Double bass drumming opens up a world of power and speed. Whether you use two bass drums or a double pedal, mastering this technique is essential for metal, hard rock, and progressive drumming.
Setting Up Your Double Pedal
Position the slave pedal to the left of your hi-hat pedal. You may need to move your hi-hat slightly to the left to make room.
Adjust the spring tension on both pedals to match. They should feel identical — if one feels heavier, adjust the spring until they're equal.
The beaters should be at the same height and angle. Check by pressing both pedals simultaneously — the beaters should strike the drum at the same point.
Basic Double Bass Exercises
Single strokes: R L R L R L R L (R = right foot, L = left foot). Start at 60 BPM playing eighth notes, then increase.
Double strokes: R R L L R R L L. This builds control and rebound management.
The "gallop": R R L — the classic metal pattern (think Iron Maiden). Practice this pattern on its own, then incorporate it into a beat.
Sixteenth notes at 160+ BPM is a good intermediate goal. Start slow and build gradually.
Practice Tips
- ●Play in socks or thin-soled shoes for better pedal feel
- ●Practice heel-down for control, heel-up for power
- ●Don't neglect your hands — double bass is useless without good hand technique
- ●Use a metronome and track your BPM progress weekly