Staggered Double Bass: The Current Jam

• By Matt Byrne
• Originally Published In DRUM! Magazine's May 2007 Issue

We’re going to touch on a cool double bass pattern that I’ve been jamming on as of late. I’ve been messing around with running some cool staggered and choppy patterns with my feet instead of just the standard, straight sixteenth-note rolls. This is a great concept to add to your repertoire of double kick chops and something to tease your brain with. Each beat varies between half-notes, quarter-notes, and eighth-notes played on the ride cymbal, while we run the sixteenth-note double bass pattern underneath. The snare hits also vary in each beat. They are executed on the 1 and 3, 2 and 4, and 1, 2, 3, and 4. In the following examples, I begin each kick pattern with my right foot, however, you should try beginning with your left. It’s also a good idea to try alternating by beginning every other pattern with your left.