Double Bass: Uber problems!

[440561]

Ok, I need help.

Firstly, I'm no good at double bass. I can't keep a roll steady at all no matter how slow. I try and do quater notes at 80bpm and they just feel so... staccato, it just doesn't feel right... So I need help/advice on this.

Also... heel/toe. I found a video and the guy makes it look so easy-I try: can't do it. It seems I can't even get the heel bit right let alone "rocking" my foot to play the toe part... I'm really stuck and don't know what to do!!!

[Undisco Kidd]

Ubung macht den meister.

As much as everyone says it, go through stick control on your feet. Get a bass practice pad, and when you're on the computer, or eating, or reading a book, or jerking off, play doubles and paradiddles and finally singles on your feet.

[maniac0796]

It takes practice.

Start at about 16ths at 100BPM, and keep that going constant, and then move it down through tempo's.

Don't start at a lower tempo with double bass, it's actually harder. Just learn to control it around with 100-120 mark, then mess around with tempo's.

[440561]

Ok cool cheers, and I think I'll look into a bass pad. Or could I over muffle my current bass drum. I already have pads but the pedals wear through the bass one (carpet underlay)... So I could get a hole for the pedals but leave the rest of the stuff on the head to muffle that-then fill it with pillows and that so its quiet but same sorta feel??? Or would a bass bad be better?

Cheers for the help guys!

[Undisco Kidd]

Ok cool cheers, and I think I'll look into a bass pad. Or could I over muffle my current bass drum. I already have pads but the pedals wear through the bass one (carpet underlay)... So I could get a hole for the pedals but leave the rest of the stuff on the head to muffle that-then fill it with pillows and that so its quiet but same sorta feel??? Or would a bass bad be better?

Cheers for the help guys!

Go for the pad. That way when you feel like taking a huge dump, you can take your pedals in there with you. You can do it if you lift weights, talk on the phone, etc.

[440561]

Lol ok cheers!

[Det_Nosnip]

Although practicing continuous rolls slowly does have its benefits, I would also strongly urge you to practice shorter note bursts. I posted a huge thread a while ago with some good examples...one of the big ones is the roll rudiments played as single stroke (5, 7, 9, 11, 13, etc). Practicing those types of rolls greatly helps with building control and thus speed, moreso than practicing constant rolls IMO. I'd also see if you can get ahold of "Double Bass Drumming" by Joe Franco...great book, will definitely help you out if you stick with it and go through his exercises.

[Sharkey Boy]

...I couldnt possibly jerk off and do a paradiddle with my feet at the same time porcupine!

[Ellx]

Thats why you practice durr.