Virgil
09-25-2005, 11:47 PM
The approach I have taken to playing bass drum is fundamental. I propel the action from the ankle, and make contact with the pedal with the ball of the foot. The heel is slightly raised.
The video shows a close up of this action, with some basic exercises which will help you gain even control with both feet. For those new to double bass drumming, you may have to spend a little more time playing these exercises with only the left foot. This will give it some chance of gaining ground on the right foot.
<img src="images/attach/wmv.gif">For a video demonstration of the basic foot technique, click here. (http://www.virgildonati.com/msgboard/attachments/feet-technique.wmv)
These exercises are designed to develop equal motion and strength of the right and left feet. Ex. 1 thru 3 are variations of 1/4 note and 1/8 beats.
<img src="images/!charts/basicfoot-a.gif">
<img src="images/!charts/basicfoot-b.gif">
<img src="images/!charts/basicfoot-c.gif">
The 1/8 note triplets and 1/16 notes in Ex. 4 and 5 increase the level of difficulty. Theseexercises are a little more intense, and also require more focus on the even execution of the different rhythms.
<img src="images/!charts/basicfoot-d.gif">
This last Ex. is an example of how I worked on developing doubles with the feet. Notice on the video how I place inmportance on articulation and evenness at a slow tempo.
<img src="images/!charts/basicfoot-e.gif">
<img src="images/attach/wmv.gif">For a video demonstration of the basic foot technique, click here. (http://www.virgildonati.com/msgboard/attachments/feet-technique.wmv)
The video shows a close up of this action, with some basic exercises which will help you gain even control with both feet. For those new to double bass drumming, you may have to spend a little more time playing these exercises with only the left foot. This will give it some chance of gaining ground on the right foot.
<img src="images/attach/wmv.gif">For a video demonstration of the basic foot technique, click here. (http://www.virgildonati.com/msgboard/attachments/feet-technique.wmv)
These exercises are designed to develop equal motion and strength of the right and left feet. Ex. 1 thru 3 are variations of 1/4 note and 1/8 beats.
<img src="images/!charts/basicfoot-a.gif">
<img src="images/!charts/basicfoot-b.gif">
<img src="images/!charts/basicfoot-c.gif">
The 1/8 note triplets and 1/16 notes in Ex. 4 and 5 increase the level of difficulty. Theseexercises are a little more intense, and also require more focus on the even execution of the different rhythms.
<img src="images/!charts/basicfoot-d.gif">
This last Ex. is an example of how I worked on developing doubles with the feet. Notice on the video how I place inmportance on articulation and evenness at a slow tempo.
<img src="images/!charts/basicfoot-e.gif">
<img src="images/attach/wmv.gif">For a video demonstration of the basic foot technique, click here. (http://www.virgildonati.com/msgboard/attachments/feet-technique.wmv)