Modern Drummer gives this book an 8 out of 10 and says:
"This book's thoroughness is reflected immediately, as topics like throne height, pedal tension, heel-up/heel-down technique, hi-hat fundamentals, and general practice tips are all covered in the introduction! Once you've mastered the basics, the real shedding begins, with 16th-note strengthening exercises designed to be played with the included CD click/tempo tracks, as well as groove exercises spanning samba to the rock ballad. Get out your workout clothes for this one! Working through Bass Drum Essentials For The Drumset is like going back to school! It's designed to improve you progressively. Take your time and study the exercises carefully."

Includes sections on:
Strengthening Exercises
Groove Patterns
Bass Drum & Snare Drum Independence
Drum Fills in Context
Musical Styles
Play-Alongs

“When Dave Black and I conceived Bass Drum Essentials for the Drumset, the idea was to create a book that not only strengthened and improved bass drum performance, but also provided a way to incorporate that improvement within the rest of the drumset. The working outline we came up with for each chapter was as follows:”

Strengthen and coordinate the feet :: Add various Groove Patterns with the hands while embellishing the bass drum, using as many different rhythmic combinations as possible :: Strengthen the bass drum :: Snare drum relationship with Bass, Snare, and Ride Cymbal Studies :: Utilize the bass drum within the Linear Fill Patterns.
Put it all together with Play-Along tracks (six in total).

CD samples can be heard by clicking on the MP3 links below.
1. October Moon (8ths)
2. Must've Been You (8ths)
3. Nothing But (16ths)
4. Smyles (16ths)
5. Ruby Blues (triplets)
6. Austin City (triplets)

In rock and pop styles of music, the solid relationship between the bass drum and snare drum is vital to a deep groove and feel. The purpose of the section Bass, Snare, and Ride Cymbal Studies in each chapter is to develop and solidify that relationship without the dependence of keeping time on the hi-hat or ride cymbal. These exercises take the dependence off the right hand (or left) as time-keeper, and applies it to the bass drum and snare drum where it belongs, thus freeing up the right hand to play more interesting patterns on the cymbals.

Chapter Four - Styles & Interpretation:
This chapter presents various styles of popular music characterized by their basic feel. Each musical style includes an explanation of the role the bass drum plays in it, along with a written example. These examples are by no means all inclusive — only a small sampling of some of today's most popular styles.


(Click on preview pages below to view full-size samples from Bass Drums for the Drumset)

©2006 Brian Fullen. Unauthorized use is a violation of applicable laws. All rights reserved.