The Basics Of Playing - Roland TD-4KP Owner's Manual

Playing

The Basics of Playing

Drums are played using both hands and both feet. Here we'll explain how to hold the sticks and use the pedals.
Holding the Sticks
The most common way to hold the sticks is called the "matched
grip" as shown in the illustrations below.
Left hand
Right hand
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Using the Kick Pedal
The kick pedal can be pressed in either of two ways: "heel up" or
"heel down."
Heel down
In this method, the entire bottom of your foot from heel to toe
stays in contact with the pedal. Use your ankle joint to make your
toes push down the pedal. This method allows more precise
control of the volume, and is often used in jazz and bossa nova.
Heel up
In this method, your heel floats above the pedal. With your heel off
the pedal, lower your entire foot to push down the pedal. This
method applies the full weight of your foot to the pedal, making it
easier for you to produce a stronger sounds than the heel down
method. This is often used in rock and pop.