The Bass Drum can be an art within it's self so here's some pointers that have helped me, perhaps they'll work for you !

 
 

  • Avoid sitting too low, your thighs should be at least level with the ground, or on a slight slope forward, say 5 to 10 degrees. 

  • Don't sit to close to your bass drum, sitting too close creates extra unwanted tension, making it even harder to control  ;).

  • Avoid footwear that doesn't have a Solid / Firm sole, so shoes that flex easily, around the ball of your foot are out.

  • Avoid shoes that cover your ankle, as they restrict your foots movement.  

  • Try not to have the spring tension too tight, this wastes energy for no real reason.

  • Make sure the beater is retracting enough, so that it's  not too close, or too far away from the head. 

 

   

 

 

 

Selecting  A Foot Technique ?

 

Just as with grip their are generally two basic techniques used with Bass Drum foot control, Heels up or Heels down.

 Heels Up  is probably the most common approach for Rock, Pop, Country, Metal etc etc. Players , It suites players that need to get the most volume from their bass drum.  The basic method, is that your main contact with the pedal is made through the Ball of your foot, to play a note, you raise your knee/leg, your ankle pivots so your heel lifts off the ground, while the ball of your foot remains in touch with the pedal at all times, then you just drop you foot and the note is played.

  The second approach is Heels Down   which is most commonly used in Jazz, Fusion and maybe Funk circles (note: Rock/Pop etc etc also use this technique also), It suites situations were a dynamic (Volume) control is required.  The basic method here, is that the entire bass of your foot remains in contact with the pedal footboard, to a play a note, you simply pivot your ankle.  Please note: This technique can take some time to condition in the muscles in your ankle region, and the good seating position is absolutely mandatory.  

 

Personally, I find that I use a blend of the two different approaches in different situations. So experiment with them, find what works for you !

 

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