Rock Perspectives

Double Bass Workout

Part 4: Advanced Grooves

by Todd Vinciguerra

This month we’re exploring advanced double bass groove ideas that mix 16th notes, 16th note triplets, and 32nd notes alongside 16th-note-based hand patterns. Remember to always play to a metronome or a click track. Also, start off slowly and master each exercise before increasing the speed. To take the exercises a step further, instead of just playing the patterns one at a time, turn them into two-, three-, or four-bar phrases. And instead of using only straight 8th notes on the hi-hat, try using quarter notes or 16ths, or mix all three.
Experiment with the bass drum patterns as well, by switching the lead foot or by using double strokes.

Double Bass Workout 1

Double Bass Workout 2

Double Bass Workout 3

Todd “Vinny” Vinciguerra is the author of several drum instructional books. His latest, Double Basics: Complete Double Bass Drum Book, is available through Mel Bay. For more info, visit anotherstateofmind.com.