How to Play a Bass Drum

Bass drum

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More than any other instrument in a band, the bass drum is responsible for holding the rhythm together. Learning a few basic bass drum techniques can get you started down the road toward becoming a proficient drummer.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Bass drum
Bass drum pedal
Drum seat

Step1

Bass drum pedal Assemble your drum properly. The bass drum consists of two main parts: the drum and the pedal. In addition, the drum often includes two legs that, when fully extended, help to support the drum. Attach the pedal to the drum by screwing it tightly to the bottom of the rim. A beater at the end of the pedal is what actually strikes the drum.

Step2

Set up your drum stool so that your bass drum leg rests comfortably on the pedal when you are seated, with your leg bent at a 90-degree angle.

Step3

Play a heel-down stroke. Place the heel of your foot on the bottom of the pedal. Bend your ankle so that the ball of your foot rises, bringing the beater with it. Then step on the pedal, striking the bass drum. This technique is often better for more quiet playing.

Step4

Play a heel-up stroke. Keeping your heel arched up and off the pedal, use the ball of your foot to maneuver the pedal. This requires you to use your leg muscles. With the ball of your foot on the pedal, raise your leg so that the beater comes off the drum. Then step down on the pedal so that the beater strikes the drum. This is more appropriate for louder, more powerful drumming.

Step5

Play a leg stroke. Begin with the heel of your foot on the pedal. Raise your heel and flex your ankle so that the beater is as far away from the drum head as possible. Use your leg to step into the pedal. Flex your ankle again so that your foot rolls back onto the heel.

Step6

Try a foot stroke. Lift your heel off the pedal. Using your ankle, bounce the beater against the drum head several times. This is good for playing several beats in rapid succession.

Tips & Warnings

Try switching between heel-down and heel-up positions to vary your drumming style.
Don't forget to rest your foot! There are two basic rest positions: resting your foot heel-up on the pedal with the beater against the drum head, and resting heel down with the beater off the drum head.