The kick drum is used to mark time in rock, jazz and pop music. While double kick pedals are poplar with hard rock, metal and punk drummers, other music styles find them useful for fills and crescendos. Double kick pedal exercises help you build foot speed, leg strength and coordination.
Double Bass Starters
Double Bass Starters help you get started with eighth and sixteen notes. Practice with a metronome set to a comfortable starting speed. Place both feet on the kick pedals. Alternate your footing with right or left foot lead. Start slowly aiming for accuracy; your speed will increase naturally as your feet get into a rhythm. If you feel the need for speed, set your metronome to play quarter notes and alternate beats between each foot. Once you get the rhythm, add a kick in between beats for the eighth notes. Next, pick up the pace and set your metronome to play eighth notes. Once you get the rhythm, add two extra kicks in between beats. Practice each section for five minutes, recommends the website Beat Industry.
Heel Up-Heel Down Methods
Using the kick pedals with your heel up creates a louder sound. Place your foot, heel up, in the middle of the foot pedals. By pressing the pedals down in the middle of the footboards, you are using your entire leg force and creating a louder sound. Practice playing eighth notes for five minutes and then sixteenth notes for another five minutes.
The heel down method provides more control and is best suited to jazz or less aggressive styles of music. Place both feet entirely on the footboards and practice eighth and sixteenth notes as with the heel up method.
Practicing these methods strengthens your legs and familiarizes you with each type of pedal method and the sounds produced.
Double Kick Pedal Strengthening Exercises
This exercise strengthens your legs. Place both feet on the pedals. With your right foot, press the pedal eight times, and then do the same with your left foot. Count down to one, alternating feet, and then count back up to eight. Repeat this five times. Next, increase the speed and repeat for another five times.
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