I'm learning to play drums and was wondering if it is easier to start with a single bass, or a double?

Question

i currently have a double and was wondering if i should take it down a little bit.

Answer 1

I have taught drum set for years. It will not be easier to start with a single bass. You have to learn all the techniques with your feet just as you do with your hands! It doesn't matter if your foot is on a hi-hat or a bass pedal. I teach all my drummers the "4 handed" or "4 limbed" approach as espoused by The Drummers Collective and others.

You CAN start just with a snare. It will simplify things for a while. I started with just a snare. You state that you have a double-bass set already. It doesn't matter what equipment you have, you need to devote some individual time to each element of your kit. In Brazil, sometimes a percussionist will study nothing but tambourine for years. It takes a while to master each separate instrument. When you put them together as a "drum set", you still have to know each instrument on its own terms!

My favorite part of the set is the hi-hat. You can use it in SO MANY ways. It is more conventional than the 2nd bass drum, but it is also more complex. Don't forget to master legato and staccato sounds with your basses. It is not ALL about speed! (Let the beater rest on the head long enough to deaden the sound, or stop the vibrations, to get your staccato sounds.)

Answer 2

once you've rhythm, drums - as a rule because no fairly notes are required. Guitar is often harder than people imagine & bass isn't something that you opt to study on. it may look a lot less demanding than guitar (4 strings VS six, although the concept of bass is fullyyt diverse and oftentimes takes a lot of expertise of both rhythm and effortless theory. you may continually change later. sturdy success and keep at it!

Answer 3

Start with a single. Get your right (or left) foot up to a decent speed first and then play around with the different stuff. The above poster was right, learn the basics first.
Drum on
~Shorty~

Answer 4

You should start with the basics when you begin to play (at least I did!). I would try a single to start with. Many drummers do not have the basic fundamentals down, you'll be a better drummer in the long run if you can concentrate on technique early on and get it "branded" into your brain.

Rock on and good luck!

Answer 5

It sounds like alot to ask, but I would start with just a snare and sticks. Learn your rudiments. They help your playing phenominally in the long run.

Answer 6

you should start with a single bass, esp if you are going to have a hi-hat. i play drums and double bass is harder because the bass keeps the rhythm and counts time.

if you have a hi-hat and double bass you have to keep switching your left foot (its usually the left, idk how you play) from hi-hat to bass drum. you should get started with the feel of a hi-hat and when you are ready, get another bass.