The opening line is awesome, and worth a LIKE all by itself. Honestly, your approach to the double pedal is good, because it's obvious that a modern drummer doesn't "need" the double pedal. Technique masters have shown that you can get close enough with a single pedal to be able to play fast enough for most of the music people listen to. Still, I know drummers who avoid the double pedal because it's just another thing to learn, when they'd rather spend time playing music. Kudos for the approach, and for putting some of that learning process online for everyone to see. EDIT: just finished watching, and yes, this is awesome. Your past videos show that you're talented, and it's rare to find talented people willing to broadcast videos of themselves trying to learn new stuff. Personal kudos from me, Rob.
Love this video and your transparency-honesty makes us better at our drum game, man. I'm a noob to twin pedals as well and I appreciate your proactive and compassionate approach to practicing this skill. I wish more drummers were more open about what they're working on, especially on RUclips-it would make a more supportive community. This is what's up. Looking forward to more from you, dude!
I use double bass for lumpy grooves, fills, and funky syncopations. I "run" on the pedals for excercise to build endurance. I started the same way you did Mr. Brown by mirroring the hands, using unisons and accents. I, like yourself had a pretty clear vision of where I wanted to get to and created the path to get there.. this is a good and worthy perspective your sharing. So I guess what I'm saying is I Approve this message lol. Thanks for all that your doing for us out here. Peace!
Would love to see an update on your progress with the double pedal, and possibly see you do a cover of your choice of a metal track 🤘 love your stuff. I've been playing drums for maybe 3 months now. Most of the knowledge I have, I obtained through your channel. Thanks for all you have done for the drumming community 🙏
I suggest getting the book "Double Bass Integration for the Jazz Fusion Drummer" by Henrique De Almeida. It's got something for everyone in every genera (even though its directed at Jazz Fusion guys). It's just an amazing book and will whip your feet into shape in no time.
Thanks for the quick reply. I appreciate that. Unfortunately the Trick is a little outta my price range now. ( just saw one on "sale" for $385 for a single) The Yammie's look nice and are more affordable for sure but I was looking at a Mapex Raptor that was a steal at $99. Anyways thanks again Rob!!
I really want to experience double pedal. Thanks for posting! I think that using just single pedal forever is like loosing chance to experience very charming world. And I'm really intresting about that 'resting few days' method. And your picture with Steve Gadd... Amazing. I want to take picture with him too haha
Hey Rob, dig your videos. Like you, I'm pretty illiterate on double pedals so this is great for learning some exercises. Ludwig Speed Kings are pretty rad direct drive pedals, although they don't make them anymore. At least you can find them cheap though. Good luck on the progress!
If you can play 16ths on one pedal, you don't need two. Shout out to Slingerland Yellow Jacket direct drive double spring. 'Been on my kit for 45 years!
Dude I am so glad to see you picking up double bass! I am looking forward to a follow up sometime. This is on my short list to pickup it is just one of those things that is hard to incorporate correctly. Side note... I lol'd at the the mixup with leading left 😜 I am terrible leading left so it made me feel better that it's not just me! Keep up the good work bro.
This makes me feel better about my own double bass learning experience. I know I will get there eventually, but it doesn't come naturally like a lot of other drumming things have.
Man, Ive constantly contemplated on switching my Direct Drive out for a Double Chain Model. I do like the feeling of the Chain a little better, but Ive already spent the money. I look around at the top artist, and they are using the chain versions too. Its good to see a top performer like yourself using the Direct Drive. Makes me want to working with it more, and count me as the problem. It's Super Fast, but Im trying to get past the feeling.
Ive always had trouble getting my double kicking on track. Just has never seemed to click for me, doesn't help that i dont have anyway to practice. Id like to give the exercise you've developed a go. Had my sites set on Judas Priests Painkiller for years but never managed to make it happen haha
Hey Rob love your videos man. Do you like the direct drive system better than a chain drive pedal? I'm really thinking about making the switch to direct drive just trying to gather as much info and as many opinions as possible. Thanks man!
I've had em all at one point, in single form, anyways. I've had a Pearl Eliminator strap drive, an Iron Cobra chain, and a couple direct drives. I'm indeed a direct drive guy for sure. I think it's the smoothest setup for a pedal. For a few months back a few years ago, I had a Trick Pro 1V. That one right there is the Bugatti of pedals, man. It's the one that sold me on the direct drive setup. If you have the coin (and you'll need a few) just get one. Greatest pedal on the planet, far as I'm concerned.
I had the trick dominator, it was fast and easy to use, but i found lacked a lot of power. Ended up with Tama speed cobras, a bit faster and smoother than the regular Iron Cobras but doesnt sacrifice any power.
That's my biggest problem actually. I've been playing for 8 years with the single pedal, and now when I practice double pedals my left leg wants to take the lead (land on downbeats mostly instead of upbeats). Everything is good at the slow tempo, but it sure as hell gets messy when I try to speed things up a bit. Gotta fight it with practice though, I'm not giving up!
Try this: lead with your right leg and play sixteenth notes but leave out the notes that land on 1, 2, 3, and 4. So all that is left is four 'e and a' beats like so: (rest) L R L (rest) L R L (rest) L R L (rest) L R L This will force your left leg to do all the "leg work" xD and to train it to get used to playing the upbeats, not the downbeats like it does when playing hi hat.
+Rob “Beatdown” Brown Dude, you should look up Drumeo. If I had known yesterday that you were in Canada I would've put you down as a guest instructor. I did a survey yesterday and they were asking who we would like to see on Drumeo. I they are looking for new instructors brother. Just a thought. Cheers brother!
THERE ARE SOME PUBLICATIONS ON THIS TOPIC THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF DOUBLE BASS DRUMMING BY BOBBY RONDINELLI AND MICHEAL LAUREN AND DOUBLE BASS DRUM FREEDOM BY VIRGIL DONATI THE FIRST CHAPTERS OF EACH PUBLICATION IS EXCITING AND REWARDING JUST AS MUCH AS THE ADVANCED CHAPTERS AND DOM FAMULARO IS ANOTHER AUTHOR WHO FOCUSES ON THE PHYSICS AND MECHANICS IN HIS STUDIES THEY ALL ARE GREAT CHECK EM OUT
ROB I HOPE IT A'INT BOTHERSOME AS IT MIGHT BE OTHERWISE OF ME POSTING MY COMMENTS WITH CAPS YOU HAVE REALLY HELP ME OUT A LOT YOU ALWAYS RE-INSPIRE ME TO NEW IDEAS I HAVE A ROLODEX OF DRUMMERS IN MY HEAD THAT I ALWAYS ACCESS. WHEN I NEED DENNIS FOR SPEED OR WECKL FOR GRACE NOTES OR YOU FOR TUNING OR THE WHOLE EDUCATION PHILOSOPHY I GO THERE I ACTUALLY GOT THAT IDEA FROM A DRUMMER NAMED BILLY KILSON
hey man what Hi-Hat pedal you using? Just wondering because I'd like to start double pedal but I'll need a new hi hat stand for it, if anyone has any suggstions that would be great, thanks! :)
+ThePhantomDoctor This one is a Yamaha HS1100. The current model is the 1200T. There are a ton of two-leg models out there now designed for twin pedal setups. Most companies will have one or two in their hardware lineup these days.
Are there ay drummers that you like that use double bass? I just kinda quit it once i realised that i couldn't find any application besides either metal or drum solos.
This is gonna sound really snobby but there's really only less than a handful of guys that I like to hear use it. First one that comes to mind is Steve Smith. Weckl is another one. Vinnie is aggressive but subtle with it. I dig how these guys use it more for creative phrasings and don't really jump in your face with it with chippidy choppidy 32nd note sprints all the time. No disrespect to the guys that can do that, of course. Dudes like Donati and Lang are monstrous with it, but I ain't interested in taking it that far.
My #1 tip: never NEVER lead with your hi hat foot. EVER!* You will choke up at fast tempos and when you do triplets that alternate which foot lands on the downbeat. I have a double exercise that i developed to break myself of this affliction. xD I hope to make a video that demonstrates it soon. In a nutshell, just play this 16th note pattern with your feet and keep time with your hands: (rest) L R L (rest) L R L (rest) L R L (rest) L R L *disclaimer: EVER just means until you have completely broken the habit of treating Hi Hat Foot as anything but Bass Drum Foot when playing double bass
The opening line is awesome, and worth a LIKE all by itself.
Honestly, your approach to the double pedal is good, because it's obvious that a modern drummer doesn't "need" the double pedal. Technique masters have shown that you can get close enough with a single pedal to be able to play fast enough for most of the music people listen to. Still, I know drummers who avoid the double pedal because it's just another thing to learn, when they'd rather spend time playing music. Kudos for the approach, and for putting some of that learning process online for everyone to see.
EDIT: just finished watching, and yes, this is awesome. Your past videos show that you're talented, and it's rare to find talented people willing to broadcast videos of themselves trying to learn new stuff. Personal kudos from me, Rob.
+Jon Richt Thanks a lot, man. And thanks for watchin :)
Love this video and your transparency-honesty makes us better at our drum game, man. I'm a noob to twin pedals as well and I appreciate your proactive and compassionate approach to practicing this skill. I wish more drummers were more open about what they're working on, especially on RUclips-it would make a more supportive community. This is what's up. Looking forward to more from you, dude!
I use double bass for lumpy grooves, fills, and funky syncopations. I "run" on the pedals for excercise to build endurance. I started the same way you did Mr. Brown by mirroring the hands, using unisons and accents. I, like yourself had a pretty clear vision of where I wanted to get to and created the path to get there.. this is a good and worthy perspective your sharing. So I guess what I'm saying is I Approve this message lol. Thanks for all that your doing for us out here. Peace!
Would love to see an update on your progress with the double pedal, and possibly see you do a cover of your choice of a metal track 🤘 love your stuff. I've been playing drums for maybe 3 months now. Most of the knowledge I have, I obtained through your channel. Thanks for all you have done for the drumming community 🙏
love ya beatdown
I suggest getting the book "Double Bass Integration for the Jazz Fusion Drummer" by Henrique De Almeida. It's got something for everyone in every genera (even though its directed at Jazz Fusion guys). It's just an amazing book and will whip your feet into shape in no time.
Can't wait to see how you progress with this.
Great stuff Rob! Thanks for helping out your fellow drummers !!! Love your videos!
Now you're inspiring me to get back to practicing the double again as well!
Thanks for the quick reply. I appreciate that. Unfortunately the Trick is a little outta my price range now. ( just saw one on "sale" for $385 for a single) The Yammie's look nice and are more affordable for sure but I was looking at a Mapex Raptor that was a steal at $99. Anyways thanks again Rob!!
My man, I'm in the same boat as you. My left pedal is in the bag staying nice and shiny. Thanks for inspiring me to get it out and PRACTICE!
Hey man, I finally started doing double bass a year ago. So glad I did. It's hard but so much fun. Best of luck!
I really want to experience double pedal. Thanks for posting! I think that using just single pedal forever is like loosing chance to experience very charming world. And I'm really intresting about that 'resting few days' method. And your picture with Steve Gadd... Amazing. I want to take picture with him too haha
Hey Rob, dig your videos. Like you, I'm pretty illiterate on double pedals so this is great for learning some exercises. Ludwig Speed Kings are pretty rad direct drive pedals, although they don't make them anymore. At least you can find them cheap though. Good luck on the progress!
It's easy to come up with exercises for double kick. I'm not saying that I don't suck ass at it, but I'm not giving up!!
If you can play 16ths on one pedal, you don't need two. Shout out to Slingerland Yellow Jacket direct drive double spring. 'Been on my kit for 45 years!
Dude I am so glad to see you picking up double bass! I am looking forward to a follow up sometime. This is on my short list to pickup it is just one of those things that is hard to incorporate correctly. Side note... I lol'd at the the mixup with leading left 😜 I am terrible leading left so it made me feel better that it's not just me! Keep up the good work bro.
This makes me feel better about my own double bass learning experience. I know I will get there eventually, but it doesn't come naturally like a lot of other drumming things have.
Everything that you started off learning with your hands can be translated to you feet
Singles paradiddles etc
Hey Rob! nice sincere video! :) please record another one after you are done the 10 weeks, so we can compare... :)
Man, Ive constantly contemplated on switching my Direct Drive out for a Double Chain Model. I do like the feeling of the Chain a little better, but Ive already spent the money. I look around at the top artist, and they are using the chain versions too. Its good to see a top performer like yourself using the Direct Drive. Makes me want to working with it more, and count me as the problem. It's Super Fast, but Im trying to get past the feeling.
Ive always had trouble getting my double kicking on track. Just has never seemed to click for me, doesn't help that i dont have anyway to practice. Id like to give the exercise you've developed a go. Had my sites set on Judas Priests Painkiller for years but never managed to make it happen haha
I'm not good at double bass pedal either, but am willing to try...
Rob, great video...just curious...what snare is that with the double strainer set up?
Hey Rob love your videos man. Do you like the direct drive system better than a chain drive pedal? I'm really thinking about making the switch to direct drive just trying to gather as much info and as many opinions as possible. Thanks man!
I've had em all at one point, in single form, anyways. I've had a Pearl Eliminator strap drive, an Iron Cobra chain, and a couple direct drives. I'm indeed a direct drive guy for sure. I think it's the smoothest setup for a pedal. For a few months back a few years ago, I had a Trick Pro 1V. That one right there is the Bugatti of pedals, man. It's the one that sold me on the direct drive setup. If you have the coin (and you'll need a few) just get one. Greatest pedal on the planet, far as I'm concerned.
I had the trick dominator, it was fast and easy to use, but i found lacked a lot of power. Ended up with Tama speed cobras, a bit faster and smoother than the regular Iron Cobras but doesnt sacrifice any power.
Fast forward two years... please tell me you’re still jamming that double pedal, brother!
Getting in the metal game soon Rob?!!?
Ha! Yea, don't think so. I tell you what, though...If I ever decide to study with someone to go next level, it's gonna be with a metal drummer.
You can see your left leg tries to go into Hi - Hat mode. Got top fight it.
That's my biggest problem actually. I've been playing for 8 years with the single pedal, and now when I practice double pedals my left leg wants to take the lead (land on downbeats mostly instead of upbeats). Everything is good at the slow tempo, but it sure as hell gets messy when I try to speed things up a bit. Gotta fight it with practice though, I'm not giving up!
Try this: lead with your right leg and play sixteenth notes but leave out the notes that land on 1, 2, 3, and 4. So all that is left is four 'e and a' beats like so:
(rest) L R L (rest) L R L (rest) L R L (rest) L R L
This will force your left leg to do all the "leg work" xD and to train it to get used to playing the upbeats, not the downbeats like it does when playing hi hat.
Rob, where you from man? I was thinking Atlanta but I don't know. I enjoy your videos. Keep on Rockin brother!
I'm up here in sunny Toronto, Canada 🙂
+Rob “Beatdown” Brown Dude, you should look up Drumeo. If I had known yesterday that you were in Canada I would've put you down as a guest instructor. I did a survey yesterday and they were asking who we would like to see on Drumeo. I they are looking for new instructors brother. Just a thought. Cheers brother!
THERE ARE SOME PUBLICATIONS ON THIS TOPIC THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF DOUBLE BASS DRUMMING BY BOBBY RONDINELLI AND MICHEAL LAUREN AND DOUBLE BASS DRUM FREEDOM BY VIRGIL DONATI THE FIRST CHAPTERS OF EACH PUBLICATION IS EXCITING AND REWARDING JUST AS MUCH AS THE ADVANCED CHAPTERS AND DOM FAMULARO IS ANOTHER AUTHOR WHO FOCUSES ON THE PHYSICS AND MECHANICS IN HIS STUDIES THEY ALL ARE GREAT CHECK EM OUT
+PELHAM ONE TWO THREE 1 2 3 (MR. DRUMS HIMSELF) I feel like you just told me all that while leaning out of a 10th storey window. lol
ROB I HOPE IT A'INT BOTHERSOME AS IT MIGHT BE OTHERWISE OF ME POSTING MY COMMENTS WITH CAPS YOU HAVE REALLY HELP ME OUT A LOT YOU ALWAYS RE-INSPIRE ME TO NEW IDEAS I HAVE A ROLODEX OF DRUMMERS IN MY HEAD THAT I ALWAYS ACCESS. WHEN I NEED DENNIS FOR SPEED OR WECKL FOR GRACE NOTES OR YOU FOR TUNING OR THE WHOLE EDUCATION PHILOSOPHY I GO THERE I ACTUALLY GOT THAT IDEA FROM A DRUMMER NAMED BILLY KILSON
hey man what Hi-Hat pedal you using? Just wondering because I'd like to start double pedal but I'll need a new hi hat stand for it, if anyone has any suggstions that would be great, thanks! :)
+ThePhantomDoctor This one is a Yamaha HS1100. The current model is the 1200T. There are a ton of two-leg models out there now designed for twin pedal setups. Most companies will have one or two in their hardware lineup these days.
Are there ay drummers that you like that use double bass? I just kinda quit it once i realised that i couldn't find any application besides either metal or drum solos.
This is gonna sound really snobby but there's really only less than a handful of guys that I like to hear use it. First one that comes to mind is Steve Smith. Weckl is another one. Vinnie is aggressive but subtle with it. I dig how these guys use it more for creative phrasings and don't really jump in your face with it with chippidy choppidy 32nd note sprints all the time. No disrespect to the guys that can do that, of course. Dudes like Donati and Lang are monstrous with it, but I ain't interested in taking it that far.
Gavin Harrison- Porcupine tree/ Pineapple thief.
hi
My #1 tip: never NEVER lead with your hi hat foot. EVER!* You will choke up at fast tempos and when you do triplets that alternate which foot lands on the downbeat. I have a double exercise that i developed to break myself of this affliction. xD I hope to make a video that demonstrates it soon. In a nutshell, just play this 16th note pattern with your feet and keep time with your hands:
(rest) L R L (rest) L R L (rest) L R L (rest) L R L
*disclaimer: EVER just means until you have completely broken the habit of treating Hi Hat Foot as anything but Bass Drum Foot when playing double bass