I really need some help on improving my speed on both single and double bassing. I know there are a lot of different techniques (slide, heel-toe, swivel, etc.) But when I try these it just doesn't seem to sound the way it does on their examples. I don't know if it's maybe mistakes on my part or something but I would really like to improve this area as it's one of the main factors in the beats. I can do decently with just straight lifting my leg up and down but after a while or if I try really fast bassing passages it just doesn't cut it. I hope I explained well enough what I mean. Basically I'm a clean slate on bassing please offer any tips or advice you have and I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks!

I sympathise as bass drum technique has always been my biggest sticking point.

I think the best way to help is to find a decent example of a technique played slowly. Work on the movement and even over exaggerate the movement so that your muscle memory becomes set in stone.

The problem is you have to work technique slowly and repetitively to get it to stick and then the speed will come easier. Don't worry about getting a nice sound to start with, just focus on the correct movement.

It's a bitch and can be really hard and depressing at times, but the feeling of nailing it when that time comes is like winning a battle in the war to become the next great drummer.

Steve Smith has some great advice on his DVD History of the US beat. For example heel toe technique. He practiced really slowly and by exaggerating the movement for a bit every day for and sweated it for months before the speed and consitency came.

Good luck!








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RobCrisp.co.uk

Thanks a ton Rob. I'll definitely try that stuff.

If anyone else has anything to add let me know. Thanks!

Help Please.

Flatfoot.








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Drums are fun, cars are sick, music is great, and life is alright.

"I never said that gear makes the player...I just wanted to exploit the other side of the argument."

I think people get too hung up on the technique behind striking a bass drum.

First off, start out with simple single strokes. If you pull the ball of your foot back to about 1 inch from the hinge you will discover a completely different feel of the pedal. When you strike the bass drum, have your heel raised about 1 inch up and use the weight of your leg to help the stroke along.

Playing flatfoot might work for some but I see it as being a hindrance to general useage. You just can't generate enough power like that. And yes I have tried. There's nothing like a heel-up stroke with a little bit of help from the leg.

Your pedal setup will also effect how you play. Too loose and you work too hard to play it because you have to account for the return of the beater. Also, the angle of the beater will determine your technique. THe bass drum pedal is one device that you have to come to terms with through just using it and discovering it.








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13612
www.billraydrums.com
www.myspace.com/billraydrums

I use heel up like Billy said for power and certain rythms and sometimes heel down (flat foot) for other rythms..It's kinda funny because I'll use both techniques within a single music piece..I must say that I have found also that with heel up about an inch I'll kind of let my heel come down with the stroke along with the ball of my foot..it makes the pedals feel real smooth for double kick stuff..!!








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Not into all that competetive who's better crap..Just love to have fun when I drum..!! <|:O)

www.myspace.com/70275304

Bass techniques is probably the hardest to give advise on technique in. I play primarily flat footed and occassionally lift the heel for more rock/funk things. Also, I was taught to keep the beater off the head, with the beater resting at about the position it would normally be at with your foot off the pedal - some cats love to keep the beater on the head, which I think changes your approach.

Best advise is to put medium tension on the spring and put a 45 degree slant on the beater. Try both techniques (heel down, heel up) and also try playing the pedal resting on the head vs. resting away from the head and see what feels best to you. This is really one of the most personal aspects to drumming. Good luck.








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Alden Merrill

Ford Drums
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