Why You're Struggling to Play Doubles on Kick

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  • Опубликовано: 8 фев 2025
  • → Conquer one-handed hihat 16ths at 80bpm in 5 simple steps. Download my FREE “Secret to Hihat 16ths” guide! the-non-glamor...
    Today we’re digging into foot technique and all the theory behind it! Here are some reasons why you might be struggling with getting those right foot doubles up to speed. Whether the problem is mental or physical, I hope to offer some practical, productive suggestions to help you out. The truth is, there are no shortcuts to achieving foot speed on the bass drum. However, if you can isolate the issue and KNOW what to practice…well, that’s a shortcut in and of itself. After going through detailed, slow motion examples of 3 different “heel-toe-type” techniques, we wrap up the discussion with the underlying concept that you don’t “absolutely have to” learn any ONE technique. Our goal as drummers should be to adapt our foot technique to our body type and playing style and to find a method that works for us. As the thumbnail states, you don’t HAVE to learn heel toe. What if another technique is actually easier and faster for you? Keep an open mind, and keep improving that right foot.
    If you like what you’ve seen here on the NonGlamorousDrummer, I hope you’ll SUBSCRIBE! This channel is all about giving you the tips and skills you REALLY need to help YOU become a better drummer.
    NEW VIDEO EVERY FRIDAY!!
    Contact me here! It’s always great to get mail.
    stephen@thenonglamorousdrummer.com

Комментарии • 669

  • @thenonglamorousdrummer
    @thenonglamorousdrummer  5 лет назад +16

    Conquer one-handed hihat 16ths at 80bpm in 5 simple lessons! Download my FREE guide, “The Secret to Hihat 16ths." the-non-glamorous-drummer-llc.ck.page/b2413eee87

    • @einarabelc5
      @einarabelc5 4 года назад +3

      Where was your channel when I was learning to drum 9 years ago

    • @einarabelc5
      @einarabelc5 4 года назад +1

      The one problem I see here is that you're limited to digits e because you're sinking the beater

    • @jeffbaker6030
      @jeffbaker6030 4 года назад

      @@einarabelc5 daa

    • @paulpelino7052
      @paulpelino7052 4 года назад

      @@einarabelc5 00

    • @cluek9780
      @cluek9780 3 года назад +1

      Link is broken!

  • @johnbenton3945
    @johnbenton3945 6 лет назад +216

    really helpful for all of us self taught drummers out there who never got lessons. would have been nice to have had the internet 25 yrs ago!

    • @Chiroman527
      @Chiroman527 3 года назад +6

      John, at 69 YO, I was Self Taught too, but in 1966-69. Just picked drumming again after 50 Years Off!! My wife of 45 years gifted me a cheapo Gammon Kit for 2018 XMAS. She did that bc I only "mentioned" that I was interested to go to a local music studio to "beat on the drums again". So now, I recommenced playing since mid 2019 (it took me about 4 or 5 months to "attack" the new kit). I've started watching Steven's and others YT videos for tips and tricks. I always played Heel Down on the Bss pedal. My right leg is affected by its shortness (1 inch short resulting from a HS Football fractured right Thigh in 1966). That unattended shortness has also wreaked total Havoc with my hips and spine, but I deal with it. It Does affect that I am unable to hit double strokes on the bass. Oh well, Practice, Practice, Practice. I only play for Recreational pleasure as I am retired and won't be playing Gigs... Unless a Geriatric Band should stumble on the horizon. Happy Drumming !!

    • @dadstermac
      @dadstermac 2 года назад +2

      You should see it from self teaching starting 57 years ago. Mentors were few and far between. Lessons on a corded land line? Ha ha

  • @alexr.8397
    @alexr.8397 6 лет назад +41

    My foot feels like when you have a dream where you are trying to escape from something. So you try to run as fast as possible but you start moving so slow like you hit some quicksand.

  • @deanroddey2881
    @deanroddey2881 4 года назад +18

    I've recently gotten a kit (just a practice pad for a couple years before that.) I've gone through plenty of tutorials, and had adjusted the tension on the pedal to loosen it a bit. But I'd sort of forgotten about that aspect of it in all the other things I was having to figure out.
    I was really struggling with quick heel and toe, leaving aside just my still sort of iffy technique so far. Tonight I finally thought about it again and just relaxed the tension a bit more, and within 15 minutes I was doing orders of magnitude better.
    It was just pushing back too much on my foot, it was that simple. That would both make it hard for me to get the timing right, and I'd often get these sort of trailing bounces off the kick head. Just dropping the tension a bit more made those issues go away.
    So, anyhoo, don't always assume it's your own incompetence. Learning how to optimize your gear is a big part of it. And it was nice to suddenly get what seems like months of improvement in 15 minutes.

    • @cinnamonrollypoly
      @cinnamonrollypoly 3 года назад +1

      I'm definitely going to try this! I've always kept my pedal fairly high tension because I thought I needed it for the rebound, but I'm learning that the exact opposite may be true.

  • @unitedvideoproductionscorp8493
    @unitedvideoproductionscorp8493 6 лет назад +6

    The slo-mo really helped and don't see very often in drum lessons. I think anyone at any level can appreciate the slo-mo when breaking down a new technique or groove. Great job. I appreciate the extra effort!

    • @joycefung2473
      @joycefung2473 Год назад

      Jared from Drumeo does it slow mo :D just google toe-heel technique and you'll find it!

  • @cinnamonrollypoly
    @cinnamonrollypoly 3 года назад +2

    THANK YOU!!! Everyone always talks about heel-toe, but I've always been more comfortable playing heel-down. I was told that what I was doing wrong, but it works for me.

  • @CoryProducts
    @CoryProducts Год назад +1

    Thank you for sorting this out. I've been trying to re-educate my foot to no avail. It has left me frustrated as I try to play the slide technique, heel up and variations of such. I can play doubles quite comfortably heel down and as I need to speed up, I simply move my foot back the middle of the pedal and naturally go toe-heel allowing the bounce, catching the beater after rebound. For most music I play, heel down is more controlled and sufficient and can make it powerful enough to cut through the band. Enjoying your videos..very helpful..thank you.

  • @3tropicstaffies319
    @3tropicstaffies319 3 года назад +9

    Your lessons are always simplified but really in-depth. I find they’re delivered well to a beginner and now intermediate drummer like myself 👌🏽
    Thanks heaps

  • @tforsell
    @tforsell 6 лет назад +1

    So far (well 10 yrs or so of being mildly interested in leisure drumming) this was the best showcase of double strokes with kick, that I have come across. Really informative and encouraging for me!!

  • @robertsomerville320
    @robertsomerville320 4 года назад +3

    I'm a heel down player. I practice Iron Maiden "Nicko" style gallops, doubles, and such. Also tried changing and practising the other methods through out the years. I noticed that I kept going back to heel down when accuracy or speed was the goal. It is that muscle memory that just made it tight. Also i found not burying the beater at all worked best for me, i just let the beater off of each stroke, and tightened up my foot to grab-snap it back for stroke two. It's all how you condition and practice.

  • @williamsharp8254
    @williamsharp8254 6 лет назад +3

    I like the Heal Up method because my instructor said It was an easy way to get out the bass sound.. Plus I can get more dynamics And for me this was true. At my church our drummer is more fluid and loves the jazz sound uses heal down. I guess it depends on what style your playing. You and Stephen Taylor are my go to guys. You complement each others teaching. God Bless

  • @bp1767
    @bp1767 5 лет назад +3

    You should also mention the spring tension on your pedal may be goofed up. If you feel like you're waiting for the pedal to come back to your foot, increase spring. If you feel like the pedal and even the beater is whacking your foot (or your shin) dial it down. Play around with it and see what works for you. Thanks Stephen for posting.

  • @kp6880
    @kp6880 6 лет назад +1

    Thanks, I really needed to hear this! I am a beginner. I was a heel down player and recently went to Cuba for 2 months to study Afro Cuban drums. My teacher suggested I try heel up, which at first felt so awkward I could hardly play. But, whenever I find I can't do something, I always want to do it! So I kept at it and now it feels completely natural. It definitely allows me to play harder when I need to, and faster. And now I use both techniques, I don't think about it, I just use whichever feels right at the time.

  • @gmontie2010
    @gmontie2010 Год назад

    I think this is the best video on playing doubles on the base drum. I started by playing singles with accents on each foot (for double base) then when I developed enough control I started practicing doubles on each foot. The same techniques used for stick control, I find, can be translated to the feet. Where wrist exercises used for the hands follow a similar application for the feet using your ankles. For doubles start slooow! Place the accent on the second beat just like you would do with your hands when originally developing 5 stroke rolls. Once you get that write and have developed enough control try combinations of 5 stroke rolls with the left hand and right foot, followed by right hand left foot. This will help separate each limb so that you will develop more independence of movement on each limb. More complex combination can then be developed by introducing each rudiment on the feet, and then all of the limb combinations as stated above. In addition to this, when counting out the rudiment, or rhythm start start slowly! Very slowly, and make a mental note as to have it feels. The actual movement of your limbs to make a specific complex rhythm, in my experience, is very different then your original perception.

  • @Coastfog
    @Coastfog Год назад +5

    Of course you don't *need* heel-toe, but it's one SOAB of an asset to have. Since I started practicing, *every* part of my kick technique has improved immensely, from heel up to heel down to ankle motion.
    I recommend everyone give it a try, and by try I mean two or three weeks of intense focused practice, don't give up when you fail in the beginning, because you *will* fail. See what it does to your legs and feet, I believe you're gonna be impressed with yourself. To me, it's one of the single greatest assets I have (somewhat) acquired.

    • @joycefung2473
      @joycefung2473 Год назад

      I couldn't do heel-toe technique until after a while. Now I can do it with both legs. It just needs a lot of practice to know your foot, where it strikes, what makes the two strikes, know your pedal & spring tension and the feel of it - and just keep practising. I've tried sliding - but its very inconsistent. I can't always slide, and when I am able to slide it just ruins my shoes. Heel-toe is very reliable.

  • @federicolevario4781
    @federicolevario4781 7 лет назад +1

    Hey Stephen, it's nice to know that someone has broken this concept down and not making one feeling like you have to do Heel Toe technique. I will definitely go back home tonight and try this method. Even though I get impatient and want to get it now, not later I'll be sure to take my time.
    Fred

  • @ediot6969
    @ediot6969 6 лет назад +3

    I just took the most simple, common sense approach. I started playing doubles really slow and took the speed up gradually. What resulted is, I have zero need to slide my foot anywhere, I have zero need to play heel/ toe method and things like- what pedal I’m using and spring tension do not matter. This is the absolute best way for anyone. It’s the most natural. One can always add other techniques, but being able to play fast doubles on the floor with just your foot is equal to being able to play fast doubles with just your hand/ wrist. It always translates to the stick and pedal.

  • @skyrider9524
    @skyrider9524 Год назад

    "Physical and mental" the most precious info for me. To ME, its mental. When i play only the foot on bass drum, everything ok, but When i play in a groove, it's like a second left foot or someone else's foot. Great lesson Stephen!

  • @DaDsJacksonsDad
    @DaDsJacksonsDad 4 года назад +2

    I appreciate this video. I am new and having issues. I also have to play without shoes due to foot size, so I am glad you mentioned that.

  • @MyVinster
    @MyVinster 7 лет назад +2

    I really like your tips because you are so down to earth. You know all the common problems a drummer can experience. Keep posting sir because I like to listen.. Thank You

  • @purpledc1
    @purpledc1 6 лет назад +1

    Thank you so much. I am a newer drummer trying to develop my technique and I keep seeing videos of people talking about heel toe and the slide technique and they all seem to focus on a very specific foot position that I find unnatural and pretty much impossible. But they never say they that you can do variables on this movement for what is comfortable for you. Some of them even explained it so poorly that I was led to believe that I was doing it improperly and that I would be backing myself in a corner by having poor technique and not progressing because of it. This whole time I should have been trying to further develop what I was told I needed to change.

  • @tmbpyrotechnics9490
    @tmbpyrotechnics9490 3 года назад +1

    I can't describe how helpful this is for a beginning drummer!

  • @laytonmiller5865
    @laytonmiller5865 6 лет назад +4

    FWIW I have always played heel down, and have a very fast double. It always felt more natural to me. That said, I was self-taught. I started taking legit lessons 2 months ago and made a pledge to learn to play heel up (I always knew I needed some guidance to do it since it felt unnatural to me). I am having an extremely hard time with doubles with heel up but am committed to figuring out the technique. Once I get comfortable with it, I will likely go back and forth between both techniques depending on the situation. I just find that with heel up my upper quad muscles get tired (which I know is a result of bad technique) but I have been improving it. We'll see where it goes.
    @Stephen Clark - Great video, and thanks for taking stigma away. I like your "do what's best for you" approach.

  • @davidrendon1737
    @davidrendon1737 3 года назад

    Dude. You are the best drum teacher. When ever im confused I come to your videos and you always have the answer.

  • @tombubb1851
    @tombubb1851 6 лет назад

    I have watched multiple videos about heel-toe, and they never made sense. Slowing down the video was REALLY helpful. Thank you.

  • @martinlaporte2112
    @martinlaporte2112 5 лет назад +4

    Great video ! Love the comments about foot size affecting the heel-toe technique. I have size 14 shoes and the heel-toe technique
    is very difficult. I also love the comments about finding the right technique for YOU. I teach that to all my students.

    • @Datanditto
      @Datanditto 5 лет назад +1

      I have the same problem: size 14.
      I was wondering if there are longer pedals. Much longer..

  • @kerryprance3767
    @kerryprance3767 2 года назад

    Stephen, I have been playing for 56 years. Age and medical problems had begun to take their toll on my playing, mostly with my feet from nerve damage from accidents and heart medications. I used to be able to do some really fantastic stuff on that bass peddle to the point that I just laughed at " double bass" players. 1st, we have two types of pedal plays (1) the ankle player, and . (2) the " leg/knee" player. I found that as the nerves and muscles in my right leg started to go down hill I did some weird stuff to compensate. One that worked well was that I switched from my usual speed king and other good pedals to a really cheap sloppy one that I put stiff springs on. then I rotated my snare stand to where one of the legs ran toward the bass peddle. I would rest my heel on that snare leg and use the ball of my foot on the bass pedal. It worked great. Right now I have installed a really nice set of Yamaha double Bass pedals and I am useless with them ... Got to change something or give up??

  • @johnnybgood747
    @johnnybgood747 6 лет назад +1

    I appreciated your insight to NOT needing heel toe method just to gain speed. I'm a long time drummer however double kick is something I've really wanted to master. I like your suggestion to use what really feels right. Thanks! Good video assistance.

  • @chrism950
    @chrism950 7 лет назад +5

    i heard it said once "learn all the techniques they are all different tools to be utilized in different scenarios" i feel like that was you're overall message.

  • @benjaminpeternorris
    @benjaminpeternorris 7 лет назад +1

    Good lesson. I like that you were not afraid to show the different techniques and actually look what is physically happening with the pedal/beater to demonstrate that the end result is pretty much the same. I could never get on with heel/toe technique personally. When I started I mainly played heel up, but now I'm more of a heel down player as I've developed my playing. Technique should never dictate what you are trying to play, it should always be led by the music. A particular technique should just be the enabler for that to happen. Also it was good that you focussed on the mental/physical aspect of playing. With kick doubles I seem to have a mental block when it comes to doubles starting on a downbeat, e.g. when played as 16th notes: 1-e, 2-e, 3-e, 4-e etc. but leading into a downbeat I find much easier to process e.g. ah-1, ah-2, ah-3, ah-4. Physically there should be no difference, but mentally there definitely is!!

  • @graememcdonald1547
    @graememcdonald1547 7 лет назад

    Excellent! I just found this site today. I used to play heel down/flat footed and then started learning/playing heel up. Initially almost falling backwards off my drum throne.:-) Lately I've found I can play both ways but my flat foot technique fatigues fairly quickly. I agree completely with your point about not being forced to play a certain way. You made your points extremely well. I made my living as a drummer a looooong time.

  • @ehunz
    @ehunz Год назад

    Thank you for calling out the similarities between other (hand) techniques, in my head I was just thinking "heel-toe was the next frontier" for getting speed but didn't realize you could apply rebound principles with heel-up. FWIW I think in one video you mentioned that metalheads probably aren't watching you, but I've been finding your videos incredibly helpful!

  • @bonhzeppelin9882
    @bonhzeppelin9882 6 лет назад +1

    Spot on mate! Breaking these techniques down to its simplest form and the concepts behind them! Bravo! The basics are the means to excellence, or in this case drumming dexterity!

  • @scottcutler7749
    @scottcutler7749 5 лет назад +2

    Yes!, I have big feet too and heel toe is pretty much impossible. Heel up all the way.. I like playing drums because solving these problems is in itself good fun and of course rewarding when you find what works and can accept what doesn't.

  • @slim1275
    @slim1275 6 лет назад

    This channel seems to be geared towards novices - a very valuable asset for those who need it. for those of you who insist he is doing everything wrong, you probably should not be watching these videos. there are several advanced drumming channels that may be better for you. I have been playing for over 30 years. I watch videos like this to help fill in any gaps there may be in my early drumming development. His advice is sound, even if it does not apply to you. look up Mike Johnston to see how your legalistic opinions are flawed.

  • @cycle_365
    @cycle_365 7 лет назад +446

    My advice is to play Immigrant Song by Led Zeppelin over and over until you are 100% comfortable with that groove , if your doubles aren't dialed by the end of that - you might have to settle for a lifetime of playing AC/DC tunes....

    • @the_dwt
      @the_dwt 7 лет назад +7

      Steve Moore Drumeo also has a video of a great single pedal exercise that really gets your foot going

    • @TronciM
      @TronciM 7 лет назад +13

      Immigrant song is so hard to learn but its so good when you do

    • @cvn6555
      @cvn6555 7 лет назад +32

      That is hysterical. I can get about halfway through Immigrant Song at this point (new to this). So right about AC/DC but it is nice to have something that a new guy can play. Tough instrument to learn at 50.

    • @MingusDynastyy
      @MingusDynastyy 7 лет назад +4

      Exactly what I tell people when they want to do doubles develop that Bonham foit

    • @jaydavids6485
      @jaydavids6485 6 лет назад +9

      How bout people move on and let all the cheesy 70s rock bands die?

  • @kitmarlowe2889
    @kitmarlowe2889 10 месяцев назад

    Your videos have helped my foot technique more than you can imagine. Thank you!

  • @Dhani_Nerrh
    @Dhani_Nerrh 4 года назад

    This was BY FAR the best explanation on the subject. Incredible. Cant´ thank you enough.

  • @Cynanjareel
    @Cynanjareel 6 лет назад +1

    Thank you for your videos... They are always supportive, open to everyone's personal style and always teach me something.

  • @swccbakersfieldca2076
    @swccbakersfieldca2076 6 лет назад

    Stephen keep on keeping on . You are very clear and to the point and I like that a lot. Like I said keep on keeping on.

  • @ibleasse
    @ibleasse 7 лет назад

    Hey Stephen.... there was one small thing my teacher told me more than 20 years ago that might be insignificant but it is amazing when practicing or performing.... clipping finger and toe nails.... it gives you a greater sense of the pedals and sticks and helps connect you with the drums better... I make it a habit to clip my nails 2-3 days before a performance and it worked wonders for me.

  • @manifestgtr
    @manifestgtr 7 лет назад +39

    It’s funny, I’ve gotten a billion little tips over the years about stuff like this but the only thing that ever really works is giving it time. Just add it to your repertoire, make sure you’re doing it correctly and work on it...that’s all.
    People always seem to want that one tip that’s going to make it click but it just doesn’t work that way, unfortunately. You just gotta do it a bunch.

  • @BananaWorm
    @BananaWorm 4 года назад

    Yeah my foot size has been an issue with my ability to play doubles with the kick drum for a while now this definitely helps man thanks!

  • @daveBignoseA
    @daveBignoseA 7 лет назад +1

    Hi Stephen, You've just helped me really understand the mechanics of bass drum double stroke. Best I've seen on this subject.
    I consider this a break through! A credit to you sir, keep up the fine work.

  • @lukef.470
    @lukef.470 7 лет назад

    The reason why I clicked on this was too help me with an extremely fast song that has double kicks throughout the whole song. You really helped me out!

  • @ronfleming5488
    @ronfleming5488 5 лет назад +1

    I use heel toe quite a bit - I use it to play sustained 32nd notes, in lieu of using a double pedal / double kick setup.
    For playing basic doubles, I typically just use my toes in a sliding motion, and I've found that to work well for me.
    Also, I have found over my years of playing heel toe that using a pedal with a longer footboard like the Axis Longboards or Demon Drive or Tama Speed cobra is immensely helpful, and I have always played shoes off to give me more feel on the footboard and to slide a little better.

  • @callumomeagher1868
    @callumomeagher1868 4 года назад +1

    Larnell lewis has an amazing video on his foot technique where he taps with his heel up then almost with a flat foot. He explains it amazingly and I instantly found that I had cleaner, more accurate and easier doubles with that. Definitely worth checking out

  • @kaiiand_5424
    @kaiiand_5424 6 лет назад

    Learning from rockband - everything was done on my right foot. Because of me being a metal head and learning from rockband I can play consistently a single foot bass using a heel up technique where my ankle (mostly) and leg do most of the physical work.
    Branching into real world thing, teaching my left foot the same has become quite the challenge. In fact what works for me, personally is the heel slide tech for my left and heel up for my right.

  • @drummerofblackmarketcurren6186
    @drummerofblackmarketcurren6186 5 лет назад +2

    Thank you.....so many drummers on youtube are ridiculous and it gets discouraging. Thank you for bringing it down to a normal person level

  • @Chiroman527
    @Chiroman527 3 года назад

    Steven, This video is a great help to understand the Nuances of the Bass pedal and the playing techniques. Just watched again now. Appreciate it. No wonder why Ginger Baker played a Double Bass drum!!!! Keith Moon too.... They couldn't do Doubles on the single Bass Drum :):):)

  • @Dr.Tsaou_
    @Dr.Tsaou_ 5 лет назад

    Stephen thank you so much! I was trying to force myself yo play heel up and my bad knees were killing me. Now I just play heel down and it feels great!!

  • @Telesko
    @Telesko 7 лет назад +2

    I learned heel toe by accident one day and it changed my life but only because I was bad with heel up and down and want to play fast punk rock.

  • @superdinda3634
    @superdinda3634 3 года назад

    Stephen! You're the man! I thought I am the only one in the world playing heel down!

  • @michelmachado8918
    @michelmachado8918 7 лет назад +10

    I use heel-toe for fast doubles on kick (It's really easy for me this way, it's natural), but when it's something slower I prefer to use other techniques, because I struggle too much to do slowly the second hit fairly well using heel-toe.

  • @BRBWaffles
    @BRBWaffles 7 лет назад +2

    Heel-toe can get you some really effortless blazing fast double kicks for what seems like way less input than simply hammering single strokes with only the toe. Some people would probably need longboard pedals to do it, but the rewards are worth the practice in my opinion. Right heel, right toe, left heel, left toe. The constant rolling motion feels very natural to me, but it really does feel limited by the pedal quality and size. On Axis pedals, it's beautiful. On Iron Cobras, you're probably in for a rough time.

  • @heatto162
    @heatto162 7 лет назад +1

    Great vid i like how you broke everything down ...when i first started trying to do doubles with the double bass it was ruff trying to get my left foot up to speed with my right (with toe toe). I just started doing paraddidles with my feet. It really just comes down to practice practice practice. The mental thing is the hardest to get over, usually your brain goes faster than what your mucles are used to.

  • @matt.huskey
    @matt.huskey 5 лет назад +2

    I love you man. I learn so much from you. I get it in the way you explain it. Keep up the great work.

  • @KevinJones-qr2jh
    @KevinJones-qr2jh 10 месяцев назад

    Playing heel-down feels like playing snare with my wrists tied to it.😢 plus i wear size 14 shoe. Slide method is all i got. Your tips and tricks always help. Thanks Stephen

  • @benjamincannell4906
    @benjamincannell4906 5 лет назад +2

    Thank you!! I've struggled with this. Know I now how to go about it.

  • @glentendo64
    @glentendo64 6 лет назад

    i am glad to hear all this
    i play all balls with the heel up
    and i never had a problem
    it gives me a sense of attack

  • @Herecowbentbar
    @Herecowbentbar 4 года назад

    Again blowing all my expectations out of the water keep killing it man

  • @jacobmaynor1508
    @jacobmaynor1508 7 лет назад +157

    Can you do a video on choosing the right kick pedal tension?

    • @Zantrop64
      @Zantrop64 7 лет назад +4

      Canis Lupus yes, so much

    • @isaachahn2468
      @isaachahn2468 7 лет назад +14

      Canis Lupus the only problem is one thing can work for you and it wouldn’t work for me its really personal preference i personally like it at medium tension so i get the best of speed and control. Little tip tight tension= faster pedal work but its harder work where not as much tension =more control with not as much power now thats the extremes of both hope his helped a bit

    • @jacobmaynor1508
      @jacobmaynor1508 7 лет назад +16

      Yeah I realize its a preference, but I would like to know how to find my preference and find what works best for me, because I have had it at different tensions and I don't really know what I like best.

    • @brian96597
      @brian96597 7 лет назад +2

      Canis, you can start with a medium spring tension. The most important thing to remember is to make sure there is no slack in the foot board if you are doing fast doubles where your foot is not slapping the foot board. You want to make sure to not have too much tension or it can cause unnecessary fatigue.

    • @driaodrums
      @driaodrums 7 лет назад +2

      a good threshhold for spring tension (at least for me) when playing louder genres(pretty much everything besides jazz and latin) is to make it just as tight that the beater is about an inch away from the head when i rest my foot on the pedal (heel up). It lets you focus your energy on pushing the pedal down, and the pedal takes care of the rest. if you want to play extrem metal stuff (200bpm+) just max out the tension. but if you can pull that of you wouldnt ask the question :)

  • @itz.zevualiz
    @itz.zevualiz 3 года назад

    Thankyou always for being honest and detailed bro

  • @MichaelCampbell01
    @MichaelCampbell01 6 лет назад +2

    I haven't found a big rage to learn heel-toe; I find at least as many if not more doing slide (maybe more so for quick doubles; for extended, H-T seems to be very popular indeed).
    That aside, I enjoyed this video and will be incorporating some of the "thinkie" parts of what I'm doing into my practice. Thanks!

  • @Calcs56
    @Calcs56 5 лет назад +1

    Someone suggested to learn Immigrant Song but it in case it's too hard try learning The Trooper. I've been practicing this for a long time and I can say for sure that it had worked and I don't have too much trouble playing Immigrant Song now. Obviously I need some practice to play it really well but it goes quite smoothly. The Trooper has less kicks to play but still you are learning the double kick. It goes K_KKs_K_KKs and so on.

  • @drummermomcjs
    @drummermomcjs 3 года назад

    Great information. I have been working on my feet for the last year and have made significant progress thus far. For the coming year, I will be exercising different permutations of the paradiddles with my feet while playing time with my hands. I started with the first RLRR LRLL between the feet while playing quarter notes with the right hand and alternating between the 3 and the backbeat with the left hand. After 30 days of doing that, I am now playing RLLR LRRL and am working the hands into the mix. Thus far only have the rt hand on quarter notes. I am seeing improvement. It occurred to me that 2022 is a paradiddle and so this coming year I am going to focus on practicing paradiddles in various permutations and various ways. I want to see how many different ways I can use the paradiddle in my playing. I am looking forward to the improvement already.

  • @dopeydad1221
    @dopeydad1221 7 лет назад

    Excellent lesson. This guy must be an actor; he NEVER blinks! :-)

  • @jonahmarigumataotao2434
    @jonahmarigumataotao2434 4 года назад

    After watching this video, I was suddenly able to do doubles on the kick drum. I was so frustrated with myself for weeks prior to that. Thanks for the advice.

  • @rhnstjegilrhkscvn1djhrj969
    @rhnstjegilrhkscvn1djhrj969 4 года назад +1

    just another view point, I have always played heel down, (old school, emphasis on old) I bought a long board DW pedal only cause it was on sale, I wanted to try it.it worked great, here's why in my opinion, the actual pivot point for the board is at the same point as your ankle. so your ankle is pivoting on the same plane, no lost motion. on a conventional board your heel becomes a pivot point putting the heel behind the hinge or pivot point, depending what shoes you have on can hinder some speed. just my 3 cents

  • @chegroovera
    @chegroovera 2 года назад

    It just took for You to go into the mental shortcomings of this subject for me to Subscribe.
    Thanks and great work with these tutorials. It really helps! 🙏🏾

  • @Aleph_Null_Audio
    @Aleph_Null_Audio 6 лет назад +2

    I play heel up or down depending on the feel/sound I'm going for. When playing fast doubles, I'm always heel up. I have found that moving the ball of my foot back on the foot board (more toward the middle, maybe) allows for more torque and a faster throw. The initial hit is played using my full leg, then I bend at the ankle to catch the rebound. This seems to work best with very little spring tension on the pedal.

    • @jimfarey
      @jimfarey 5 лет назад

      You've solved drumming, Amen :).

  • @aidandomine3252
    @aidandomine3252 6 лет назад

    subscribed! so glad someone is doing no glam stuff. its awesome, keep it up!

  • @Xogroroth666
    @Xogroroth666 Год назад

    Love the bass kick sound.
    Nice deepness in it.

  • @tomwoolsey1089
    @tomwoolsey1089 4 года назад

    You & Rob Beatdown Brown. You two are lifesavers

  • @MisterRorschach90
    @MisterRorschach90 3 года назад

    I’m a guitarist. I’ve played guitar for like 25 years now. I’ve played drums off and on since I was a kid too. I would not consider myself an amazing drummer. I’m good enough to sound good and keep rhythm. That being said, when I learned what double bass was I immediately became obsessed and have pretty much practiced it every day since. While I’m not a good drummer by any means, it really puts a smile on my face when I am faster than the amazing drummers I’ve met or played in bands with. Haha. And in the last couple years I’ve experimented with different techniques and becomes pretty proficient at intricate beats. So fun. Wish I had a set. I learned on a pearl set in a recording studio that cost easily 10-15k with shells hardware and cymbals. That spoiled me and I’ve never played a set that sounds as good.

  • @AndyRiot
    @AndyRiot Год назад

    The slow-motion is so helpful! Thanks.

  • @johnniehoats5426
    @johnniehoats5426 2 года назад

    You are the 1st person that has asked to earn subscriptions! 🤘👊

  • @joshuapickett8095
    @joshuapickett8095 5 лет назад +1

    When were talking double bass i actually lean back on my seat and go heels up. I float my feet over the pedal and flick the front half of my feet down in a snapping motion. Thats just what I do for speed. The best advice I ever got for doing doubles is ride your bike more. For some reason it just helps.

  • @VegasAlien1
    @VegasAlien1 3 года назад

    I learned to play heel to toe back in 1980, as my friend in a band did that. When he left, I took over, and I got really fast with it. I played on an old Camco (pre-Tama) leather strap pedal with my shoe off and slid my foot up so the strap was between my first two toes. Not safe to do with a chain! I now play a Pearl Eliminator Belt pedal.

  • @FecalBlaster
    @FecalBlaster 5 лет назад +2

    I'm heal up and this was an awesomely informative video. Thank you!

    • @goldenageofdinosaurs7192
      @goldenageofdinosaurs7192 5 лет назад

      FecalBlaster I’m a heel up guy too. Tbh, that heel-toe style kinda blew my mind. I’ve never done it that way & my foot just naturally stays up high on the pedal, so it never occurred to me to try that. It doesn’t feel very natural to me, but I’m definitely gonna see if it has any practical application for me.

  • @eliseomosqueda7003
    @eliseomosqueda7003 7 лет назад

    This video helped me figure out which technique is more suitable for my style. Great video. Keep up the great content!

  • @michaeljuliano8839
    @michaeljuliano8839 6 лет назад +2

    Try playing a three or four with your foot, and you'll realize why it's not good to bury the beater on the second note. Personally, I like to play with the spring at the lowest tension that still holds the beater up because it forced me to learn to control the beater as well as I control the stick because the rebound becomes the primary force bringing the beater back off the head, and, as a bonus, I don't fatigue playing lots of bass drum notes for multiple hours. If you have control of the beater, you should be able to sustain fast bass drum notes similarly to how you should be able to sustain fast snare notes with one hand if you have control of the stick. The difficulty is developing your balance so you aren't putting your weight into your instep while also not putting all that weight on the hi-hat to compensate.
    Also, the Sonor Perfect Balance pedal by Jojo Mayer has an elongated footboard that you might find handy to help with heel-toe. I don't really do heel-toe, but I love the feel of the pedal. Plus, Jojo has some techniques that you really can only do on that pedal that are worth checking out.

  • @Levi-ee1oq
    @Levi-ee1oq 5 лет назад

    im about to get much better pedals, and the pedal ive used is just a single pedal and i can do heel toe but my pedal just isnt long enough for that. so ive learned to use the ball of my foot as a substitute for the heel part. and this video made me feel much better about that, because so many drummers get frustrated if youre not using the proper heel toe technique. i just wanna get the right sound as comfortably as possible

  • @Cacophony314
    @Cacophony314 Год назад

    Oh my God! My problem was my pedals were not on a stable surface!!!!!!!?! It was on some tiles and even those micro movements made am impact until I put something under it. I don't know why this video helped me figure it out, or why I didn't think of it sooner, but thank you!! ❤️

  • @MarkArness
    @MarkArness 6 лет назад +1

    I try to not use heel toe but lower leg fatigue sometimes makes it a necessary move. It's also why I have to recruit my double bass pedal occasionally if I have a kick intensive setlist. I'm sure it's because of my lackluster technique as much as my general lack of endurance.

  • @chrismeier9550
    @chrismeier9550 4 года назад

    I like how you say everybody's different,caz its true.im self taught,and learned double beats from single pedal,was with maniulating,ball of my foot,and toes,works best with thin soled shoes..but I'm used to techniques from sk8boarding.lot of foot and toe movement....lol ..so I applied to drumming.worked all these years..😁

  • @darylyoung3770
    @darylyoung3770 4 года назад

    Hey Steve thanks for sharing your knowledge sir.

  • @clearestapricotpencil4125
    @clearestapricotpencil4125 7 лет назад

    Great video on a topic I’ve been looking for. I’m happy to see your channel grow :)

  • @Dvyne59
    @Dvyne59 4 года назад

    Thanks Steve! Great no-hype tips.

  • @xh0rsex
    @xh0rsex 6 лет назад +178

    "Why is my right foot so clumsy?"
    - because I'm a lefty...

    • @ReignJeffersonCTria
      @ReignJeffersonCTria 5 лет назад +2

      I'm left handed person too but i play guitar and drums normally

    • @umanrosenberg2079
      @umanrosenberg2079 5 лет назад +11

      @@ReignJeffersonCTria normally? slap in the face to all lefties ( i play open-handed)

    • @ZeBubba
      @ZeBubba 4 года назад +1

      @@ReignJeffersonCTria Abnormally for all us lefties.

    • @gexyvr8212
      @gexyvr8212 4 года назад +1

      I play open I'm left

    • @xh0rsex
      @xh0rsex 4 года назад +1

      @@gexyvr8212
      I play open-handed too, but my hi hat hand is my right hand.

  • @VS0097
    @VS0097 6 лет назад

    I generally use the balls of my feet on the bass pedals and out my legs into it. When i kearned heel toe, it screw up my bass drum technique for about a day. Its like it overwrote everything i had ever done and now i need to wave my foot before hitting the bass drum. What im getting at here is that i appreciate how you point out that heel toe is not the only effective method to do double kicks on one foot. Shortly after learning heel toe, mine evolved into more of a sliding foot method where i use the ball of my foot near the rear of the pedal, then push it up to the front of the pedal. Its extremely effevtive and much better than heel toe for my style since im usually using the balls of my feet. If u kick uaing juat ur ankles and strugle with timing on ur bass foot, i strongle encourage u to try playing with the balls of ur feet. While this migjt not be the best for short fast bursts, i think it helps ur timing trmendously because u can actually countinuously bounce the pedal around slightly while u play, helping ur timing

  • @MichaelSouhoka
    @MichaelSouhoka 6 лет назад

    Agree. Because Jeff Porcaro is really talented in this technique and he had show this in his video tutorial, most watchers are trying to do the same thing. Well, just be ourselves. I can't do it either. Matching our play with the music is more important.

  • @vaughnchauncy8360
    @vaughnchauncy8360 2 года назад

    Gotta try these techniques thanks a million

  • @l1nk987
    @l1nk987 7 лет назад

    Great way to work on this is playing a single Paradiddle as a groove and play on the kick different divisions of 16th notes :)

  • @bobbydeitchmusic5512
    @bobbydeitchmusic5512 3 года назад

    Well done Stephen!

  • @1stGallactor
    @1stGallactor 4 года назад

    think you got the point quite well. nothing to add.

  • @ryanandtricia
    @ryanandtricia 6 лет назад

    Clearly-articulated common sense. Bravo and thank you.

  • @truestorey3158
    @truestorey3158 2 года назад

    Well earned, much love to all 💙💜💛💚

  • @michaelinglis8516
    @michaelinglis8516 6 лет назад

    Heel toe came to me naturally so did french grip. They were my strongest techniques. I still use heel toe with a "heel down" heel toe for fast triplets an quads. But I'm in American grip 80% of the time now.

  • @NikkLiberos
    @NikkLiberos 7 лет назад +1

    This was VERY informative. Great job, Stephen!!!!