What Is the Drum Kick Pad For?

The drums provide the most basic element in music--rhythm. When setting up a drum kit, one wouldn't be complete without the bass drum. For electronic kits, this is most commonly known as the kick pad.

Terminology

The kick pad is named as such because it is played by delivering a swift "kick" on a drum pad. The kick doesn't exactly come directly from a foot, but is delivered via a mallet attached to a pedal operated by a drum player.

Uses

Kick pads stand in for the bass drum and may be part of a practice drum kit or an electronic drum kit. A basic drum kit will have one kick pad. However, musicians that play bass-heavy music sometimes use two kick pads.

How to Play

To play a kick pad, you need three main components: the mallet, the pedal and the drum kick pad. The kick pad stands vertically, with a pedal attached. The mallet is then connected to the pedal by a chain, which allows you to play it using your foot. There are two popular techniques in playing the kick pad--playing it heel up or with your foot flat on the pedal.

References

• The Visual Dictionary: Drum Set
• Drummer Cafe: Kick/Bass Drum Pedal Technique