How to Adjust Double Bass Pedals

Double bass pedals enable you to play the bass drum faster and easier through the utilization of both your right and left foot. The use of double bass drumming is commonly incorporated into metal and hard rock music genres. The position of your double bass pedal is unique to you and the way you feel most comfortable. The sway of the mallets, the height of your pedals and the spring tension are to be taken under consideration when adjusting your double bass pedal.

Sit on your drum throne and rest your right foot on the right bass drum pedal.

Use a drum key to loosen the lug on top of the axle, next to the right-hand side bass drum pedal. Adjust the mallet so it sits half way between the drum head and your shin with your foot rested on the pedal.

Hold the mallet in place and tighten the lug using a drum key.

Rest your left foot on the left bass drum pedal. Use a drum key to loosen the lug holding the axle chain to the left foot pedal and align the the left mallet with the one on the right.

Tighten the lug that holds the axle chain to the bass drum pedal using a drum key.

Loosen the spring lock under the pedal springs using a pair of adjustable pliers.

Spin the nut holding the spring with your fingers to tighten or loosen the spring adjusting the tension. The tension of the spring should be tight if you want the pedal to do most of the work, or loosen the springs to use more of your foot to control the mallet response.

Securely tighten the spring locks using a pair of adjustable pliers.

Use a drum key to loosen the lug that connects the axle chain to the pedal.

Slide the chain up towards you for a higher pedal height. Slide the chain away from you into the lower position for a lower pedal height. The higher the pedal height, the larger the swing of the mallet.

Tighten the lug that connects the axle chain to the bass drum pedal using a drum key.