Metal Lesson 2 - Playing Your First Full Beat

Preview

# Metal Part Two: The Double Bass Drum Pedal

As we go into **Metal Part Two**, it's a good time to start talking about the **double bass drum pedal**.

## Importance in Metal and Rock

The double bass drum pedal is incredibly popular in metal music and a lot of rock as well because it gives the drummer a chance to:

- Play a lot of bass drum notes in quick succession
- Maintain equal power, as long as they practice it

## Mastery and Personal Experience

It's quite hard to master the double bass drum pedal. I have one at home, and I don't practice it enough—I'm just telling you that now. However, it’s a great tool! If you're into the music, do practice it because it is really good for developing your coordination.

### Tips for Practicing

- Aim for even-sounding semiquavers (16th notes)
- Focus on your technique and speed

## Historical Context

I know I played a little bit of **"Immigrant Song"** by Led Zeppelin earlier, which ties in with this discussion.

### John Bonham's Technique

John Bonham, the drummer in Led Zeppelin, used a **single bass drum pedal** and exhibited:

- Amazing speed
- Great power
- Impressive technique
- Very musical patterns

However, music develops and moves on. Musicians are always looking for ways to enhance their drumming.

### Evolution of the Double Bass Pedal

- Initially, drummers used **two separate bass drums**, partly because it looked really cool.
- Some notable pioneers included jazz drummers like **Louis Belson** and jazz fusion drummers like **Billy Cobham**.
- Eventually, rock players adopted this style as well.

## Practicality of Double Bass Drum Pedal

It’s simpler, especially if you're carrying your own drums, to have one bass drum with a double bass drum pedal.

### How It Works

- Your left foot will play a bass drum pedal on one side
- Both beaters hit the same bass drum

This setup allows for a real barrage of 16th notes if you practice diligently!

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