The Smiley Smile Message Board

My 11 year old has just changed drumming teachers and the new one wants him to play the bass heel down after 3 years with the old one heel up! For a dummy like me, whats the way to go?

Opinions please  :-\

For what it's worth (I'm primarily a guitarist and bass player but I can play the drums a little):

I think it depends on what style you prefer to play. I like to play hard, fast and loud, so I play with my heel up. But I can imagine that if you want to play more 'sophisticated' you'll prefer the heel down.

If hes been playing for over 3 years, I think at this point its more about preference than whats suggested...

Thanks for the replies. I'll go for his preference. I was concerned he may not have been taught correctly.

Thanks again

I don't think it's ever a question of "one way or the other way" . . .

It's a combination, and you use whatever technique suits the music . .. and suits your style.

I played drums in our school's jazz band in high school (many years ago). . . and we had multiple drummers . . . three of us who played on different stuff. And we had one guy who could play, for example, two fast sixteenth notes on bass with his heel up . . . leading into a snare kick. A powerful sound.

So again, I think it depends . . . (1) on individual style . . . and (2) on the dynamics and style of the song in question.

M.

It's important to find the right teacher.  Some are very open-minded in terms of technique, and some are fanatically opinionated.  I've had both kinds.

I know drummers that feel they can get more speed heel down, but more power heel up.
Just as with traditional grip vs. matched grip, I switch between both depending on what kind of sound is necessary.

I would suggest staying with the heel up approach.  Hopefully, the teacher you have now will be agreeable to that.  Good luck.


Dan