How to Connect Drum Pedals to Drum

Detach the bass-drum pedal each time you transport your drum set.

The bass-drum pedal, which is played using your foot, is the most common drum pedal drummers use. Correct setup ensures your bass-drum pedal doesn’t do any damage during playing. Incorrect setup can damage the rim of the bass drum, rip the drumhead or make it more difficult to play the bass drum correctly.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver or tuning key

Instructions

1. Make sure the bass drum is set up properly. Check that the spurs – the legs on the front of the bass drum – are firmly on the floor, holding it in place.

2. Look at the front of the bass-drum pedal (the side of the pedal where the beater is located) and find the latch on the bottom. This varies based on the pedal but usually looks like a rectangular metal piece that is about 1/4 inch from the bottom.

3. Lift up the bass drum slightly and slide the latch of the pedal onto the drum rim on the bottom, center part of the bass drum. The latch rests on top of the bass-drum rim.

4. Set the bass drum back down on the ground and make sure the pedal is flat on the ground. Move it around if necessary to get it snugly connected to the bass-drum rim. Press down on the pedal to ensure the bass-drum beater hits near the center of the drumhead.

5. Tighten the pedal to the rim by tightening the nut located near the latch. If it’s not on the latch, it’s usually located nearby under the footboard – the flat piece that your foot presses to work the pedal. This can be tightened using your fingers, a screwdriver or a drum key, depending on the pedal manufacturer.

References

• YouTube; "Attaching the Bass Drum Pedal"; February 2009

Resources

• Drummer Cafe: Kick/Bass Drum Pedal Technique