How to Play the Bass Drum
The bass drum is the heartbeat of the music. Along with the bass guitar, the bass drum provides a beat that the other instruments rely on. When you're comfortable with your ability to play the bass drum, you'll find the band as a whole sounds even better.
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Instructions
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Find the Rhythm
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1
Determine the beat of the music. For example, if it's 4/4, there are 4 beats for every measure.
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2
Play on the downbeats. Using the example above, play on beat 1 and on beat 3 of each measure.
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3
Add a little spice. Once you're confident in your beat, you can add a little extra. However, make sure that your additions complement the music and the rest of the band.
Play the Bass Drum in a Drum Set
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4
Find the pedal attached to the bass drum. Because your hands hold the drumsticks, use this pedal to play the bass drum.
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5
Sit in a comfortable position. Adjust your stool up or down as necessary until it feels natural to reach the pedal.
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6
Depress the pedal so the mallet hits the drum. Adjust the pedal and mallet as necessary so it hits in the correct location.
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7
Hit the bass drum according to the rhythm of the music.
Play a Stand-Alone Bass Drum
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8
Display the drum as appropriate. Place the bass drum on a stand if you play in an orchestra. If you're in a marching band, hang the bass drum using the harness that fits over your shoulders.
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9
Choose the bass drum size that's appropriate for you, if you play in a marching band. If the large drum is too heavy, ask to switch to a smaller size.
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10
Grasp a mallet in each hand and hit the bass drum in the center of the head.
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11
Make music when you play the bass drum according to the rhythm of the song.
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