Heel-toe technique
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The heel-toe technique is a drum technique, primarily used for playing double strokes on the bass drum pedal in a single stroke. The technique itself can also be used for playing the hi-hat or other types of pedals. More recently, this method has been used in the World's Fastest Drummer competition to set speed records.
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[edit] Description
The heel-toe technique essentially allows a drummer to play two strokes in a single motion. The motion consists of two parts:
- The foot is suspended above the footboard of the pedal and the first of the two notes is played with the heel.
- The foot snaps up, making a fluid whipping motion, the heel comes off the footboard, and the toes come down for a second stroke.
The heel-toe technique becomes even more valuable when playing double kick pedals or double bass drums, because it allows for all of the standard drum rudiments to be played with the feet. Once mastered, drummers can use the method to play complex patterns with their feet that were previously limited to the hands, as well as lay down very rapid rolls on the bass drum.
Noted players include Tim Waterson, who holds the current world record for beats on bass drum per minute, with a record of 1,030 singles and 1,407 doubles, and Chris Adler.
The technique is commonly used in death metal, punk rock, and other extreme forms of music. Some drummers have pointed out that this technique is also useful in country, and jazz drumming.
[edit] History
It is unknown who first developed this method. Some drummers also believe that the technique is loosely based off of a tap dancing technique used to get two strokes out of every motion. In the last couple of years, this technique has been around only among tight drum circles, but recently the technique has been a main topic of discussion in most major drum forums.
[edit] Learning
This technique is best learned at a slow speed. For drummers who are just learning this technique it is recommended that they practice the motion of the technique on the carpet without the bass drum pedal. Once drummers get the motion they should apply it to their bass drum pedal. One should start slowly, and once one starts getting the double stroke, only then should one start speeding up one's technique. To avoid bad habits, it is best not to start quickly.
