Lesson 51 of 114DrumsBeginner

Example 2 - Bass Drum Variations

Explore bass drum variations to build speed and control. Avoid rushing as you play consecutive bass drum notes, focusing on clean execution and consistent tempo.
Part of the courseRockschool Drums Method for Beginners114 lessons (3h 47m)

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114 lessons (3h 47m) · 1 free
    • 01. Metal Introduction - Playing Two Drum Voices

      3:35

    • 02. Example 1 - Focusing on Coordination

      2:19

    • 03. Example 2 - Bass Drum Variations

      You are here

      1:16

    • 04. Example 3 - Coordinating the Hands

      1:09

    • 05. Bonus Exercise 1

      1:05

    • 06. Bonus Exercise 2

      0:50

    • 07. Metal Lesson 1 Summary

      0:25

    • 08. Metal Lesson 2 - Playing Your First Full Beat

      1:56

    • 09. Example 1 - Basic Rock Beat Hi-Hat Pattern

      1:08

    • 10. Example 2 - Adding the Back Beat

      0:58

    • 11. Example 3 - Adding the Bass Drum

      0:59

    • 12. Example 4 - Power Trip Bars 13-14

      1:32

    • 13. Bonus Exercise 1

      1:10

    • 14. Bonus Exercise 2

      0:53

    • 15. Metal Section Summary

      1:05

Lesson transcript

Bass Drum Variations

Now, example two, we're looking at some bass drum variations.

Tendency to Rush

Sometimes there might be two bass drums in a row. There can be a tendency to rush those a little bit if we're not careful when we see two things in a row.

"I don't know, something in the brain just thinks, right, okay, let's get those next to each other."

This tendency can cause things to pick up a little bit of speed.

Tips for Steady Rhythm

  • Listen to the track.
  • Use the guitar to help.
  • Use the click as well.

1, 2, 3, 4.

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Sophie Alloway

Sophie Alloway

Sophie Alloway is a session and touring drummer at the heart of the London jazz scene. She has performed with Jason Rebello, Yazz Ahmed, Laurence Cottle and Tony Allen, and notably played for Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace shortly before he became King.

Touring credits include Roots Manuva, the Thriller musical and Paul Stacey (Oasis / The Black Crowes). She is also the drummer in original fusion band Lydian Collective, with over six million Spotify streams.

Sophie has recorded sessions at Abbey Road, AIR and Angel studios, and her television appearances include Later… with Jools Holland, Glastonbury and two series of Adrian Dunbar’s drama Ridley. She is featured on Abbey Road Masters: The Drum Sessions and performed for the BBC Young Jazz Musician 2024 finalists, broadcast on BBC TV and Radio. Jon Newey of Jazz FM dubbed her the “goddess of groove”.

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