The double bass pedal is an essential tool for many drummers, especially those in the genres of rock, metal, and other heavy music styles. It allows for a more complex and powerful rhythmic foundation by enabling the drummer to play rapid and continuous bass drum patterns. The double bass pedal consists of two pedals, each connected to a separate beater, which strike the bass drum in succession or simultaneously. Understanding how to use this equipment effectively can greatly enhance a drummer’s performance and open up a world of creative possibilities.
Setting Up the Double Bass Pedal
Adjusting the Pedal Height: The height of the pedals should be set according to the drummer’s preference and physical comfort. If the pedals are too high, it may cause unnecessary strain on the legs and feet, reducing endurance and speed. Conversely, if they are too low, it can make it difficult to generate sufficient power. A good starting point is to set the pedals so that the balls of the feet rest comfortably on them when the legs are in a slightly bent position. This allows for a natural and efficient motion.
Tension Adjustment: The tension of the pedals can be adjusted to control the resistance felt when pressing down. A looser tension is beneficial for faster playing as it requires less effort to move the beater. However, it may sacrifice some control. On the other hand, a tighter tension provides more control over the beater’s movement but demands more strength. Drummers need to experiment with different tension settings to find the balance that suits their playing style, whether it’s focused on rapid-fire double strokes or slower, more deliberate bass drum patterns.
Positioning the Pedals: The pedals should be placed at a distance that allows for comfortable and coordinated movement of both feet. They should be parallel to each other and aligned with the center of the bass drum. This alignment ensures that the beaters strike the drum head evenly and produce a consistent sound. Additionally, the drummer should have enough space between the pedals to avoid any interference during play.
Basic Foot Techniques
Heel-Toe Technique: This is one of the fundamental techniques for using a double bass pedal. The drummer starts with the heel of the foot on the rear part of the pedal and the toe on the front. To play a single stroke, the drummer pushes down with the toe, causing the beater to strike the drum. Then, the heel is brought down to reset the pedal for the next stroke. This technique allows for a smooth and continuous flow of bass drum notes. It is particularly useful for maintaining a steady rhythm at moderate tempos and can be developed to achieve faster speeds with practice.
Sliding Technique: In the sliding technique, the foot slides along the pedal surface. The drummer starts with the foot closer to the heel end of the pedal and slides it forward to strike the drum with the beater. After the strike, the foot slides back to its original position. This technique can create a different feel and sound compared to the heel-toe method. It is often used for creating accents or for adding a more fluid and gliding motion to the bass drum pattern. However, it requires good control over the foot’s movement to ensure accuracy and consistency.
Single-Stroke Roll: To perform a single-stroke roll, the drummer alternates between the left and right pedals, playing a single stroke on each pedal in rapid succession. This creates a continuous stream of bass drum notes. The key to a good single-stroke roll is to maintain an even and consistent tempo. It is essential to develop independence between the two feet so that each stroke is played with equal force and timing. This technique is commonly used in fast-paced drum fills and complex rhythmic passages.
Developing Speed and Endurance
Slow Practice: One of the most effective ways to build speed and endurance is through slow and deliberate practice. Start by playing basic patterns at a very slow tempo, focusing on technique and accuracy. As the muscles and neural pathways become more accustomed to the movements, gradually increase the tempo. This method allows the drummer to ingrain the correct technique into their muscle memory, reducing the risk of developing bad habits that can limit speed and control in the long run.
Metronome Use: A metronome is an invaluable tool for developing speed and endurance. Set the metronome to a comfortable starting tempo and play along with it, gradually increasing the tempo in small increments. The metronome helps the drummer maintain a steady rhythm and provides a clear indication of any tempo fluctuations. It also challenges the drummer to stay in time and improve their internal sense of rhythm.
Endurance Exercises: Endurance can be improved by performing long and continuous bass drum patterns. For example, play a single-stroke roll for an extended period, gradually increasing the duration as your endurance improves. Another exercise is to play a steady bass drum pattern while varying the tempo slightly up and down. This simulates the demands of a live performance and helps the muscles adapt to different levels of stress.
Incorporating the Double Bass Pedal into Drum Patterns
Simple Grooves: Start by incorporating the double bass pedal into basic drum grooves. For instance, in a 4/4 time signature, play a steady eighth-note pattern on the hi-hat, a snare on beats 2 and 4, and use the double bass pedal to play a quarter-note pattern on the bass drum. This simple groove can be the foundation for more complex rhythms. As you become more comfortable, you can start to vary the bass drum pattern, such as playing two eighth notes on the bass drum in place of the quarter note.
Fills and Transitions: The double bass pedal can add excitement and complexity to drum fills. Use it to play rapid-fire bursts of bass drum notes between different sections of a song or to lead into a new part. For example, a fill might consist of a series of single-stroke rolls on the toms followed by a double bass pedal flurry that leads back into the main groove. When transitioning between different rhythms or time signatures, the double bass pedal can provide a seamless link, helping to maintain the energy and flow of the music.
Complex Rhythms: As your skills progress, you can explore more complex rhythms that involve the double bass pedal. Try playing polyrhythms, such as a 3:2 or 5:4 ratio between the bass drum and other drums or cymbals. This creates a rich and textured sound that can add a unique flavor to your playing. Additionally, you can experiment with syncopated bass drum patterns, where the bass drum hits occur off the main beats, creating a sense of tension and release.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Cleaning and Lubrication: Regularly clean the double bass pedal to remove dirt, dust, and sweat that can accumulate over time. Use a soft cloth to wipe down the pedals, shafts, and other metal parts. Lubricate the moving parts, such as the hinges and springs, with a suitable lubricant. This helps to reduce friction and ensure smooth operation. However, be careful not to over-lubricate as this can attract more dirt and cause problems.
Tightening Loose Parts: Check for any loose bolts, nuts, or screws on the pedal regularly. Loose parts can affect the stability and performance of the pedal. If you notice any looseness, use the appropriate tools to tighten them. Pay particular attention to the connection points between the pedals and the bass drum, as well as any adjustable components.
Dealing with Squeaks and Noises: If the pedal makes squeaking or other unusual noises, first identify the source. It could be due to dry or dirty hinges, a loose part rubbing against another, or a problem with the beater. If it’s a hinge issue, lubrication may solve the problem. If a part is loose, tighten it. If the beater is causing the noise, check if it is damaged or misaligned and make the necessary adjustments or replacements.
Advanced Techniques and Creativity
Ghost Notes with the Double Bass Pedal: Ghost notes are soft, barely audible notes that add a subtle texture to the drum pattern. With the double bass pedal, you can play ghost notes by using a very light touch. This technique is often used in more laid-back or jazzy styles but can also be incorporated into other genres to add a touch of finesse. Experiment with playing ghost notes in between regular bass drum hits to create a more dynamic and interesting rhythm.
Combining with Other Drumming Techniques: Combine the double bass pedal with other drumming techniques such as cross-sticking, flams, and drags. For example, play a flam on the snare and immediately follow it with a double bass pedal stroke. This combination can create unique and powerful accents. Cross-sticking can also be used in conjunction with the double bass pedal to add a different tonal quality to the overall sound.
Creating Unique Sounds: Try using different types of beaters or modifying the existing beaters to create unique bass drum sounds. You can experiment with softer or harder beaters, or even add materials like tape or felt to the beater surface to alter the tone. Additionally, adjusting the tuning of the bass drum and the way the beater strikes the drum head (e.g., closer to the center or the edge) can also produce a wide variety of sounds.
