Double bass drumming is a popular drumming technique that involves the use of two bass drums or a double pedal to produce a rapid, powerful, and complex rhythm. It is a widely used technique in various genres of music, including heavy metal, progressive rock, and jazz fusion.
In general, double bass drumming is a drumming technique that involves using two bass drums or a double bass pedal to create fast and complex rhythms. It is often used in heavy metal, hard rock, and other genres that require a lot of speed and power.
In this article, I will explore the history, techniques, and notable drummers of double bass drumming, as well as provide some tips and exercises for beginners looking to master this challenging technique.
History Of Double Bass Drumming
The use of two bass drums can be traced back to the early 1900s, when drummers started experimenting with adding a second bass drum to their drum kit.
However, it wasn’t until the 1960s and 1970s, when heavy metal and hard rock became popular, that double bass drumming really took off.
Legendary drummers like John Bonham of Led Zeppelin and Neil Peart of Rush helped popularize the technique, and it has since become a staple of many genres.
Double Bass Drumming Techniques
Double bass drumming requires a lot of skill and practice. It involves using both feet to play different rhythms simultaneously, while also coordinating with the hands to create a cohesive sound. Some common techniques used in double bass drumming include:
- Alternating between the left and right foot
- Playing both feet at the same time
- Using heel-toe technique to play faster rhythms
- Playing triplets and other complex rhythms
Why Do Drummers Use Double Bass Pedals
Developing the ability to play double bass drumming requires a lot of practice and dedication. Drummers must work on building their stamina, speed, and accuracy to be able to play at the desired tempo. They must also develop good technique to prevent injury and ensure consistent sound.
Drummers use double bass for a variety of reasons, depending on the musical genre, personal style, and the desired effect. Here are some of the most common reasons why drummers use double bass:
- Speed and Power – Double bass drumming allows drummers to play faster and more complex rhythms than using a single bass drum. The use of two bass drums or a double pedal provides more opportunities for rapid-fire bass drum patterns, creating a more energetic and powerful sound.
- Musical Versatility – Double bass drumming is not limited to any specific genre and can be applied to a wide range of musical styles, from heavy metal to jazz fusion. This versatility makes it a valuable technique for drummers looking to expand their skills and repertoire.
- Creative Expression – Double bass drumming allows drummers to experiment with different rhythms, beats, and fills, adding a unique and personal touch to their music. It also provides opportunities for improvisation and collaboration with other musicians.
- Showmanship – Double bass drumming can be a visually impressive and exciting element of a live performance. Many drummers use it to captivate and entertain their audience, demonstrating their technical skills and musical prowess.
Overall, double bass drumming is a challenging and rewarding technique that adds depth, power, and versatility to a drummer’s playing. It requires dedication, practice, and patience, but the results can be spectacular, both musically and visually.
Famous Double Bass Drummers
Metal and Rock Double Bass Drummers
Metal and rock music are two genres that make extensive use of double bass drumming. Here are some of the most famous drummers who have made a name for themselves in these genres:
- Lars Ulrich – Co-founder and drummer of Metallica, Ulrich is known for his fast and precise double bass drumming.
- Joey Jordison – Former drummer of Slipknot, Jordison is known for his aggressive and fast-paced double bass drumming.
- Carmine Appice – A veteran drummer who has played with many rock bands, Appice is known for his use of double bass drum pedals.
- Alex Van Halen – Drummer for the band Van Halen, Alex is known for his powerful and intricate double bass drumming.
- Charlie Benante – Drummer for the band Anthrax, Benante is known for his use of different kick patterns and his ability to switch between different styles of music.
Jazz Double Bass Drummers
Double bass drumming is not limited to metal and rock music. Here are some famous jazz and orchestra drummers who have used double bass drumming in their performances:
- Louie Bellson – Known for his innovative use of double bass drums in jazz music, Bellson is credited with popularizing the use of two bass drums in a single drum kit.
- Billy Cobham – A jazz fusion drummer, Cobham is known for his use of fast and complex double bass drumming patterns.
- Ed Shaughnessy – Drummer for the Tonight Show Band, Shaughnessy was known for his use of double bass drums in swing music.
- Sam Woodyard – Drummer for the Duke Ellington Orchestra, Woodyard was known for his precise and swinging double bass drumming.
- Terry Bozzio – A versatile drummer who has played with many different bands and artists, Bozzio is known for his use of double bass drumming in progressive rock and jazz fusion music.
Double bass drumming has become an essential part of many genres of music, and these famous drummers have helped to popularize it. Whether it’s fast and aggressive metal or intricate and swinging jazz, the double bass drum pedal has become a staple of modern drumming.
What Equipment Is Used For Double Bass Drumming
Drum Kits and Hardware
Double bass drumming requires a specific type of drum kit and hardware. The drum kit should have two bass drums or a double bass drum pedal. The hardware should be sturdy and able to withstand the impact of double bass drumming.
Some popular drum kits for double bass drumming include:
- Pearl Export EXX
- Gretsch Renown
Bass Drums and Pedals
The bass drums used for double bass drumming are typically larger than those used in traditional drumming. They should be able to produce a deep, resonant sound.
Some popular bass drum brands for double bass drumming include Pearl Music City Custom Reference Pure and DW.
The bass drum pedals used for double bass drumming should be durable and responsive. Some popular bass drum pedals include the Tama Iron Cobra and the DW 9000. I’ve linked to Amazon and prices are always changing, so be sure to check them both out and pick the right one for you and your budget.
When selecting equipment for double bass drumming, it is important to choose items that are durable, responsive, and able to produce a deep, resonant sound. It is also important to consider the size and weight of the equipment, as double bass drumming can be physically demanding.
How Do Double Bass Drums Work
Double bass drums work by allowing drummers to play two bass drums or a double pedal with their feet simultaneously. This creates a more complex and powerful sound than using a single bass drum. Here are some key points to understand how double bass drums work:
- Setup – Drummers can choose to use two separate bass drums or a double pedal that connects two beaters to a single bass drum. The double pedal is the more common option and allows drummers to use both feet on a single drum kit.
- Technique –Double bass drumming requires a high level of coordination and stamina from the drummer. The technique involves alternating between the left and right foot to produce a continuous and rhythmic pattern.
- Styles – Double bass drumming can be used in a wide range of musical styles, but it is most commonly associated with heavy metal and hard rock. It can add speed, power, and complexity to any musical composition.
- Practice – To master double bass drumming, drummers need to practice regularly and gradually build up their speed and stamina. There are numerous exercises and techniques available to help drummers improve their double bass drumming skills.
- Notation – Double bass drumming is often notated by using the first space on the drum staff and the either the first line or the first ledger line note under the staff. There are other ways to notate (if it even is notated…sometimes it’s left to the drummer to decide) but this is the most common and easily read method.
Overall, double bass drumming is a complex and challenging technique that requires a high level of skill and practice. However, with dedication and perseverance, drummers can achieve a powerful and versatile sound that adds depth and excitement to their playing.
Double Bass Drumming In Metal And Rock Music
Double bass drumming is a staple in heavy metal and rock music. Many metal and rock drummers use double bass drumming to create fast, powerful beats that drive the music forward. One of the most well-known drummers to use double bass drumming in metal is Mike Portnoy, who played in the progressive metal band Dream Theater.
Double bass drumming in metal and rock is often characterized by fast, repetitive patterns that create a sense of urgency and intensity. These patterns are often used in conjunction with guitar riffs to create a cohesive, driving sound.
Double Bass Drumming In Jazz And Swing
Double bass drumming is also used in jazz and swing music, although the style is quite different from that used in metal and rock. In jazz and swing, double bass drumming is often used to create a subtle, syncopated rhythm that supports the rest of the band.
Unlike in metal and rock, where double bass drumming is often used to create a sense of power and intensity, in jazz and swing it is used to create a sense of swing and groove. Jazz and swing drummers often use a technique called “feathering” to create a soft, continuous bass drum sound that supports the rest of the band.
Double Bass Drumming In Orchestral Music
Double bass drumming is also used in orchestral music, although it is less common than in metal and rock or jazz and swing. In orchestral music, double bass drumming is often used to create a dramatic, powerful sound that emphasizes important moments in the music.
Orchestral drummers often use a technique called “rolls” to create a sustained, rolling sound on the bass drum. This technique is used to create tension and anticipation in the music, and is often used in conjunction with other percussion instruments to create a full, rich sound.
This rolling technique would most often be performed by a percussionist using two beaters on a large standing bass drum, but some pieces do call for a drummer seated at a kit, so a double bass drum pedal would be utilized.
What Is The Difference Between A Single And Double Bass Drum Pedal
In general, the difference between a single and double bass drum pedal is the number of pedals used to produce the bass drum sound. A single bass drum pedal uses one pedal, while a double bass drum pedal uses two pedals or two beaters on a single pedal.
Here are some key points to understand the differences between these two types of drum pedals:
- Sound – The use of two bass drum pedals or a double pedal allows drummers to produce a faster and more complex bass drum sound. With a single pedal, the drummer has limited options for rapid-fire patterns.
- Setup – A single bass drum pedal is simpler and requires less setup time and space than a double bass drum pedal. The double bass drum pedal can be more complicated to set up, but it offers more flexibility and opportunities for creativity.
- Technique – Double bass drumming requires a higher level of coordination and stamina than using a single bass drum pedal. Drummers need to develop the ability to alternate between the left and right foot while maintaining a steady rhythm.
- Versatility – A single bass drum pedal is suitable for most musical genres, whereas double bass drumming is more commonly associated with heavy metal and hard rock. However, double bass drumming can also be used in jazz fusion, funk, and other musical styles.
- Price – A single bass drum pedal is typically less expensive than a double bass drum pedal, making it a more budget-friendly option for beginner drummers.
The choice between a single and double bass drum pedal depends on the drummer’s personal preference, musical style, and skill level. Both types of pedals offer unique advantages and challenges, and each can produce a powerful and dynamic bass drum sound.
