How To Kick Double On The Bass Drum

Learning how to kick double on the bass drum takes time and practice. First you need to have a double kick pedal and a kick drum. Mostly, double-kick drumming is heard in metal, but many drummers of other types of music will incorporate the sound of the double kick into their songs.

To kick double on a kick drum, you will need:

• Drum set with a kick drum
• Double kick pedal. These have one hammer that hits with your right foot in the usual place a kick drum has a pedal. The other side of the double kick pedal wraps around and is accessed next to the hi-hat pedal.

1. Position your double kick pedal next to your hi-hat pedal so that you can switch back and forth between them with ease.
2. Place your right foot on the right double kick pedal and your left foot on the left double kick pedal.
3. For learning techniques and when and where to play your double kick rolls, listen to music you hear double kick in while you practice. You will notice two things. The double kick is sometimes used in metal for a driving, exciting sound that carries the whole drum beat. In other types of music, the double kick is used for fills in much the same way the toms are used for fills.
4. Play along with the songs you love. This is absolutely the best way to learn to master your abilities with controlling the double kick. Do not be discouraged if you find it difficult to incorporate the double kick into your playing. This will come naturally with practice. Try to emulate what you hear. Play the same songs over and over with your drums, starting with only playing kick parts, then slowly adding in the rest of the drums.
5. If you are getting frustrated, put your drum sticks down and hammer away at your double kick pedals until you establish a steady rhythm. You can even pick up your sticks again and slam on your drums along the same beats as your double kick playing. This can help you get used to using all four of your limbs with your double kick pedal.
6. Spend as much time as you need doing these steps until you feel comfortable enough to show your band mates or friends your new abilities.