question for drummers, need help.

[moteman]

What is the correct way to use the kick pedal? Should I keep my heel planted on the pedal and just pivot my ankle (like tapping my foot)? Should I be raising my foot and pressing down with the ball of my foot? Something different?

A detailed "correct" way to do this would be very helpful.

Thx

[shesnana]

I think you should play however will keep your pedal from breaking =)

I keep my foot planted and use the ball of my foot to press the pedal so that my toes are below the orange line, but i have smaller feet- and I do it that way so all the weight goes on the spring

[Tarzanman]

There are different techniques, but most people leave their entire foot resting on the pedal with the pedal pressed down.

As for playing it, I usually use the heel/entire-foot method, but I switch to the toe-tap technique sometimes... both methods have their uses....

....and if you ever plan to switch to a real pedal, it will be helpful to be familiar with both methods in case you want to use the heel-toe quick hit method (which i do NOT suggest using on your Rock Band pedal because you will snap it into teeny tiny pieces)

[Harsher]

Here's how I play!

I rest my foot flat on the pedal, I do not hold it pressed down though and whenever I play I just press it down about half way and then let it back up again. I never press it completely down and if this were a real drum I probably would but I don't want to break my pedal and it works perfect if you just press it half way down and let it back up.

And I never wear shoes while playing, if you do you will most likely break your pedal. Hope this helps you out, remember just press it down nice and easy so you don't crack/break it since it's cheap! :cool:

EDIT: Yes, play it like you're tapping your foot!

[erickOnasis412]

i play heel up, and it works out extremely well.. plus (knock on wood) no damage or anything to the pedal thus far..

play however is comfortable for you though.. there are a lot of different techniques, it just depends on what you find the most comfortable and convenient

[davidshek]

I've been a drummer for 16+ years, here ya go:


What is the correct way to use the kick pedal? Should I keep my heel planted on the pedal and just pivot my ankle (like tapping my foot)?

No. This will severely fatigue your ankle and you'll end up hurting after a very short while.


Should I be raising my foot and pressing down with the ball of my foot?

Yes. Just get gentle with it, remember, it's plastic :)