Which is better to play with, "heel up" or "heel down"?

United States
May 12, 2007 11:47am CST
i'm okay playing "heel up", but "heel down" seems more solid with more stress. if anyone could assist with some bass drum drills i would appreciate it very much.
7 responses
voldrox
@voldrox (7191)
• India
22 Jun 09
i am mostly a heels up player, it gives a stronger bass thud, but you know it actually depends upon the song that you are playing, some songs require the softer heels down thing... happy drumming :
voldrox
@voldrox (7191)
• India
22 Jun 09
heels up drumming is mostly propelled by your thigh muscles, you can't play heels down all the time, it is more tiring than heels up... but that doesn't mean heels up is pro or something!
SjanineS
@SjanineS (30)
• South Africa
6 Apr 11
I definitely prefer heal up. It gives me more speed and "tightness", especially when it comes to fast and double-kicks. Playing with the heal down in my opinion makes for sloppiness and slow response..and a stiff foot ;)
547570650
@547570650 (2)
•
21 Jul 07
definitely heel up...then i can hit it nice and hard :P
Corgar
@Corgar (29)
•
4 May 08
Its all about your choice really. But heel up allows more power and speed and heel down limits what you can do and also makes your tendons hurt. i use heel up and i advise it. But in the end its always your choice.
tyronie4cash
@tyronie4cash (925)
• Philippines
18 Feb 09
Its your choice anyways, doesn't matter if you play heel up or down, Whatever feels comfy to you. I play heel up for double pedals, heel down for single ^^
Verocity
@Verocity (19)
• United States
13 Oct 10
I play heels up as well as other people have said here too! Heel down doesn't get as much power out to the bass drum. In order to do some fast drills with double pedals I have noticed I play heels up with my heel hanging past the "heel" spot on the double bass pedal.
pbeck001
@pbeck001 (5)
• Malaysia
12 Jun 07
Most of the best drummers going around would advise playing with the heal up. It gives you more control and feel. It also allows you to use more of the muscles in your leg so you don't get tired so quickly.