Need a drummers opinion.

[Kale1937]

So, I've been drumming for almost 2 years now and have yet to get a double bass pedal. I really hate the average metal drummer who just mashes on it non-stop. So I guess what I'm asking is: should I get one and sell my soul for rock and roll?

 

[Vegeta897]

My cousin has been drumming for many years, he's got a double bass pedal, does not play metal stuff like that. It's a necessity for pretty much any drummer I always thought.

 

[Fliko]

Rock N' Roll is fine with a double bass pedal. Just use it for fills I suggest you check out some of the older jazz drummers who use the Double Bass Pedal (It was originally made by a jazz drummer for a filler.).

It isn't necessary though, I'd suggest you really get down the heel-toe method if you wanna save the money.

Crazy rock drummers like Keith Moon used a double bass pedal, and same with Nick Manson. Like I said lots of jazz drummers used them too

 

[Qonfused]

For its most common uses, I've always hated double bass pedals. It seems the only time they're noticeable is in, as you said, horrible metal bands that just slam on them. They can be used well, but, I just always have this negative view about them because of all the metal bands. Also, you loose all hi-hat control, unless you're switching your foot around during between them, which I'm not saying is impossible but a lot more difficult. And, imo, hi-hat control > double bass. In spite of what I said, buy one and try it out. Maybe you'll find it better than your current set up.

It's a necessity for pretty much any drummer I always thought.

wat

 

[Fliko]

Also, you loose all hi-hat control, unless you're switching your foot around during between them,

Totally forgot about hi-hat control.
Opening and closing the hi-hat even when your not using it is a great way to keep time, and it can add that little bit of sonic layer that keeps your drum track very full and thick.

I'd highly suggest just investing on the heel-toe method for a single kick pedal (You can go pretty fast on single kick pedals too).

Incase you don't know what that is, it's where you lift your foot up, hit the pdeal with your heel, then the hard part right near your toes so you get a quick double bass sounding effect. (Rapid succession of hitting the bass drum.).

This will allow you to simulate a double bass in the fills you'd be using them in, but keep your hi-hat control. It also helps you keep everything simple (Less is more), and I've seen some crazy things done with this technique.

 

[Shift]

Im no drummer, but I know the double bass drum can be a very effective tool in many styles, but I would say having full high-hate control would be better.

 

[Kale1937]

Wow, thanks for all the advice guys! I think I'm gonna end up buying a cheap one and see if i like it or not. Although the heel-toe (correct?) method does sound like the pwnage.

 

[Vegeta897]

I talked a bit with my cousin about it, he said you really have to be good at it or you'll suck badly. So if you're going to try it out and really want to legitimately give it a chance, you'd pretty much have to commit to getting decently good.

 

[Laivasse]

You can do a lot with a double pedal that you can't without, but I don't think the reverse is true. Hi-hat control is all well and good, but there is little reason why you can't train to use both the hi-hat pedal and double kick in the same session - many drummers do this (here's Derek Roddy casually doing it at various points in a solo, as well as showing what a double kick can be used for).

The thing is, you don't absolutely require one unless you're drumming metal or jazz, or if you're planning on introducing little bass flurries into your beats.

By the way, buying a cheap pair of pedals or a cheap double pedal can be worse than having none at all - the drag and weight of a pedal varies massively depending upon the brand, and some are near impossible to sound good on unless you've been practicing your whole life. Research, or see if you can try before you buy, at least.

 

[Doppelgofer]

drumming sounds much more complicated than i ever thought. i've always wanted to give it a try

 

[Kale1937]

I think I'm gonna learn the heel-toe method. And yes, drumming is the pwnage.

 

[theotherguy]

Personally I think double bass pedals are extremely cheezy. They can be useful now and then, but I really hate drum beats that utilize them.

 

[Fliko]

Don't worry, it's not so bad if you're content in sucking and posting your terrible videos on YouTube. Truth be told, most drummers are awful, and sadly most of them don't seem to realise it.

True to that on lots of terrible YouTube. Drumming just takes some practice, and a sense of realization to whats in the groove, and what isn't. Just take it one step at a time, always start with your snare drum. A drum teacher in town, who's playing playing for 40 odd years (Insane drummer), suggests you always add one piece to the kit at a time and just master everything. Do something like Snare, and then add the next thing you want etc. It takes longer, but your technique (in theory) will be amazing.

 

[Shift]

Don't worry, it's not so bad if you're content in sucking and posting your terrible videos on YouTube. Truth be told, most drummers are awful, and sadly most of them don't seem to realise it.

This.

Our drummer is pretty crap, tries to do fills that he cant do, seems to change the general drumming pattern of a song everytime and cant keep us in time for shit so we have to work extra hard to keep a relative tempo to songs, the untrained ears we play to dont notice it. We are pushing him to start using clicks tracks but he keeps claiming he doesnt need them, but he really does, so much to the point that if he doesnt, then we are getting a new drummer, despite the fact that he is a good friend.

 

[Shift]

Well the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton were self-taught, but I see where you are coming from. I personally was taught from a young age, every 2 weeks. Never thought I learning anything but it wasnt until about 2 years ago when I started taking guitar playing seriously and started practising myself constantly that I realised I could play songs and pull off techniques I never dreamed I could do. Mainly because over all those years I was mastering my own technique of playing without realising it.

Now I know Im a good player, but like everyone, still have a lot of to learn and lot of growing with my instrument and the style abapted with my band.