The driving heartbeat of any rock, metal, or even jazz ensemble often comes from the kick drum. And to propel that beat, drummers rely on pedals. But when it comes to kick drum pedals, the choice between a single and double pedal can significantly impact your playing style and the sound you produce. This article will delve into the differences between these two types of pedals, helping you decide which one best suits your needs.
Understanding the Basics:
- Single Kick Drum Pedal: A single pedal is the traditional setup, connecting directly to a single beater that strikes the bass drum. It’s straightforward, reliable, and forms the foundation of drumming.
- Double Kick Drum Pedal: A double pedal connects to two beaters, allowing you to play the bass drum with both feet. This opens up a world of possibilities for fast, intricate bass drum patterns.
Key Differences and Considerations:
- Speed and Complexity:
- Single: Offers precise control and nuanced dynamics. It’s ideal for styles where groove and feel are paramount. However, achieving extremely fast double bass patterns is challenging with a single pedal.
- Double: Enables rapid-fire double bass drumming, essential for genres like metal, hardcore, and some forms of progressive rock. It allows for complex rhythmic patterns that are impossible with a single pedal.
- Technique and Coordination:
- Single: Requires mastery of single-foot techniques, focusing on power and control.
- Double: Demands significant coordination and practice to synchronize both feet. Learning double bass techniques takes time and dedication.
- Sound and Feel:
- Single: Provides a consistent and powerful bass drum sound. The feel is direct and responsive.
- Double: Can create a more “machine-gun” like sound if played very fast. The feel can vary depending on the pedal’s design and adjustment.
- Cost and Setup:
- Single: Generally more affordable and easier to set up.
- Double: More expensive and requires more space and careful adjustment.
- Genre Suitability:
- Single: Versatile, suitable for most genres, including rock, pop, blues, jazz, and funk.
- Double: Essential for metal, hardcore, and other genres that require fast and complex bass drum patterns. Also used in some fusion and progressive rock styles.
When to Choose a Single Pedal:
- You’re a beginner drummer.
- You primarily play genres that don’t require fast double bass drumming.
- You prefer a simpler, more traditional setup.
- You’re on a budget.
When to Choose a Double Pedal:
- You want to play metal, hardcore, or other genres that demand fast double bass.
- You’re interested in exploring complex rhythmic patterns.
- You’re willing to invest time and effort in learning double bass techniques.
- You want the ability to have a double bass drum sound using one bass drum, due to space limitations.
Making the Decision:
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider your playing style, the genres you play, and your budget. If you’re unsure, try out both types of pedals to see which one feels most comfortable and natural.