Drums · Level 10 · Metal
Double bass metal groove
Don’t just read about the double bass metal groove. Play it.
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Continuous sixteenth notes on the bass drums with a crash on every beat. Played with two pedals, alternating feet.
Tap an instrument name to mute it and play that part yourself.
HOW TO PRACTISE IT
Six steps to a steady groove.
- Press play and listen to the whole groove twice before you play.
- Mute every row except the hi-hat (or ride) and play along with the rest. Alternate right and left foot evenly; start at 80 BPM.
- Add the bass drum, then the snare, one part at a time.
- Set the tempo to 84 BPM and play the full groove four times without stopping.
- Raise the tempo to 120 BPM once it feels easy.
- Record a take and listen for sixteen kicks per bar that all sound the same.
Listen for
Aim for sixteen kicks per bar that all sound the same. A common mistake is letting one foot play louder than the other.
Why it works
Double bass drumming gives metal its relentless, machine-gun drive.
Questions
How do you count the double bass metal groove?
It is in 4/4. Count 1 e & a 2 e & a 3 e & a 4 e & a for each bar.
What tempo should I practise the double bass metal groove at?
Start around 84 BPM and work up to 120 BPM. Only speed up when you can play it four times in a row without mistakes.
Is this drum lesson right for my level?
It is a level 10 groove. If it feels too hard, go back to “7/8 groove”.