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The Bass Drum

The bass drum evolved from its earliest forms as a long, cylindrical orchestral drum and a large-diameter military drum. It is played with a large padded mallet (one for single notes and two for rolls).

Preliminary Procedure:

  Stand behind the drum so that you can see the instrument, the music, and the conductor.

To Play the Bass Drum:

  A.

B.

C.

Strike the batter head in the "off Center" area with an "up stroke" that will "draw" sound from the head.

For a dryer sound (marches, rock beats), strike the batter head in the "Center" area with an "up stroke."

For rolls, strike the batter head in the "Outer Edge" area with alternating strokes of a pair of mallets.

To Muffle or Dampen the Bass Drum:

A.     

Lay your hand on the batter head while striking the head.
     B. Or, place your knee against the batter head while striking the head.