Ninja Drummist - Official web site of session drummer and teacher Lewis Partridge. Free Drum Lessons, Drum Rudiments and Other Educational Resources.

View Bass Drum Fast Single Pedal Technique

Just messing about and warming up my single pedal technique.

As mentioned in the video, this is (sort of) my own technique. Its a modified version of the slide technique. Where slide technique usually means keeping the foot in contact with the pedal in a sliding sort of motion, I actually leave the pedal in between notes. This reduces the friction created by my shoe and the pedal board and enables me to play faster. I call it the Jumping Technique.

It has to be said though that do not play with this technique all the time, only for fast single stroke stuff. I am a great believer in learning all techniques in order to become a well rounded player. As well as this technique, I also use the slide technique, heel-toe, the swivel technique, heel up and heel down. “Different tools for different jobs” as my teacher would say.

The kit I’m playing has sadly seen better days, especially the bass drum pedal. Its the practice/teaching kit at work and its in dire need of some new skins. But hey, a bad workman blames his tools. I feel that if I can play fast on this beat up old pedal, it makes it much easier to play my lovely Iron Cobra single pedal when I get to use my own kit.

Never been a fan of double pedals, just a personal preference as I’m not really a rock / metal drummer. Occasionally, a gig calls for faster pedal work, so I stumbled upon this technique one day. The funny part is I actually lost points on my Grade 2 drum exam for my use of this technique when I was about 8 or 9! Wish I could show that examiner this video lol! You can also use this technique to identify the drummers in the room at a gig, they are the ones staring at your right foot lol.

Jojo Mayer is faster than me though with his rocking, heel-toe like motion that he demonstrates in a modern drummer video on youtube. Check it out if you have not already!

It has taken many years of practice to build my speed and endurance with this technique. I’m still developing it everyday and I have a few students that can do it now too. Sharing what we learn is what keeps God’s gift of music alive and if you have a similar technique or just simply want to ask a question about it, I would love to hear from you. My email is lewis@ninjadrummist.com

Maybe you are faster than me and can show me how its done

Please excuse the video quality. High quality videos coming soon...