Lesson 74 of 114DrumsBeginner

Example 2 - Eighth-Note Bass Drum

Focus on precise eighth-note bass drum patterns. Sophie guides you through heel-up and heel-toe techniques to achieve clarity and consistency at faster tempos.
Part of the courseRockschool Drums Method for Beginners114 lessons (3h 47m)

This lesson is part of the full course. 1 lesson is free to watch.

from$13/month

Explore the course
Cancel anytime30-day refund
Sophie AllowayYour guruSophie Alloway

What's in the course

114 lessons (3h 47m) · 1 free
    • 01. Indie - Introduction to the Style

      1:26

    • 02. Example 1 - Resting on Beat Three

      1:01

    • 03. Example 2 - More Variations

      1:00

    • 04. Example 3 - Coordinating the Limbs

      2:16

    • 05. Bonus Exercise 1

      1:10

    • 06. Bonus Exercise 2

      0:50

    • 07. Indie Lesson 1 Summary

      0:25

    • 08. Indie Checkpoint - Mallets

      2:46

    • 09. Indie Lesson 2 - Introducing 8th Note Bass Drum and Snare

      1:25

    • 10. Example 1 - Eighth-Note Snare

      1:36

    • 11. Example 2 - Eighth-Note Bass Drum

      You are here

      1:04

    • 12. Example 3 - Eighth Note Phrase

      0:59

    • 13. Example 4 - 'Big Mouth' Bars 1-4

      1:48

    • 14. Bonus Exercise 1

      0:38

    • 15. Bonus Exercise 2

      0:59

    • 16. Indie Section Summary

      0:34

Lesson transcript

Lesson Example: Eighth Notes on Bass Drum

So now we'll have a look at the second example.

Exploring Techniques

The eighth notes are now moving to the bass drum. This is where potentially, you might want to experiment with different techniques:

  • Heel Up Technique
  • Heel Down Technique
  • Heel Toe Method

Practice Example

Let's try this example:

  1. Count: 1, 2, 3, 4
  2. Repeat: 1, 2, 3, four
  3. Continue: 1, 2, 3, Four
  4. Final Count: 1, 2, 3, FOUR.

$13/monthSubscription

114 lessons

3h 47m of structured video lessons

Advanced video features

Slow down, loop a passage, follow along

Mobile, tablet & desktop

Practise wherever you are

100% satisfaction guarantee

30-day money-back guarantee

Meet your guru

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”.

Sophie Alloway
Pat Levett
Joe Glossop
Frank Doll
Katie Melua
Ed O'Brien
Imogen Heap
Adam Mishan
Chet Atkins

Learn from Sophie Alloway and hundreds of others

Unlimited access, money back guaranteed

$13/month

Subscription