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5 Double Kick Songs For Beginners

Aaron Edgar  /  UPDATED Aug 22, 2022

Did you recently treat yourself to a double kick pedal for the first time? Or have you had one on your kit for a while but the slave pedal has been gathering dust? Get your feet flying with these five songs even a beginner can learn!

All of these patterns are relatively straight forward while still sounding cool, and they’re fun to play, even if you’re starting at a slower tempo. And that’s the key: start slow. You’ll be able to improve your control and lock in the muscle memory you’ll need to play faster tempos.

1. “Red Hot” – Motley Crue


238 BPM sounds really fast, but it’s just 8th notes on the kick. If you start slow, you’ll be able to pull it off, no problem. It’s a simple right left on the feet with a basic rock backbeat on your hands.

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2. “The Four Horsemen” – Metallica


Imagine taking the famous double bass triplet pattern from “One” and cutting it in half. This gallop-style burst is an 8th note triplet on the kicks, followed by a snare hit.

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3. “Down With The Sickness” – Disturbed


This interesting syncopated double kick pattern has a cool offbeat snare drum shot at the end. Try it yourself!

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4. “Domination” – Pantera


With big open quarter notes on the hands, the double bass pattern consists of syncopated 16th notes. It’s a four bar phrase with a fun variation in the final bar. Learning this will help you work on endurance and nail those off-beat shots.

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5. “Under A Glass Moon” – Dream Theater


Here’s another cool syncopated 16th note rhythm. Your hands aren’t just doing a standard backbeat this time time; it’s got a little more creativity to it.

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What do you think of this list? Are there other beginner double bass songs you like to practice?


Aaron Edgar is a dynamic and innovative drummer renowned for his technical prowess and creative approach. With a career spanning over a quarter century, he has significantly impacted the drumming community as an educator, performer, and author. His work with the progressive metal band Third Ion showcases his ability to blend intricate rhythms with powerful grooves. Aaron's contributions to drumming education are extensive, including over a dozen years at Drumeo, his role as a columnist for Modern Drummer, and his instructional book "Progressive Drumming Essentials" Additionally, he served as Editor In Chief of Drums Etc. magazine and is a sought-after clinician worldwide. Aaron's passion and dedication continue to inspire drummers of all levels, solidifying his place as a leading figure in modern drumming.

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