8 Rock Songs With Exceptional Double Bass Drum Patterns - with Music Transcriptions!
I wanted to write this article to show people what makes a cool drumbeat. Double Bass drumming became popular in the 1970s in heavy metal music. Although, it has now become popular in other styles of music. It requires the drummer to be in great physical condition as it is like running a marathon!
I thought it might be cool to take a snippet of a song with a double bass drum beat and transcribe that particular bar. This would make it easy to see what makes it work within the music.
Note: I decided to transcribe both bass drum parts on the bottom line to make it easier to read
1. 'One' by Metallica
This is a classic song with multiple time changes. Check out the 4.39 mark of the song. This is where the below beat comes in.
What makes this beat cool is the drummer is playing 16th-note triplets in a straight 8th feel. What makes it even cooler is the guitars are double this rhythm to give it a bone-crunching impact!
2. 'Foreclosure of a Dream' by Megadeath
Another 90's classic. I think the chorus double bass pattern works because the verse is in halftime. That makes the snares on 2 and 4 in the chorus kick the song into high gear.
The drummer plays quarter notes on the bell and sporadic double bass figures. Brilliant! Check out 1.22 to hear this beat.
3. 'Servitude' by Fishbone
This double bass drum pattern is so outrageous! Drummer Fish of Fishbone is one of the few drummers who can play any style of music well.
What makes this pattern unique is that it is in 6/8 timing. The drummer plays broken 16th notes on the bass drums which give it a heavy rock feel. Check it out at the 1.01-second mark.
4. 'Under a Glass Moon' by Dream Theatre
Although the drum sounds are triggered this is a wicked double bass beat! It is a 2 bar pattern.
The quarter notes on the hi-hats and off-beat snare in the first bar make it really groove. Check it out at .36 seconds mark.
5. 'Crime story' by 24-7 Spyz
This is a bombastic double bass drum pattern. Constant 8th note triplets show the level of skill of this drummer.
Having hi-hats on beats 1 and 3 creates a wide open space to let the music breathe. A great example of double bass drumming! Check it out at the 14-second mark.
6. 'Red Hot' by Mötley Crüe
This pattern looks easy upon first glance but I can assure you it's not! The constant charging 8th notes of the double bass make this song physically challenging to play.
Having quarter notes played on the hi-hats lets the song breathe. A great classic example of double bass drumming. Check it out at the .02-second mark.
7. 'Rampage' by Marcus Miller
Although this song has a real jazz funk feel it contains double bass in the breakdown section. It is played by Grammy Award-winning drummer Will Calhoun from Living Colour.
This is a super creative use of double bass drumming. It is played sparingly but an amazingly cool lick! Check it out at the 3.54 mark.
8. 'This Little Pig' by Living Colour
This is an excellent example of double bass drumming. Played sparingly in a full assault rock beat, the double kick add to the aggression of the music.
Having the other sections change to half-time also adds to its effectiveness. It is played at a fast tempo with laser-like precision. Check it out at the .36 mark.
About Magesh Magesh
Magesh is a musician and producer who has worked with Rihanna, Lionel Richie, Ricky Martin, Chris Brown, The Pussy Cat Dolls, Nelly Furtado, and Vernon Reid of Living Colour.
He released an instructional drumming DVD called "Unique Beats" where he mixed the drum kit with electronics and Indian hand percussion. He recently moved from Australia to the UK to explore new musical opportunities.
Website: mageshdrumteacher.co.uk
Contact Magesh Magesh at magesh.magesh7@gmail.com
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