Sick Drummer Magazine

Hey guys I'm pretty new here and to drumming in general. My dilemma is that when I sit down to my play my double pedals I can't really keep a constant even pattern if you get my drift. I know since I have only been playing for a small amount of time I really don't have the muscles developed yet. Is there any exercises you guys know of to help me get a constant flow? And also what tension should I be playing on, I have tried high and low. On the high tension I struggle to get a decent speed and on the low I can get a decent speed but no power. Thanks in advance guys!

I remember when I got my pedal I tried to emulate some hand patterns like paradiddles and such with my feet. Just start slow and get em' even before you try to go really fast or anything. As far as pedal tension I have mine tight but you might as well experiment and find what you like better.

gl

Without knowing exactly how you are sitting, and at what angle your thigh is at, it's hard to tell. If you are totally comfortable with your kit, seat height and balance, then I agree with Nick, just try each setting until you find the best feel. If you are sometimes feeling yourself lean too far, or adjusting all the time, then you might want to also experiment with seat height. Doing both of these things, and sometimes even changing the kit around helps me find answers.

The other important part is what pedal you are playing? It's like stunt motocross guys. Do you think they would try a backflip on an 87 Yamaha YZ490? No, they find the best, lightest and most comfortable bike available. I know drum gear is expensive, but the kind of pedal you play (especially being new to drumming) makes a ton of difference! Go try some other pedals of friends or at stores and see if you find something that just clicks...

The fine line between balance, freedom & power is something that is mostly learned through trial, error and unfortunately... Experience. You'll know when it feels perfect

As of now my legs sit at about a 90 degree angle. I find myself adjusting my throne height a lot so I'm still playing around with that. As far as pedals go I'm playing on some cheap pdp double a friend gave me, at the moment I'm trying to get my hands on some cobras and a metronome. Do you guys know any exercises for that I'm checking out some vids but they don't really explain it they kind of just play it. Thanks again for the help!

I'm certainly no pro and I recently bought some double bass pedals. Until now I have had the same problems listed here but I've now got a few techniques which help.

Try using a hard beater, I used to use the soft side but it wasn't loud enough for playing quickly with little power. Also (although it's not ideal) I tend to lean back on my throne so I can extend my legs more which makes it much easier (I'm pretty short so I cant position the seat further back or I cant reach the drums!), If you try this remember to keep two legs of your throne behind you so you don't lose balance and fall off!