In past month’s we have detailed Michael Packer’s techniques of ankle, leg, and down strokes with the hi-hat and the bass drum feet. This month we will look at the applications of these strokes to playing consecutive doubles and grooves with triplets. These examples come from Packer’s book The Bass Drum Owners Manual. The inclusions of the letter A, L, and D delineate which stroke is used for which note in the patterns. Start them slow and very deliberately to accentuate the motions first. In time, the motions will get smaller, more streamlined, and become part of your muscle memory. Consecutive Doubles When playing groups of two notes quickly, the ankle stroke and down motions are applied. There is not time for the heel to rest in between the groups of notes. Begin the preparation for the next stroke immediately after the previous down motion. While doing the ankle […]

October 2023 Issue