Bass drum

Bass Drum

The bass drum or kick drum is a large drum that produces a note of low definite or indefinite pitch. The instrument is typically cylindrical, with the drum's diameter much greater than the drum's depth, with a diameter of 20 inches or more.

History

The bass drum has been around for centuries, with its origins tracing back to the military and orchestral music. It was initially used in the military to communicate commands during battle and was later adopted by orchestras in the 18th century.

Construction

A bass drum is typically made from a hollow cylinder (the "shell") with a drumhead stretched over each of its ends. The shell is traditionally made of wood but can also be made of metal or plastic. The drumheads can be made of calf skin or more commonly, plastic. The drum is usually played by striking it with a beater attached to a pedal, both of which can be made from a variety of materials.

Use in Music

In a drum kit, the bass drum is the largest drum and is typically situated on the floor, played with a foot pedal. It is used in many genres of music, including rock, pop, jazz, and blues. In marching bands, the bass drum is often used to keep the tempo, while in orchestral music, it is used for dramatic effect.

Techniques

There are several techniques for playing the bass drum. The most common is the heel-down technique, where the heel is kept on the pedal and the ball of the foot plays the strokes. Another technique is the heel-up technique, where the entire foot is lifted from the pedal for each stroke.

See Also

• Drum kit
• Percussion instrument
• Drumhead
• Drum stick