfortable, humble and down to earth explaining his tricks! ❤

[@antoniorichard753]

RIP legend😢😢😢

[@colincolin8722]

You're one of the best Teacher and Musician, Mr. Spears... I love to practice this Chops and fills and makes me happy to play this single strokes clean and on the right place...

[@djcoolcliff]

I saw this dude back when I was a teenager with the Gideon Band at the Gospel Music music workshop in RVA! He was rocking a MPC 2000 and they was killing it! Changed my life!!!!

[@JamesOKeefe-US]

Truly my favorite drummer. Such an artist! Thank you Aaron for inspiring and teaching so many of us!!

[@tonyjabroni7205]

Awesome video! “I believe in being fancy when you can” is something I’m taking with me forever and applying to everything lol

[@fasteddie4107]

Great stuff! I like that you emphasize the need for dynamic control when learning these exercises as well. Thank you!

[@Son0fEL]

Aaron Spears! my favourite drummer. The one that inspired me to play when I first started. Good stuff.

[@arickuntz8406]

Absolutely insane hands. Dude is and forever will be a legend. Such clean effortless technique.

[@charlieswatts6364]

Crazy speed! Love how he uses these combos and how clean it is

[@Darthvexen]

Absolute beast of a drummer, his chops were filthy I loved them, and zildjian life was always a favorite channel R. I. P mate I hope you're still playing up there 😢😢😥

[@caixadeferramentasemusica8014]

Aaron, you are a man that travels in the future!! I'm so glad by be a drummer and see your vídeos and hear your lessons. Thanks a lot to you, my friend. Here in Brazil we hear and study your materials and vídeos, for a couple of years, and I garantee to you.... You are a Warrior here in my country. Thanks a lot to you Man. God Bless you. This vídeo is a treasure for the humanity.

[@DrumeoOfficial]

Cheers, Eduardo!

[@caixadeferramentasemusica8014]

@@DrumeoOfficial Yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh I'm so glad, so glad, so glad

[@drummermomcjs]

Once again Drumero, great lesson. SImple, applicable, and easy to run with, I love this kind of lesson. Great lesson Aaron, and thank you for the encouragement.

[@DrumeoOfficial]

Cheers, Cora!

[@lopezfam7317]

God bless you and God bless anyone reading this! Hope you have an awesome day! Seek him while you can! Jesus is the way and the only way and he is returning soon! Whenever you think you aren't loved... Remember the ultimate sacrifice was for love! ENDING YOUR LIFE IS NEVER THE ANSWER! For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 KJV The wages of sin is death (hell) but Jesus paid our debt on the cross, for our salvation! We must turn to God and away from our sinful ways, Confess Jesus is Lord and believe with our hearts that he was risen from the dead by God, and we must be baptized in the name of the Father, the Son and The Holy Spirit and live by His word and Commandments! Trust that God will help with the rest! Seek God today before it's too late! Today could be your last day on earth! Have a blessed day! ❤️❤️❤️

[@lopezfam7317]

Dios te bendiga y Dios bendiga a Todos los que estan leyendo esto! Deseo que tengan un hermoso dia! Buscad a Dios mientras pueda ser hallado! Jesus es el camino y el unico camino y regresa pronto! Recuerda cuando te sientas que no eres amado... el mayor sacrificio se hizo por amor! EL SUICIDIO NUNCA ES LA RESPUESTA! Porque de tal manera amó Dios al mundo, que ha dado a su Hijo unigénito, para que todo aquel que en él cree, no se pierda, mas tenga vida eterna. S. Juan 3:16 RVR1960 La paga del pecado es muerte (infierno) pero Cristo pagó nuestra deuda en la cruz para nuestra salvacion! Debemos volvernos a Dios y apartarnos de nuestros caminos pecaminosos, confesar que Jesús es el Señor y creer con nuestro corazón que fue resucitado de entre los muertos por Dios, y debemos de ser bautizados en el nombre del Padre, del Hijo y del Espíritu Santo y vivir por Su palabra y mandamientos! Confia que Dios ayudara con el resto! Busca a Dios, antes de que sea muy tarde! Hoy podria ser tu ultimo dia en la tierra! Que tengas un hermoso dia! ❤️❤️

[@drummermomcjs]

@@lopezfam7317 Amén y gracias por hacernos recordar la palabra de Dios y sus mandamientos para nosotros. Dios te bendiga amigo y que te siga acercando a Él.

[@chrisfreeman4957]

Great lesson material for a Saturday morning! Look out neighbors!!! Thanks for sharing. Aaron is great and definitely "keeping it neat!"

[@scpk2246]

First thing I like most about Aaron is his HUMILITY! PERIOD! HE'S LIKE THAT EVER SINCE! NO EGO

[@DrumeoOfficial]

Very striking! Aaron's the man.

[@ladrichmcgee4289]

You are awesome. It’s 4:42am CALI time and I popped your video on. Thank you so much. I still have to work on strengthening my foot. I will definite. Thank you

[@siriuslee3522]

Sweet! I like that you use different dynamics too.

[@Rockin_Ross]

Been a fan of Aaron since I first saw him on Kick/Snare/Hat. Such a easy going, inspirational master!

[@imalitdrummerlovesvideogames]

Arron Spears is a freaking beast at keeping everything simple and clean

[@thelmabradley7176]

I love your teaching and believe I have grown the more as a drummer in part because of you , Aaron Spears. God has blessed me to glean from other drummers too, bless the Lord for sure. 🥰🥰🥰

[@JoeDavisMusic]

Mercy man, Literally watched this video less than 3 days ago. You can tell that this guy just enjoys what he does so much. DAMN. have to use past tense now. It still doesn't feel real bro. This won't feel real for a long time. RIP to the absolute legend

[@yo_izaak]

Bro I learned so much from his work and loved his videos teaching like this 💔 rest in peace 🙏🏽

[@MarkLazzarini]

RIP big guy. Thank you for your awesomeness!

[@idim9248]

absolute beast!!! his dynamics are top-notch

[@osoperezoso2608]

As someone that plays open handed, I really appreciate his use of left hand starting fills! Love to see it.

[@mattkal71]

Excellent advice and I will definitely incorporate a couple of these fills into my playing. Thanks.

[@Shibtember]

First of all, this guys awesome. second of all, his fills are awesome. third of all, he inspired me!! thank you mr Aaron!

[@drummingfool1649]

BRUH,,,,,,, thank you for this!! Taking the simple and making it fun to watch and learn !!! Love it!!!!

[@randybaker4103]

You are an amazing teacher. Great job. God bless!

[@DrumeoOfficial]

Thanks!

[@ilimugur]

With chops #3 and #4, the way Aaron utilizes them sounds particularly lovely, especially because of his timing. In Chop #3, for instance, he doesn't play it right at 1, but does it with a delay. (the third note of the first 3 strokes happens at the & of 1, I think) With Chop #4, due to the crash being at the 6th note, at high speeds, it's easy to get lost in the illusion and lose where 1 is. How he uses flams&unisons to improve upon the base versions of the chops he describes is also great.

[@yzdrummer]

You're a legend Aaron, and a great inspiration. THANK YOU FOR SHARING

[@DrumeoOfficial]

Thanks, Drew!

[@mikeydreadmastalski4345]

You make it look easy, hopefully I will get there someday, Amazing job! Thank you for the inspiration ✌️

[@josephsabella4677]

Great video, learned a lot in a short video. You are an amazing drummer…. Thanks for the lesson…

[@christianolivera8019]

Thank you Aaron for blessing us with this knowledge and video! Incredible. True genius. 🥁 🔥

[@DrumeoOfficial]

Cheers, Christian!

[@Ristopistox]

Thanks Aaron. You are such a good drummer. You inspire me to keep going!!!

[@TrisJasmr]

Mane… seeing this pop up after the recent news it just tragic. You helped me move through some of my hardest plateau drumming years of the thirteen playing this instrument I’ve had. Rest easy up there dude, i already know you got a sick 7 piece kit or something crazy going on

[@OMARA.OFFICIAL]

Always amazing Spears has the beat down love he using the black barkers I use the white great sticks

[@thelmabradley7176]

I believe I will be growing even more with these 5 GO- TO CHOPS. I have already checked out from my seat some of these with my hands and foot.

[@larryajackson4882]

To the opening statement, you're right about that! This is GOLD

[@DrumeoOfficial]

Cheers, Larry!

[@marcosdavid8201]

Amazing musical voice AND chops!!!!

[@scotthayes9577]

Aron, you have great explanation and presentation! Love chop #2 with foot action shown inclusive of shoelace dangling over the pedal (show-off {wink}). Love it all and your style!

[@fastfiddler1625]

Aaaaaand yet another video added to my list of things to learn. Great stuff! Thanks!

[@DrumeoOfficial]

Our pleasure!

[@G1R15H1]

THANKS Aaron been following for years bro pls keep posting more drums fills

[@anguswatson5380]

Man this guy is so fun and likeable, what an amazing drummer!

[@audisoundproductions]

I can’t believe it 😢 RIP legend! We’ll keep enjoying your videos, thank you!

[@williekelly7224]

I'm a elderly drummer and I just learned something to make my fills more easy and simple 😊😊💯💯👍👍👌👌

[@Re4P3r_CSGO]

Aaron, you is amazing man! I like see yours drumcams!

[@jeff0247598]

I've been Aaron Spears fan since I saw him play "Caught Up" on a random KZbin video. This guy has feel, rhythm and singular style in his DNA!! I wish my dude would lose a few lbs. ONLY because of health reason and the drumming world NEEDS him around for a LONG time. Much love Mr. Spears!!

[@RikkiJoeDrums]

thanks for the chops lesson, aaron !! and thanks drumeo for providing us the media for this...

[@mogglie]

Amazing amazing. Been looking for something like this

[@CDMESD]

That was amazing. I am going to practice this with my daughter.

[@NaylemEvad1]

What a wonderful musician and a great guy!!

[@asacrusoe8760]

I love the last chop and how he presents it

[@matt_drumming12h4]

Heartbreaking 💔 watching the great man absolute legend

[@shery82100]

Sei un grande Aaron! Grazie....

[@rickbrickles1410]

Simple made cool !!!! Chops that make even a veteran Drummer smile !!!😊

[@NostraFnDamus]

Pure serotonin :)

[@nicolasmegna3393]

Very useful advice by an absolute monster of worldwide drumming. ❤

[@Sigmaster40]

Thanks for tips Aaron!

[@stevengarner2366]

Shirt is 🔥. Love the shout out to the other drummers from DC that have impacted him.

[@ericlunger8090]

Like all great masters, he makes it look effortless.

[@trevorcurrie9848]

Really enjoyed the vid Aaron, being pretty new to drumming, I will b definitely trying this, 👍👍👍👍

[@maakeklein4073]

Don't forget the simple stuff. Drums in general are not lead instrument. Remember keeping beat and time is most important. Don't run before you can walk.

[@JORGE_JOJO_CARRILHO]

Thank you for share, bro. Hug from Portugal 🇵🇹 🇵🇹

[@carlesshaka7085]

Amazing. I better improve basic rudiments on tempo before trying anything else. Very good tips to practice! Thanks a lot!

[@DrumeoOfficial]

Cheers!

[@Lolo0617]

Lendas jamais morrem. Ficam eternamente em nossas memórias

[@echaelkai182]

Thanks Aaron finna go practice this🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@alexdem98]

This was plainly put: AMAZING. During the end I thought I was high... Damn awesome triplets, I can't believe how far basic concepts can go just by speeding up and spreading around the kit!

[@mikeromano3001]

I like your teaching approach.

[@dikbeats2720]

Really helpful stuff.. Nicely broken down too. Aaron is definitely one of the baddest drummers and all the best drummers/musicians are Humble like he is. Would love to have lessons from him or at least more online lessons.. Would be more realistic!

[@stevejpm1]

Great lecture cheers mate.

[@jameso.omayone6359]

Wow! Thanks Aaron 👍🏾

[@modernmusicstudio303]

Super good lesson, love the variety of camera angles!

[@chris-danieluchendu]

Here is my Boss. Thank you for always making me believe in myself. Thank you!

[@renegade1520]

Sweet video. Great explanations!

[@Rockerstepchamp]

1:50 Love that big smile. Rip Legend Aaron. ❤

[@philipquatrino6852]

Cool demo! Keep up the great content guys! 👍

[@beachcitiesautodetail6786]

Thanks for slowing it down to show us the notes

[@RodrigoRaez]

"Make sure is clean and neat between your hands and your feet, make sure is clean and neat between your hands and your feet" 🎵🎶🪘 And the lesson's still on my brain thanks to this song. Thank you Aaron Spears. Rest in peace surrounded by the best music.

[@michaelsalcedo3337]

Awesome lessons!!!!

[@CharlieViking95]

One of the greatest ever. RIP legend.

[@andrerwicks]

Pretty awesome sounding drums and patterns.

[@chris_d_r_u_m_s]

I think the reason I like Aaron so much is because he's actually not quite as clean as most modern pop drummers haha! It's got a little dirt in it and that's what makes it so funky and groovy. His pocket is unbelievable and his fills and chops work so perfectly with that pocket.

[@julievowel5287]

Thanks man ,you are the best

[@babyjesuslovesme1219]

Awesome stuff sir

[@stixnfeet7818]

Repetition is the mother of skill and Mr Spears is very skillful 🤟

[@LochNess_drums]

Rip Aaron. Dudes been around since I was a kid. Some of the cleanest chops ever and a super cool dude. 😢

[@SuperRicounet]

Nice technique, thanks

[@alfredoriverapena8942]

Thank you Aaron

[@papatomsthoughts]

best instruction of simple beats. thank you

[@DrumeoOfficial]

Cheers!

[@fromthe4gotten]

That cymbal to hi-hat bit was slick!

[@cotyhunter2019]

Not only a great artist ..a great teacher.. Thanks!

[@mrbearhug143]

Seeing this post your death just kills me. RiP. I stopped playing before our paths ever crossed but you were the dude!

[@TheSlamDancer-rt1hd]

He has the funk in the bear I love get up his playing on that omg very humble guy I wanna see him win