The primary characteristic of a bass drum is that it produces indefinite or low-pitched sound. We can generally classify them into concert bass drum, pitched bass drum, and the kick drum. As the name suggests, concert bass are used in concerts or orchestras. The kick drum is, usually, seen on drum kits. It is attached to a pedal and is stuck with a beater to generate music. Marching bands and drum corps use the pitched bass.

When two bass drums are used operated by each foot it is called the Double bass drum. It was used as early as in the 1940s and 1950s. Louie Bellson, a jazz drummer, first formulated the idea of using two bass drums. He was in the high school then. Earlier, two pre-tuned bass drums were used as a double bass drum. Later on, with cost of electronic extension getting lower, double pedal was employed. Now, the tuning has also become easier.

Ray McKinley and Ed Shaugnessy were the first to use the double bass drums in jazz concerts. However, Ginger Baker of Keith Moon of the Who, created public approval for them. Music is a form of experimentation, and drummers are no slouch in using trial and error method in creating new and exciting beats.

Drummers have used two different tuning for each bass drum. They also have tried working with two drum beaters with more than two pedals.

Double bass drums have been popular with some form of extreme punk, heavy metal and jazz. Both, heel-up and heel-down methods are being used in playing double bass. A difficult technique to use is the heel-toe technique. Here the first note of the composition is played with the heel, with the feet being suspended over the footboard.

For the budding drummers the tip is to develop the technique of playing the double bass drum in the right way. This would save valuable practice time in the future for the drummer, both novice and intermediate alike. If a beginner can learn around 20 drum beating techniques from an experienced drummer he can then progressively build up his drum skill.

This also helps in building up the speed drumming process. Not only experienced drummers can help an aspiring drummer but there are video tutorials also which can help improve the double bass drums beating skill.

Here are some important points related to double bass drumming techniques:

- Heel-down is harder to accomplish than heel-up technique. It also is harder to gain speed with this technique.
- It is difficult to not find the sweet spot and still attain the maximum speed. To find it, one needs to find the center of the pedal and then need to place the groove between the toes and the foot.
- One of the better ways to attain the balance of playing double bass drums is to sit up straight.
- Another proper way is to find out the proper muscle position while playing the drum for a long time. Some postures will help the drummer to play for a long time with less exhaustion.
- Ordinary calf raises is a good exercise to help in getting strength in the calf-muscle area.

About the Author: Victor Epand is an expert consultant for guitars, drums, and synthesizers. You can find the best marketplace for guitars, drums, and synthesizers at these 3 sites: guitars, bass guitar, bass drums, double bass drums, and synthesizers, keyboards.
Source: http://www.articlesbase.com

The family of percussion instruments consists of several interesting members. Perhaps one of the oldest members of this family is the frame drum. Believed to have originated in the ancient Middle East, India, and Rome, the frame drum has made its place in many civilizations across the world. Frame drums reached medieval Europe through Islamic culture.

Historically, drums apart from being a part of music played an important role in spiritual rituals. They are primarily musical instruments with a piece of animal skin stretched over a hollow body. Frame drums are generally round, made of wood with animal skin and sometimes metal rings or plates fitted into the drum to produce jingle. Usually it has a drumhead diameter greater than its depth. Some of them have mechanical tunings. They come in various sizes and have different versions existing in several parts of the world.

The frame drum was popular throughout the middle ages in all parts of Europe. The earliest evidence of the frame drum was during the Pre Christian period, especially the pagan Goddess period. Pictorial representation on the walls of Egyptian birthing temples illustrates priestesses playing frame drums. It is supposed that the hypnotic rhythm of the drum influences the breath and heart beat, charming the listener or drummer into a spell.

Some of the well known types of frame drums from different corners of the world are bendir from North Africa, bodhran from Ireland, tar, tambourine, mazhar from Egypt, daf from Iran, Kurdistan, Azerbaijan and Middle East, dayereh from Persia, Central Asia and balkan, pandiero from Brazil, kanjira from South India, tamborim from Brazil, riq from Egypt, and ramana from Thailand.

Perhaps one of the reasons of popularity of frame drums is their versatility factor. These drums are extremely portable and handy. Another added advantage is that due to its simple structure it is not much expensive. Hence one can play these drums in places where other drums stand no chance.

Frame drums are basically hand drums with the diameter greater than the depth. Chiefly men play the larger drums in spiritual rituals and mostly women play medium size drums. The size, shape, and materials take on the qualities of the region in which they developed. Some have jingles or rings or strings that buzz, most are round, but a few are not. Since the frame drums are such ancient instruments, often they have a lot of Celtic designs made on their heads.

The quality of their sounds differs depending on manufacturing and playing techniques. With the current developments the drums now consist of synthetic drum heads instead of goat, calf, horse, or lizard skins. There are long established techniques and playing traditions throughout the world. However in the modern times we also get to see considerable developments in fusion techniques developed by contemporary musicians.

As the frame drums got more and more popularity, a huge fan base had already developed throughout the world. The enthusiasts consist of both drummers as well listeners of world music, jazz, folks, and etc. Various manufacturers of musical instruments offer different varieties of frame drums. The brandings come with a lot of sophistication on the part of the structure and constructions. You can get some good quality frame drum offers on the online shopping sites for musical instruments.

About the Author: Victor Epand is an expert consultant for guitars, drums, and synthesizers. You can find the best marketplace for guitars, drums, and synthesizers at these 3 sites: guitars, frame drums, tambourine, and synthesizers, keyboards.
Source: http://www.articlesbase.com