Drumming is an art that requires precision, speed, and endurance. Whether playing jazz, rock, or metal, drummers often need to execute rapid note sequences to enhance musical expression. However, not all parts of the drum set are equally suited for speed. Some components allow for faster playing due to their size, rebound, and accessibility.
This article explores which parts of a drum set drummers most frequently use to play the fastest notes. We will examine the snare drum, bass drum, hi-hat, toms, and cymbals, analyzing their role in speed drumming, how different techniques apply, and which factors influence a drummer’s ability to play fast.
The Snare Drum: A Primary Tool for Speed
1. Why Drummers Use the Snare Drum for Speed
The snare drum is central to many fast drumming techniques. Positioned directly in front of the drummer, it offers easy access and allows for rapid hand movements. The drum’s tensioned surface provides excellent rebound, making it easier to execute high-speed strokes.
Several drumming techniques contribute to playing fast on the snare:
Single Strokes: Alternating hands to create a fast, even roll.
Double Strokes: Two hits per hand, allowing greater speed with less effort.
Buzz Rolls: Multiple bounces per stroke, often used in orchestral and jazz drumming.
Blast Beats: A high-speed drumming technique popular in metal music, relying heavily on snare work.
2. The Role of Stick Rebound in Speed
The snare drum has a tight, highly responsive drumhead, allowing for quick stick rebound. This rebound is essential for techniques such as the Moeller method and finger control, which help drummers maintain high speeds without excessive fatigue.
3. Fastest Playing Styles on the Snare Drum
Drummers in genres like metal, jazz, and drum corps frequently push the snare drum to its limits. Metal drummers, for example, often play snare speeds exceeding 200 beats per minute (BPM) using techniques like gravity blasts.
The Bass Drum: The Foundation of Speed in Drumming
1. Why the Bass Drum is Essential for Fast Drumming
The bass drum provides the low-end punch that drives high-speed drumming. While hands control the snare, hi-hat, and cymbals, feet operate the bass drum pedal, making coordination crucial for achieving maximum speed.
2. Techniques for Playing Fast on the Bass Drum
Drummers use various foot techniques to increase speed:
Single Pedal Techniques:
Heel-Up: Lifting the heel to generate power and speed.
Heel-Toe: A rolling motion that allows two quick strikes in one motion.
Double Pedal Techniques:
Alternating Feet: Using two pedals for rapid double bass playing.
Swivel Technique: A lateral foot motion to increase speed while conserving energy.
3. Double Bass in Metal and Extreme Music
Drummers in extreme metal use double bass pedals to achieve speeds of 250+ BPM, often incorporating continuous 16th or 32nd note patterns. Drummers like Joey Jordison (Slipknot) and George Kollias (Nile) have popularized advanced bass drum speed techniques.
The Hi-Hat: Speed and Precision in Drumming
1. How the Hi-Hat Contributes to Fast Drumming
The hi-hat cymbals provide a crisp, articulate sound that complements fast drumming. Drummers use the hi-hat in high-speed playing by incorporating rapid stick strokes and foot pedal control.
2. Techniques for Speed on the Hi-Hat
Fast Alternating Strokes: Drummers use wrist and finger techniques to play fast notes.
Hi-Hat Footwork: Quick opening and closing of the hi-hat using the foot pedal adds extra speed elements.
Sixteenth-Note Patterns: Common in rock, funk, and jazz, where drummers play fast-paced grooves.
3. Fastest Playing Styles on the Hi-Hat
Funk and jazz drummers often play rapid, intricate hi-hat patterns. A drummer like Buddy Rich could execute blazing fast hi-hat strokes, while rock and metal drummers like Neil Peart (Rush) used dynamic hi-hat flourishes for speed and complexity.
The Toms: How Drummers Use Them for Fast Playing
1. Why Toms Are Used for Speed Fills
While toms aren’t the primary drum used for speed, they play a crucial role in fast drum fills. A well-executed tom run can create a rapid, rolling effect, adding variety to a drummer’s arsenal.
2. Techniques for Fast Tom Playing
Linear Drumming: Fast single-note patterns moving between toms.
Rudiments: Drummers incorporate rudiments like paradiddles to play complex tom fills.
Tension and Stick Rebound: Higher tension toms allow for faster rebounds.
3. Famous Fast Tom Players
Drummers like Mike Mangini (Dream Theater) and Terry Bozzio (Frank Zappa) are known for their fast and intricate tom work, incorporating speedy rolls and polyrhythms into their playing.
Cymbals: Speed in Accents and Rolls
1. The Role of Cymbals in Fast Drumming
Cymbals aren’t typically used for playing the fastest notes, but they contribute to fast drumming through quick accents, rolls, and crashes.
2. Techniques for Speed on Cymbals
Ride Cymbal Bell Patterns: Used in jazz and metal to add fast rhythmic elements.
Fast Crash Cycling: Drummers hit crashes in rapid succession to create intensity.
China Cymbal Blasts: Used in extreme metal for fast, aggressive accents.
3. Cymbal Speed in Different Genres
Jazz: Fast ride cymbal patterns define swing drumming.
Metal: Drummers use blast beats with cymbal accents for extreme speed.
Rock: Fast hi-hat openings and ride cymbal work keep up energy in songs.
Conclusion
While all drum set components contribute to fast playing, the snare drum and bass drum are the primary tools for achieving extreme speeds. For drummers looking to play faster, focusing on the snare, bass drum, and hi-hat will yield the best results. By mastering techniques like double strokes, blast beats, and double bass pedal playing, drummers can achieve incredibly high speeds while maintaining control and precision.
By integrating all elements of the drum set effectively, drummers can push their speed and creativity to new heights.
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