Basic Playing Techniques for Concert Bass Drum

Jul 1, 2024

Basic Playing Techniques for Concert Bass Drum

Positioning

Drum Position

  • Face the conductor
  • Drum should be straight up and down or at a slight angle
    • Avoid horizontal positioning to ensure proper sound projection

Music Stand Position

  • Place it in front of the drum
  • Just below eye level with the conductor
  • Ensure visibility of both the music and the conductor without extensive head movement

Choosing the Right Mallet

Mallet Choice

  • Use a concert bass drum mallet
  • Avoid using:
    • Marching bass drum mallet
    • Timpani mallet
  • Recommended mallet: BD1
    • Soft felt
    • Good-sized head
    • Balanced weight for activating the whole drum

Playing Area and Technique

Playing Area

  • Play just off the center of the drum for a big, deep, full sound

Stroke

  • Slow strokes
  • Keep the hand relaxed
  • Use the arm and big muscles
  • Aim for a deep, dark sound

Muffling Techniques

Muffling Stands

  • Some stands come with a footrest for knee muffling
  • Alternatives:
    • Use a chair
    • Base of a snare drum stand

General Muffling

  • Let the drum resonate with no initial muffling
  • Muffle after playing
    • Use the left hand for the resonant head
    • Use the knee for the batter side head

Continuous Muffling

  • Useful for faster passages or marches
  • Rest knee gently on the batter side head while playing
  • Avoid pressing too hard to prevent a dead, boxy sound

Creating Different Sounds

Variations with BD1

  • Changing the beating spot alters the sound
  • Center: Big impact

Alternative Mallet: BD3

  • Smaller head
  • More tightly wrapped felt for better articulation

Rolling Technique

  • Use two mallets of the same size: BD7 recommended
  • Play closer to the edge for a resonant sound without much attack
  • Use a hand-to-hand single stroke roll
  • Ensure an even, sustained sound
  • Increase hand speed as dynamic level goes up

Dry Sound Option

  • Use a towel and a clip to keep it in place for longer articulated passages

Key Points to Remember

  • Aim for a low and sustained sound in concert bass drum playing
  • The bass drum is the lowest sound in the band or orchestra
  • Avoid the sound profiles of drum set bass drums and marching bass drums
  • Continuously monitor and adjust to ensure the sound fits the musical context