Metal · hard · 180 BPM
Double Bass Metal Drum Beat
The relentless wall of double-bass that powers thrash and modern metal: a steady stream of sixteenth-note kicks under a driving backbeat and ride. The constant low-end pummel against the snare on 2 and 4 is what gives metal its aggression and forward momentum.
Press play to hear it, then open the full machine to edit, loop, and play along with your own kit.
What this teaches
Teaches sustained sixteenth-note double-bass stamina while keeping a steady backbeat.
Heard in
- Metallica - One
- Slayer - Angel of Death
- Pantera - Cowboys from Hell
More grooves
GrooveSteps practice notes · Updated 2026-10-18 · How these examples are made
Listen for this
Read the actual kick row before choosing a foot sticking. A continuous sixteenth-note run and a gallop with a rest are different rhythms. This page's programmed pattern is the reference: practice its occupied and empty steps exactly, starting slowly.
Practice the arrangement
- Start with the sparsest row. Count every subdivision, including the silent positions.
- Add one voice at a time on your kit, or listen to the full loop and clap just one part. Keep the main pulse unchanged.
- Play four loops at a comfortable tempo. Change one note, then compare the variation with the displayed pattern before adding another.
Read the final example without sound
This loop has 16 steps, with 4 steps per main beat. Count each beat as number, e, and, a. The table lists the occupied positions; every unlisted position is a rest. Start at 180 BPM or lower the control until you can follow each part.
| Voice | Count positions |
|---|---|
| kick | 1 · 1 e · 1 & · 1 a · 2 · 2 e · 2 & · 2 a · 3 · 3 e · 3 & · 3 a · 4 · 4 e · 4 & · 4 a |
| snare | 2 · 4 |
| ride | 1 · 1 & · 2 · 2 & · 3 · 3 & · 4 · 4 & |
| crash | 1 |
These positions describe the programmed example, not an artist recording. Playback uses synthesized sounds. A real performance also involves touch, dynamics and phrasing.
Keep practicing
Build a practice routine · Read drum notation · Browse the lesson path
Found a mismatch between the explanation and the player? Send a correction with the page address and the step or count that needs attention.