How I Learned The Swivel Technique

Daily Content @ / chrisjenkins_drums
Website - chrisjenkinsdru...
A video where I go over my experience learning the 'Swivel Technique'. Such as, why I switched from predominantly playing 'Heel Up' to 'Swivel'. Also, comparisons between other techniques, difficulties, time spent learning, pedals, etc with demonstrations.
This may very well not be for everyone, but if you haven't tried it and are looking to increase your double pedal speed, give it a go - but remember to be patient and practice it consistently if you really want results!
Question of the day:
What foot technique(s) do you use and why?
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♫Music By♫
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[@andrewedis9907]

The Shin burn is real folks! 😲

[@btownshreds1]

Shit i cant get the swivel for the life of me.

[@walpurgisnacht9234]

Notice how he said slipknot was an influence on him! Suck it haters! Lol

[@AetigmaFacade]

I have a question i dont think any video about swivel technique covers. "When first learning swivel... I found once I got the technique down at say 180bpm. It lacked volume (alot)." This that what happens with speed?

[@WarrenBey]

Generally swivel is for 185bpm and above. Sorry looks like I'm 6 years late to answer this. 😅

[@Thequornsdrummingworld]

Just curious, are you only using this technique to play fast with 32nd notes or do you have control in all previous subdivisions like quins or sextuplets or septuplets? all the videos of drummers I have seen doing this only seem to play 32nd notes at high speed, can you therefore control that technique to play other subdivisions at slow, moderate and fast tempos, or does it only work with super fast tempos in 32nd notes? Thanks Alan.

[@ImaginaryAsh]

Time to start practicing! I've been playing a single pedal for 15 years and I'm just learning this technique now. Thanks for the video.

[@ChrisJenkinsDrums]

That's so awesome! Hope it goes well :D

[@Douglas-1994]

Playing 20 for me

[@drsolaris909]

First thing first. Either have Trick, or Axis Pedals.

[@ChrisJenkinsDrums]

Hahaha

[@joetroutt7425]

I have DW 5000 double kick

[@jabasto]

Hey, I'm learning how to play drums seeing some videos here on KZbin, including your videos. You explain very well the drum techniques. I notice that you play the drum pedals without shoes. Do you think it's better playing drums without shoes? Do you recommend it?

[@ChrisJenkinsDrums]

That's awesome! It's just preference really, I usually play with shoes on, but as my kit's inside I don't like wearing shoes indoors haha.

[@plethoria4892]

I have a sketchy technique where I basically just twitch my feet. It's fast(ish), powerful and sustainable, but the bad thing is I sometimes have trouble getting the first few notes started, and my speeds using that technique range from about 180-260 bpm so theres an awkward speed around 160-180 where it's too fast for me to use my whole legs, but not fast enough to use my twitch technique. That's why I wanted to learn swivel, because I see people doing it at slower speeds with ease. I just dont like having a 20bpm gap where I cant play anything

[@wmbdaredevil]

This is the problem when you go too fast for own technique to handle. You are creating horrible habits that will stunt your drumming. Start from scratch again, I can 100% say you are tensing up and not meaning to, but it makes your feet like “not work for the first few notes” ...start at 100bpm and go up 1bpm a day. If you get tense, go back down in bpm

[@arjunshrestha8262]

Does having a direct pedal help or it can be done on a chain pedal like tama iron cobra??

[@dennis_laz3256]

Well it's helpful but not needed. Check out James Payne. The guy plays flawless swivel at 280 bpm with iron crobras. If you have a good technique the pedal shouldn't mater below 240 bpm

[@Mundellica]

Yes! There’s hope for my skinny legs!

[@jandobre7215]

What was your daily routine for learning the swivel?

[@ChrisJenkinsDrums]

I believe I did a little metronome practice and without. But, mostly just attempted playing a lot of rock/metal music!

[@Carriesaglock]

Cool if you want to use it. Unnecessary tho.

[@ArturDrums]

I‘d really like to learn it because I‘m listening to extreme metal, but can‘t play it D: Thanks for the good explanation mate!!!

[@ChrisJenkinsDrums]

That's awesome man. Best of luck and keep at it!

[@SamJB]

holy shit hes just like me!

[@larrytemp3063]

WHEN YOU PUT THE FEET TOGETHER HOW DOES THE LEFT FOLLOW THE RIGHT IS IT THE SAME LATERAL POSITION AS THE RIGHT?.YOUR COORDINATION SPEED TECHNIQUE IS GREAT. THANKS VERY MUCH

[@joetroutt7425]

I don't think it really matters as long as the beater hits the head in a even pattern. Though most I've seen the heels go in towards each other and then back out.

[@novoice9286]

My problem is my left leg/foot cant or doesnt have the strength to do what my left can and after a while of peddaling both of my legs start hitting the bass at the same time which pisses me off cause i can pedal pretty fast. I dont know if its just muscle memory along with muscle strength/stamina that im lacking or whatever but i need to know what i can do to fix this cause its very irritating especially if im trying to play deathcore and play fast like aaron kitcher. I dont own pedals i go to guitar center and ive used the pedals they have there and ive found and loved the DW 200(0). They are smooth and i can pedal my fastest when i use them but as i said above that both legs/feet hitting the bass at the same time ends of happening. All i do to practice is sit and pretend i have pedals and work on my steady pedaling, stamina, muscle memory and strength. I also work on my left since i feel its the weakest. If anyone can help id appreciate it

[@ChrisJenkinsDrums]

Don't worry about that, I can definitely relate! It's just going to simply be a matter of practice and building stamina/endurance/technique. I had that a lot in the earlier days playing double pedal, but of course still eventually fatigue at some point. All I can say is that the more time you spend playing the double pedal (or drums), the easier it'll become - I promise! Trust the process and be patient, sounds like you've already been improving your footwork!

[@bowman987654]

I encountered the same thing -weak left foot and both beaters hitting simultaneously. I learned that it wasn’t so much because my foot was weaker, but they lacked control. I fixed it by playing 16ths at 120bpm using only my ankles... I repeat NO LEG MOTION. play it for like 10 minutes straight every day for a week. Muscle memory kicks in once you speed it up... gain like 10 bpm every week.

[@l1nk987]

Fixing the left foot can be a pain, but focusing on the ankle movement can help! Notice what your right foot is doing and try and replicate that to the opposite foot so there is no inconsistencies; I spent a good month working on the technique for my left foot; just going up through note values like quarter notes, 8th notes; 8th note triplets; then to 16ths and finally 16th triplets helps; especially teaching the foot techniques like the swivel or slide; can help strengthen the ankle for playing for longer periods of time; also pay attention to how far you allow the beater to come back! Hope that helps mate!

[@barbados1267]

What tempo is that at 5:00?

[@opensuse1462]

These guys are changing the game for drumming. Its a real thing.

[@fu-gaz-ipy-thons7031]

I suck at this

[@untitled.death_]

i have old 2006 PDP double pedals & i cant swivel with those , i guess i have to wait to get $250 so i can at least get Iron Cobras

[@MegaMustangkiller]

Twipz's Joint I feel your pain I have old sound percussion pedals

[@olavodutrajunior3910]

how do you let spring tension ?

[@analusa]

Foda é não ser rica pra investir em um trigger, não adianta tocar a milhão com a técnica afiadíssima se ninguém ouve no show... É tudo questão de habito, cada um tem mais facilidade ou dificuldade para cada coisa na vida, Dave Lombardo por exemplo não precisa do trigger, claro, ele usa os tornozelos de uma forma ignorante, porém ele também movimenta as pernas, ou seja, como dizem por aí, ele "toca errado", engraçado...

[@joshuarodriguez1507]

How come captain America teaching drum swivel? No way! This is crazy!

[@Philipp_Thielen_510]

Calling Krimh a KZbin drummer can get you Decapitated... haha... get it...

[@krdrums00]

Gonna try to practice this more consistently. I wanna be able to play TBDM :’)

[@chasethemainer6801]

get to it man!

[@to27581]

My right patella hurts when I am doing the swivel technique, even if it's on slow tempo, is if normal? I am not doing something forced, but it hurts...

[@ChrisJenkinsDrums]

I'm certainly not a doctor, but I'd probably recommend avoiding this technique in that case. It won't be worth pushing through the pain only to make it potentially worse. Maybe consider mastering a different technique such as heel-up, heel-down, flat-foot or heel-toe. Swivel isn't for everyone, and probably is the more 'dangerous' option for your knees in all honesty!

[@to27581]

@@ChrisJenkinsDrums I like the technique swivel to play fast tempo but then what technique is good for doing like 180 BPM eighth note or sixteenth note on bass drum with only one foot, single pedal? Thanks for you help.

[@ChrisJenkinsDrums]

@@to27581 Any technique should work if you spend enough time getting comfortable with it :)

[@ハンマーリリー]

ヤバい！That's awesome. I'm motivated. I `ll stick it！

[@TZC2]

Hmm. I guess it's cool that you practiced this, but with proper technique (heel up), the "swivel" becomes natural after playing long enough (years). It's your body's natural way of reducing strain on your legs at fast speeds. Neat though nicely done.

[@jagzin6147]

Monster electric kit man

[@ChrisJenkinsDrums]

Thanks dude!

[@manosliapakisthestormrider8099]

Tips for swivel ? Spring tension , foot board , any tips?

[@Swisstriplet]

Oh, I’m doing this shit

[@ChrisJenkinsDrums]

Did you end up doing this shit? ;)

[@lifegoesondoyourbest9285]

Which axis model is this bro? I am making my mind for axis.

[@barbados1267]

Wow your swivel is clean

[@lucyferina]

You can take off those mesh heads and wash them with dish soap and a toothbrush. They will look brand new again.

[@ChrisJenkinsDrums]

Ah thanks for the advice!

[@hacker8253]

I notice to play fast you have to use the rebound of the drum adjust the spring tension to your preference and use a combination of ankle muscle and your whole leg to play fast if you too much leg you will fatigue and only be able to play at moderate speed if you use touch ankle that area will start to burn because that muscle by it self isn't strong enough to push the pedal down all the way. Think of. It this way use your leg to build momentum of the beater and as the pedal is almost down use you ankle muscle to finish the hit off. Just look at the way snare drummers on drum line hit the drum the use most of the arm and then the wrist to finish the hit off for quick attack it's the same principle with the double kick its has to be one fluid motion you lol know it when you get it because it would almost seems effortless or like when your nervous and you twitch your leg is the best I can describe it.

[@Swisstriplet]

I just started working on this two days ago.

[@everynameistaken567]

can someone explain how moving your foot left and right makes you faster? How is this more economical than just moving your ankle up and down

[@ChrisJenkinsDrums]

I don't personally see it as a technique that makes you play faster. For myself at least, I find the swivel motion to give me more control at higher speeds, which I suppose in return helps me with playing 'faster'. But there are plenty of incredible drummers who use every different technique! Appreciate you watching! :D

[@joshmilligan8398]

If you want to play fast double pedal, try some Amon Amarth

[@KamalBensra]

Hey Chris. I’ve been practising the swivel. It’s slowly forming. I have a question at this point that I hope you can help me with. For samba, should I play a left-right or right-left movement for the swivel?

[@ChrisJenkinsDrums]

I can't say that I'm the most knowledgeable when it comes to that style of music. I'd say whatever feels most comfortable, given you take the time to practice it. I don't think there's ever really a 'right or wrong' way to go about this stuff, unless you're causing injury or something.

[@KamalBensra]

Chris Jenkins thanks buddy. Your reply makes sense. Appreciate it. 🙏👍😊 Thanks once again!

[@skullduggery1616]

Please turn off the horribly distracting back-ground music that plenty of people won't like. I'm trying to focus on what your saying.

[@ChrisJenkinsDrums]

Thanks for the feedback. I actually stopped including background music because of that. Simply wanted to test things out in these earlier videos!

[@bennymann7937]

Fuck stop sooking bud

[@balrogDCLXVI]

Don't your knees hurt? I started practicing swivel a few weeks ago and sometimes, when standing or walking, I feel a moderate stinging pain mostly in my right knee. Guess this must be connected to the swivel. :(

[@janmartinek6647]

It is, unfortunately this technique damages the knee ligaments

[@denisviveros8496]

With those axis swivel become easy

[@denisviveros8496]

@@ChrisJenkinsDrums I use Tama iron cobra p900 and I doing it well too, but is harder at the begining, thx for answer

[@unleash-hell6666]

Chris Jenkins ..amazing video Chris!!!..what kind of beaters do you use?..and what's your "V.D.L...settings on your axis at"?..

[@drum4fun969]

Uh...

[@OdysseyDawnMusic]

My right foot has started to naturally swivel on its own but trying to get the left foot to do it as well just doesn't make sense and it's awkward. Like a weird uncoordinated feeling. I don't get it. And I'm even going for endurance first before speed. smh lol

[@ChrisJenkinsDrums]

Try not to worry about forcing it too much. My left foot actually doesn't tend to swivel as much as my right either, but I accentuated it in the example for the sake of making the movement a bit more obvious. Just keep practicing and over time observe how it responds naturally. All the best!

[@KamalBensra]

Thanks Chris for the video. Awesome playing by the way! I'd like your advice. Right now, I don't really wana do a double stroke roll if I may call it that. I just want to be able to play doubles in a groove, like adding a 32nd note double in a groove that's in 100bpm for example. And I'd like to learn the swivel technique. How should I go about practising the technique? Should I do what you do at 4:34 of your video?

[@ChrisJenkinsDrums]

Thanks! Just practice and patience man! You can also look at other videos/tutorials on Swivel, but for the most part it comes down to the time and energy you put in :)

[@KamalBensra]

So basically just practise hitting my bass drum using the swivel technique slow and steadily (and comfortably) increase speed ya? Great, will practise that! Thanks =)

[@srm5436]

Great video.. I would like to learn this. Do the two feet need to be in sync with each other when doing the swivel motion?

[@euslipkcg7977]

Great video!! Thank so much : )

[@ivanlostthreads1356]

sick!

[@ChrisJenkinsDrums]

Much appreciated!

[@Adsense101]

Swivel technique looks sooooooooo sooooooooo wrong. I hear it messes with your ankles and knees over time

[@shahfacekillah]

It's all about technique. If you use improper technique or can really screw up your knees. James Payne has some really good vids here explaining in detail the correct technique and posture.

[@AmericanBastad1776]

As a beginner this video was very helpful.

[@ChrisJenkinsDrums]

Nice, glad to hear that!

[@sergiotorrensmusic]

Great video man!!

[@jakerb2807]

Awesome bro thanks for sharing

[@Eagles.Fan.Since.Super.Bowl.52]

I’d have to think that rebound/bounce is also important. I’m currently using a Roland KD-8 on my e-kit which is just a rubber contact area. It does not rebound much at all. Curious if the mesh kick shown in this video provides any rebound to the mallets?

[@ChrisJenkinsDrums]

It was a long time ago when I had the KD-8, but personally I think it does make a difference, and that there is better rebound. However, for me it was also about the sturdiness and size of the hitting surface.

[@ChrisJenkinsDrums]

It was a long time ago when I had the KD-8, but personally I think it does make a difference, and that there is better rebound. However, for me it was also about the sturdiness and size.

[@onakasandao]

What kind of drum kit do you have?

[@ChrisJenkinsDrums]

It's a Roland td30 module but with a mix of some older pads. I upgraded parts of it over the years, so it's not the td30 flagship version.

[@onakasandao]

Thank you for telling me.I am also wondering if I should buy TD30.

[@gregimus13]

God damn!

[@onlyhuman3281]

Awesome man

[@jameshetfield1792]

How long did you take to master the swivel motion ?

[@ChrisJenkinsDrums]

Not sure if I 'mastered' it but I appreciate the sentiment haha! Hard to remember, but maybe like 4-6 months to feel very comfortable with it I think.

[@jameshetfield1792]

Thx Chris for sharing the technique ...i'll make sure i try it for at least 4-6 months

[@williamyoungkin]

Heel down kills my shins. Any tips anyone?

[@JoshuaMRichard]

Don't play heel down.

[@amneenja5720]

^what he said trust me. definitely worth it.

[@viktorbjornstad_drums5960]

How long have it taken you to learn it fully?

[@ChrisJenkinsDrums]

Perhaps 1 to 2 months for the technique, and then just improving speed overtime

[@viktorbjornstad_drums5960]

Chris Jenkins can you do a video on how to get a clean double bass at 160 to 180 bpm? And also at which bpm do you switch to the swiwel?

[@ChrisJenkinsDrums]

I start swivelling around 150bpm or so naturally. The best advice I can recommend is practice! Put on some songs you like. Otherwise for the most part, practice fast bursts and maybe maintaining a couple bars. Don't worry too much about endurance and playing fast for like 1+ minutes. Just get technique down and have fun with it, and then there's no way you won't get there! Best of luck ;)

[@viktorbjornstad_drums5960]

Chris Jenkins Thanks, BTW I was the DM guy with the double pedal questions on insta

[@matenorth]

I stopped doing this because my left foot was hitting the hi hat pedal like yours. Dont you find it annoying?

[@ChrisJenkinsDrums]

I actually don't really notice it because my foot only just about taps it

[@matenorth]

Also, you mess up with your knees this way. It would be easy for you to switch to ankle motion using calve muscles.

[@ChrisJenkinsDrums]

Thanks for your feedback! I think 'easy' is a slight overestimation. Nevertheless, I haven't encountered knee pain or issues using Swivel in about 8 years, alongside not actually playing double pedal all that frequently - which I'm sure helps. I'll be cautious as always though. Thanks!

[@matenorth]

A lot of people have meniscus issues in their fourties without doing anything wrong. Side to side knee motion is proven to burden its function longterm. Plus, you got your syncronization perfect, so it should be easy to change it and be able to drum just as fast when you grow older so you can be a happy grandpa shredder :)

[@ChrisJenkinsDrums]

Haha, fair enough. Well I appreciate it dude! I'll actually try to start lessening the range of motion next time I play and onwards and see how it goes. Thanks for watching dude ;)

[@pietzsche]

Is it possible to learn this on a pad do you think? I'm not getting much time at a kit these days, but I need to get my speed up, nice vid, thanks.

[@ChrisJenkinsDrums]

Depends what you mean, really I'd say the only thing you need is a pedal so that you can ingrain the swivelling motion! Thanks for watching!

[@pietzsche]

Np, thanks for the video :)

[@carrie7225]

freaking sick bro

[@ChrisJenkinsDrums]

Thanks so much!!

[@frankkharshiing3177]

How long it took you to learn it

[@larrytate1657]

Does it cause any tweaks in the knees doing this way?

[@ChrisJenkinsDrums]

I honestly couldn't speak on behalf of most. However I'm sure that it's possible to overdo and perhaps tweak something. But for the most part, I've played swivel for around 7-8 years and have had no issues! If you feel pain then stop, if not, you're probably good!

[@carrie7225]

if you play swivel with your foot going like three feet out the side of the pedal, your gonna have some leg problems cause all that motion is coming from the knees

[@ChrisJenkinsDrums]

For sure, it's important to evaluate your playing, posture and technique regularly. Hence I generally advise anybody who starts feeling pain to lessen the range of motion or stop immediately since it's not worth the future injury. Appreciate your insight!

[@davormaplenik2776]

Oh man that is fast, but it really looks ridiculous. I know that's one of the way to play fast, but I'm thinking what would some of the drummers we all look upon say, if they saw this. Let's say Keith Moon, Buddy Rich, or even the man himself, Mr John Bonham ? Is playing fast DB the only thing left you have to learn about playing drums? Can you be versatile with DB, different from others, can you express any emotion beside crashing cymbals? And if you put triggers on the base drum, there really is no difference between playing drums or making comp to play them for you. Don't get me wrong, I don't mean you personally. After all, even I got here wanted to know about playing fast DB. But I think I'd rather work on my feel, limb independence, dynamics and so on

[@ChrisJenkinsDrums]

I think double pedals are generally used in 'speed/hi-tempo' situations, however can be played musically if dynamics are applied (difficult, and maybe impossible with triggers like you said). Also, I wouldn't worry about what people thought about my foot technique because it works great for me and I feel comfortable and in control at higher speeds. Lastly I think that's a great idea! No doubt the independence and dynamic work will pay off, especially in musical! Best of luck :D

[@davormaplenik2776]

Chris Jenkins I might got overexcited man. I for sure know, you put many hours to master this tehnique and in learning drums in general. And your feet are flying. I didn't mean to put you down, of course. I was just expressing my thoughts. Wish you luck man!

[@thomascampbellmusic]

I couldn't care less what dead drummers of a different era would think about music today. What would Mozart have thought about Keith Moon, Buddy Rich, or John Bonham? .... You're correct! The answer is indeed "who cares?"

[@ChrisJenkinsDrums]

Certainly! Would actually be comical if those past greats could see and listen to music from newer eras haha!

[@Dockernan1977]

Calm down brother. It's another trick in the deck is all and a tool to use. Most every drummer I know works more to develop the rudiments and limb independence first and then they branch out to this. I don't think Bonham, Moon, Kruppa or Buddy would sneer at anyone trying to expand and have fun with the drums. Loosen up guy.