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We've already nailed the Alexander Technique, we've looked at some of the physical motions used in foot techniques on the drumset and established that the position of the foot, on the respective pedals, is a key ergonomic consideration.

Now, we'll continue the theme and address a number of other physical and mechanical (ergonomic) variables relating to heel-up and heel-down techniques, with specific reference to the bass drum.

"Please release me, let me go…"

These words, sung beautifully by legendary crooner, and groove drummer, Englebert Humperdink, may have more meaning and relevance than you think.

In order to produce sound on the bass drum, we need to operate the pedal mechanism, which relies on a physical motion to 'release' the beater, followed by another motion to play the stroke and produce the required sound (dynamic). Now, this is not rocket science, but there are some mechanical principles that need to be considered.

The above image shows a resting position on the bass drum, prior to the release of the beater, with the foot placed on the sweet spot of the footplate. Notice the position of the beater in relation to the bass drum head.

In this position, we have already placed slight pressure to depress the footplate, and there is still enough space between the beater and the head to nudge the footplate down slightly further, before the actual release of the beater. This will allow for maximum momentum during the release process and subsequent playing of the stroke.

It is possible to initiate the release process with the beater placed firmly in the bass drum head and the above and below images show this, using heel-down and heel-up positions, respectively.

This will generate sufficient release and momentum, but starting (and finishing) the stroke in this position can have physical and sonic disadvantages, as we'll see next month.

Furthermore, if we begin the release process with the beater too far away from the head, as in the image below, it is difficult to generate full momentum, given that the beater has already been released to some degree. Ultimately, this will result in less speed, power, volume, and control.

Dynamic levels

The principle of the release process and dynamic levels, though reasonably simple in theory, can cause problems in practice. Regardless of the physical technique used, the volume and tone quality of a stroke played on the bass drum is determined by the principles of release (of the beater), dynamic levels (distance of the beater from the drumhead), anticipation (timing), velocity (speed) and acceleration (force).

What a palaver… all this just to hit the bass drum!

Next page: exercises, physical comparisons and observations

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