Groove Hack #37 — Even More “Filling in the Holes”

If you’ve ever felt like your grooves are solid but maybe a little too familiar, this Groove Hack is for you.

In Groove Hack #37, we take a straightforward kick and snare pattern and transform it by filling in the missing 16th notes on the hi-hat. The key idea here is simple but powerful:

the kick and snare stay separate.

That one decision instantly turns a standard groove into a clean, punchy linear pattern that feels modern, musical, and surprisingly fun to play.

What does “filling in the holes” actually mean?

Many beginner (and intermediate!) grooves leave space on the hi-hat — often playing straight 8th notes. In this hack, we simply add the missing 16th notes on the hi-hat without overlapping the kick or snare.

That creates:

• Clear separation between limbs

• A smooth linear flow

• More movement without adding complexity

You’re not changing the groove — you’re revealing what was already there.

What this groove hack helps you develop

This exercise is brilliant for building multiple skills at once:

• Subdivision awareness – you’ll feel the full 16th-note grid

• Right-hand hi-hat control – cleaner, more articulate strokes

• Speed and consistency – without rushing or tensing up

• Kick & snare independence – each limb has a clear role

Best of all, it upgrades your groove vocabulary without learning a new pattern. Same groove. New texture.

Why linear grooves are worth your time

Linear grooves often sound advanced, but they’re built from very simple ideas. Because only one limb plays at a time, they:

• Sound clean and intentional

• Sit really well in modern styles

• Translate brilliantly to electronic and hybrid kits

This particular hack works especially well on electronic kits, where clarity and articulation really shine.

🎧 This video was played on my Jobeky kit using Collision Drumsticks.

Want to take it further?

If you want:

• Full notation

• Step-by-step breakdowns

• Extended groove variations

You can find more Easy Drums resources over at:

👉 ppstix.com/store

And if you’ve enjoyed this one, there are plenty more Groove Hacks waiting for you on YouTube.

Over to you 👇

Have you tried linear grooves like this before?

Would you like me to explore even more “Filling in the Holes” variations — maybe with different orchestrations or feels?

Let me know, and I’ll build the next one around your questions.

🥁 Follow Easy Drums for more Groove Hacks, fills, and beginner-friendly drum ideas.