Mastering the Art of Double Bass Drumming for Drum Set

Double bass drumming is a technique that allows drummers to play two bass drums independently. This technique is commonly used in metal, rock, and jazz music, and can add a powerful and driving sound to a drum set. While double bass drumming may seem difficult at first, it is a skill that can be mastered with practice and dedication.

In this article, we will discuss the basics of double bass drumming, including the different techniques, exercises, and tips to help you get started. We will also provide some video examples of double bass drumming in action.

Double Bass Drumming: For Drum Set

by Samuel Applebaum

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Language	:	English
File size	:	9149 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	32 pages

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The Basics of Double Bass Drumming

There are two main techniques for playing double bass drums: the heel-up technique and the heel-down technique. The heel-up technique is the most common, and it involves using the heel of your right foot to play the bass drum pedal, while your left foot plays the hi-hat or ride cymbal.

The heel-down technique is less common, and it involves using the ball of your right foot to play the bass drum pedal, while your left foot plays the snare drum. This technique is often used by jazz drummers.

Once you have chosen a technique, you can start practicing the basic double bass drum rudiments. These rudiments include the single stroke, the double stroke, and the paradiddle. As you practice these rudiments, you will develop the coordination and independence necessary to play double bass drums.

Exercises for Double Bass Drumming

There are many different exercises that you can do to practice double bass drumming. Some of the most common exercises include:

• Single strokes: This exercise involves playing a single stroke on each bass drum pedal, in a alternating pattern.
• Double strokes: This exercise involves playing two strokes on each bass drum pedal, in a alternating pattern.
• Paradiddles: This exercise involves playing a single stroke on each bass drum pedal, followed by a double stroke on the other pedal.
• Flam taps: This exercise involves playing a single stroke on one bass drum pedal, followed by a quick tap on the other pedal.

As you practice these exercises, you will develop the speed, power, and endurance necessary to play double bass drums effectively.

Tips for Double Bass Drumming

Here are some tips to help you get started with double bass drumming:

• Start slowly and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable.
• Use a metronome to help you stay in time.
• Focus on developing your coordination and independence.
• Practice regularly to improve your skills.
• Listen to recordings of other drummers who play double bass drums to learn from their techniques.

With practice and dedication, you can master the art of double bass drumming and add a powerful and driving sound to your drum set.

Video Examples of Double Bass Drumming

Here are some video examples of double bass drumming in action:

• Dave Lombardo (Slayer) - Double Bass Drumming Clinic
• Mike Mangini (Dream Theater) - Double Bass Drumming Lesson
• Thomas Lang - Double Bass Drumming Masterclass

I hope this article has been helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.