[Church Drummer]

I'm still having a hard time with drum beats that require playing the high hat and bass drum together at the same time. It's mostly a balance thing, when I lift both legs up at the same time (using heel up) it feels like I'm going to fall off the stool. If I play one or the other pedal heel down it's better but still feels a little off. Any suggestions as to how to make this awkward balance feel go away.

Thanks in advance!!

Ray

[ekdrummer]

the only advice i can give is to play 4 quarter notes on the bass and then add the hi hat on 2 and 4. If you start out slow and relaxed, you should gradually become more accustomed to the feeling you were describing.

[DrummerMom]

Originally Posted by ekdrummer

the only advice i can give is to play 4 quarter notes on the bass and then add the hi hat on 2 and 4. If you start out slow and relaxed, you should gradually become more accustomed to the feeling you were describing.

That is the start to the four on the floor beat. in the notation below the "X" on the snare is supposed to be a regular note (my program I'm using just puts x's.) Time to get a new notation program.

[givemethebeat]

Learn to play heel down first. Gives you more control and dynamic and power. That should solve your problem.

[skinslapper]

Rub some vaseline on the left side of your right ankle. Hold a virgin chicken above your head then play whilst standing.

No probs after that.

[Church Drummer]

Thanks for the suggestions, Yea heel down is easier, and I can do it that way, I have been working on the four to the bar with the Bass drum, and Hi-hat on two and four and it is becoming more comfortable. I'm finding I just need to lean my body forward to couteract the feeling of falling back. getting better, but like most things takes practice.

[mouse]

Check your throne height and positioning in relation to your snare to ensure you are not over reaching and have to found the spot where you are most relaxed and can play the feet the easiest.
Take things slowly, as suggested work on playing the two pedals together and slowly build up tempo. It's a co ordination thing and takes a lot of practice to get used to. when you have the feet working , then add in the hand parts.

One thing at a time, a great book that shows how to practice and i can recommend the concept which helps to set goals,focus, and improve, is Mike Manginini's Rhythm Knowledge books available from his web site.
http://www.mikemangini.com/

[UPSTROKE]

By keeping your heel down, you will have much better control over everything. Heel up is kind of like trying to play a roll with your arms instead of your wrists. With heel down, you will later be able to add those quick little hi-hat burps anywhere in the beat. A very common bad habit a lot of drummers have(myself included sometimes) is pounding your left heel up & down to the beat. It's mostly caused by being nervous. Don't let that get started. It just creates unnecessary tension & limits your left foot considerably. As you learn technique, you will find yourself using both heel up & heel down in certain places. Remember-Heel down=best fine control.

[Church Drummer]

Upstroke I would have to agree with you I am finding that I have better control using heel down. I think I'll stick to that for now, and just use heel up occasionally on the Kick drum when I really want to accent that beat. I had read somewhere that suggested using heel up on the Hi-hat because it kept the cymbols closed tighter, but I find I don't have a problem with that even with my heel down.

[Church Drummer]

Thanks to all who have given me advice here, all good suggestions, and they have all helped. Well except for that Vasaline while holding a chicken idea, I have to admit I didn't try that one.