The book is designed to be a fundamental guide that inspires and empowers you to develop your own unique drum fills rather than simply reciting patterns you've memorized. In clear, step-by-step instructions, Nickel introduces universally applicable rhythmic concepts across varying degrees of difficulty, showing you orchestration ideas, phrasing possibilities, and dynamic exercises.

This isn't a book about basic rock fills from the 1970s. It dives into techniques favored by modern drummers:

The emphasis is on playing for the song, not just showcasing technique.

Before diving into the book's contents, it's important to understand the author. Jost Nickel is a highly respected German drummer, best known as the longtime drummer for the successful German artist Jan Delay & Disko No. 1, a position he has held since 2006. His reputation, however, extends far beyond his touring work. He is a world-class educator known for his meticulous, almost scientific approach to rhythm and feel.

The book focuses on teaching drummers how to develop their own musical vocabulary. Key topics include:

Splitting phrases between the snare, rack toms, and floor tom.