How to build up double bass speed?

Definitely invest some time in using the search form above before posting a thread, this topic has been widely covered. :)

Anyway, play along with songs, practice the basic rudiments and paradiddles, single stroke exercises, etc. It comes in time, the more you play, the faster you will get.
 
Oh yeah, search function...
Here are some (recent) threads (and there were a lot of them recently) which should be helpful:

a bass drum technique video. constant release, gallops triplets .. etc
http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=61807
(From that thread, 2 great links by shadowlorde)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6hb0y2cU2M part1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXtyLMyFWfw part 2

Trouble with Triplets( Double Bass)
http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=81959

Double Bass, in search of 180
http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=81801
(From that thread:
Derek Roddy Drum Lessons & Solos Part 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPFEP_stPGI
Derek Roddy Drum Lessons & Solos Part 3 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kD3SL...eature=related

problems with double bass 16ths
http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=81924

Double bass - getting maximum power
http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=81068
(From that thread:)
Which of the two ways is better to get faster? http://www.derekroddy.com/forum/view...p?f=24&t=20203
Tips for the new double bass drummer http://www.derekroddy.com/forum/view...hp?f=24&t=4415
Foot Technique 101 http://www.derekroddy.com/forum/view...hp?f=24&t=3025
About the flatfoot... http://www.derekroddy.com/forum/view...hp?f=24&t=1762

How can someone get up to 200 bpm on bass in months?
http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=66897

Practicing bass drum rudiments and feeling pain or burn
http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=80821


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Ok, that should be quite some material to read. Crucial aspects are:
- What's your current double bass performance, background (known/used techniques)?
- What's the speed you're aiming for?
- Don't forget there's several foot techniques. All are beneficial, I'm practicing all of them.

Some more random thoughts:
- Try to learn to love practicing it. Depending on your goals, you'll spend an awful lot of time on it. I simply made it a habit to practice double bass (with the double pedal being set up directly under my PC desk so I would be working at the PC at the same time).
- Until recently I was playing barefoot almost exclusively (because sneakers didn't work when I tried them for the 1st time). I bought some Dreaks (drumming shoes) just to experiment with and learned that while they change the playing feel a bit (which I adjusted to) they provide more stability for my ankles - I can go on longer with less strain on the ankles (not on the muscles). Also, footwear produces higher playing volume. When doing long sessions I would either use footwear from the beginning or at some time, switching from barefoot to footwear.
- Seating position/throne height/balance is extremely important. I'm constantly experimenting with that, haven't found what feels perfect for me. Heel-up is harder to control (for me, and at least in some/slower to medium speed regions) than doubles though.
- If you're going for pure speed, doubles are the way to go. As to variations, there's heel-toe and toe-toe. Toe-toe is the more advanced version of it IMO.
- Learn/practice any foot technique you'll find.
- Try practicing any technique with right and left foot leading equally. Initially this will feel very uncomfortable with some techniques - just continue, it takes time.

(PS: Sorry I'm posting quite a lot on this topic, haha. Just don't want to keep repeating myself EVERY time... I need a break from posting on double bass.)
 
Last edited:
Oh yeah, search function...
Here are some (recent) threads (and there were a lot of them recently) which should be helpful...

This reply ought to be stickied prominently. Well done.
 
Back
Top