DOUBLE BASS TACTICS

Double bass is not easy right away. It takes time to gain the speed, the coordination, and the accuracy you want. Like everything else...it takes practice. Practice alternation at a speed that you are comfortable with. It's not a good idea to start off trying to go as fast as humanly possible, because you will not get anywhere. Gradually build speed as you grow more comfortable. This could take several weeks, even months of practice for some people. On your off time when you are not drumming, pretend you have your feet on pedals, and practice alternating your feet.

Practice standing up straight, and it is a good idea to adjust your throne a little higher. I like to have mine a little higher because it lets my feet dance on the pedals. Some guys like to have their throne really low, because they think it gives them more power, but really it just wears you out. Instead of using your calves to lift your feet, stand up straight and use your upper leg, and your hip flexer muscle. It gives you a more balanced feel.

Once you get a good feel, and are getting comfortable with the pedals, and alternating, practice double hits and add in some fills with it, so you get an idea of having one extra thing on your mind while drumming. Like I said, it will take you a while, but stick with it, and good things will come to you. Try learning a new chop every day...and think about how many you will have by the end of the year. If you just stick with it, you will eventually be choppin' like a banshee. PRACTICE!!

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