22nd Annual Student Research Conference
The Physics of Extreme Double Bass Drumming
Adam C. Gouge
Dr. Matthew M. Beaky, Faculty Mentor
Modern drumming has seen many developmental stages. William F. Ludwig's 1909 invention of the bass drum pedal revolutionized drumming as it had been defined up to that point. Early jazz solo drummers such as Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich greatly increased the drummer's prominence. In the 1940s, Louis Bellson pioneered the use of two bass drums. Since his time, drummers have continued to improve upon double bass equipment and techniques. Speeds formally thought humanly impossible are now commonplace in the playing of extreme metal drummers such as Gene Hoglan, Nicholas Barker, and Pete Sandoval. Most play single strokes, but some (Thomas Lang, Virgil Donati) are capable of playing double strokes, paradiddles or other rudiments, effectively playing with their feet much of what they can play with their hands. This paper will examine the physics behind double bass drumming, leading to various techniques for reaching extreme levels of speed and precision.
Keywords: double bass, metal, drumming, physics
Topic(s):Physics
Music
Interdisciplinary
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 33-5
Location: OP 2111
Time: 2:15