8 Heavy Metal Songs With Cool Double Bass Drum Patterns - with Music Transcriptions!
Joey Jordison // credit: Gamerscore Blog, CC BY-SA 2.0
Double bass drumming is such a part of heavy metal. Bands like Metallica, Megadeth, and Meshuggah all have great drummers who play aggressive beats and incredible tempos.
I wanted to look at 8 metal songs that had double bass drum patterns. The musical transcriptions are a good way for you to see what is going on inside the song.
1. Mudvayne - Not Falling verse beat.
This beat changes through the verse although this is the main pattern. On first listening it might seem this song is in odd time. That is because he sometimes places the snare drum on beat 1 which is unusual. It's played at 130 Bpm and is a super cool beat. The 32nd notes on the bass drum come in just after beat 2.
Check it out here at 18 seconds into the song.
2. Slipknot – Unsainted verse beat.
This is a classic heavy metal beat. It doesn't look complicated but I can assure you it is! It is constant 8th notes played at a super fast tempo of 185 Bpm!
The hardest part is hitting the snare and kicks at the same time and not making them flam.
Check it out at 1.03:
3. A Day To Remember - The Downfall of Us All
This is a great fun double bass beat if you are starting out. It has big crash cymbals on each ¼ note (beats 1, 2, 3, 4). Technically it's in half time as the snare falls on bat 3.
Check it out at 12 seconds into the song.
4. Pantera - Becoming intro beat.
This beat is bananas! Played by drum genius Vinnie Paul, it is incredibly complex. At 120 Bpm it is probably intended to be played by advanced drummers.
The trickiest part is where the double bass pattern begins. It starts on beat '1 and'. The hardest part is playing steady 16th note triplets at this tempo.
Check it out at 8 seconds into the song.
5. As I Lay Dying - 94 Hours
This is a cool track because it has a lot of changes. This pattern repeats over 2 bars. It's definitely not easy at 120 Bpm. The double bass is used sparingly but it is very effective. This is because it doubles the guitar riff.
Check out this pattern 40 seconds into the song.
6. Dream Theater - Pull Me Under
This is a great double bass beat by powerhouse drummer Mike Portnoy. This is a good track to play along to if you are new to playing double bass, as it has a slower tempo of around 105 Bpm. The bass drums play steady 16th notes while the hi-hats play straight 8th notes
Check it out at 1.39:
7. Pantera - Domination verse beat
This is also a good track to play if you are new to double bass drumming, although it is quick at 130 Bpms! The hi-hats play ¼ notes throughout the beat, making it easier to coordinate the kicks and snares.
The steady 16th notes on the bass drums at the start of the bar give it a cool metal sound without being too busy. Check it out at 1.38.
8. Decapitated - Spheres Of Madness
This song is at 150 Bpm and features steady 16th notes on the kick drums. If you can play this it will do wonders for your physical health; you might even be ok skipping the gym this week!
The important thing to remember is that the snare drum falls on beat 3 making this a half-time beat. The hi-hats play straight 8th notes, giving the song momentum.
A very cool double bass pattern. Check it out in the intro here:
Finally, the most important thing when playing double bass drums is evenness! Make sure to practice the left foot separately at first so it can keep up with your right foot.
Keep practicing!
About Magesh Magesh
Magesh is a musician and producer who has worked with Rihanna, Lionel Richie, Ricky Martin, Chris Brown, The Pussy Cat Dolls, Nelly Furtado, and Vernon Reid of Living Colour.
He released an instructional drumming DVD called "Unique Beats" where he mixed the drum kit with electronics and Indian hand percussion. He recently moved from Australia to the UK to explore new musical opportunities.
Website: mageshdrumteacher.co.uk
Contact Magesh Magesh at magesh.magesh7@gmail.com
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