Here is a helpful practice tip.  Begin by playing two 16th notes on the snare using a right-left sticking,  followed by two 16th notes on the bass drum.  For this exercise I would suggest using a single pedal and a heel up technique.  Start slowly at 50bpm and be sure to keep an even 16th feel throughout.

Once you are comfortable with the pattern gradually increase your speed.  I will start with two knee motions at the slower tempos. Then, I will use one large and one small knee motion at medium tempos, approx. 75bpm.  And finally, I will end up using one knee motion followed by a sliding motion with my foot at faster tempos, approx. 104bpm.

When the 16th note pattern feels comfortable at a variety of tempos you can start moving it around the kit and use it as a fill from a variety of Funk and Rock grooves.

I recently published the second lesson in my 4-part Funk/Rock Fill lesson series.  In this lesson you will learn a variety of ways to move this pattern around the set and use it as great sounding fill. Once you understand this concept it will open up a whole new realm of fill possibilities.  In the third part of the series I will teach you 10 different fills using this concept.

You can gain access to the all 4 lessons in the series, plus the transcriptions for each lesson by becoming a member of JohnX Online Drum Lessons.  Join Now!