The Beat Beginner
Lessons
Songs Beats & Fills Technique Rudiments Drummers Gear

This Drum Fill Should Be Illegal

Jared Falk  /  UPDATED Jun 18, 2024

Don’t call the police! This lesson is the result of an Instagram request (thanks for the comment, Casey Cooper).

One disclaimer: It’s a fun fill, but please use it responsibly. Don’t play it in a ballad at church on the weekend!

Watch the video to see exactly how to pull off this ‘illegal’ drum fill. It’s easier than it looks. You get an illusion that your sticks are just floating over the drums, but they aren’t.

The best way to learn an extended or technical fill is to start at a tempo where you’re comfortable. Whether that’s 80 bpm, 60 bpm or less, start there and build up. This can help you practice movement around the kit, so give it a shot.

Get the sheet music here!

Want to earn some free Drumeo swag?

We want to see videos of you playing this fill on Instagram! Tag yourself practicing it with the hashtag #illegaldrumfill. Next month we’ll choose a lucky winner to receive the Best Beginner Drum Book, drumsticks, and 6 months of Drumeo Edge. Good luck!


Jared Falk is a lifelong drummer, drum teacher, and the co-founder of Drumeo. For over 18 years, Jared has been a leader in the online music education industry, publishing his first online video lessons in 2003 and founding Musora in 2005.

Improve your speed on the drums with El Estepario Siberiano’s FREE course.
Enter your email to get all 10 exercises sent to your inbox.

By signing up you’ll also receive our ongoing free lessons and special offers. Don’t worry, we value your privacy and you can unsubscribe at any time.