Double Bass Drum Single Pedal: Can You Use One Pedal for Two Kicks?

Updated November 2026

A double bass drum single pedal setup is possible, but it does not give you two independent kick drums. You can play two bass drums with one pedal only by using a chain-linked or dual-beater design, and even then the second drum is triggered by the same foot movement. A true double kick sound comes from two pedals, one for each drum, usually joined by a shared footboard or a linked axle.

Why one pedal can’t play two bass drums

A single bass drum pedal has one footboard, one cam, and one beater. Pressing the footboard drives one beater into one head. To hit two drums, you need two beaters moving independently, and that requires either a second pedal or a pedal designed to split one motion into two strikes. Standard single pedals do neither.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 5 Best Electronic Drum Double Bass Pedal Options for Practice and Gigging (2026).

Some drummers reach for a single pedal with a second beater on the same axle. This can produce a doubled sound on one drum, but the two beaters strike together, so you hear one attack rather than a fast alternating pattern. Manufacturers typically describe these as sound-thickening accessories, not double pedals.

Factors that decide what you need

• Kit layout: If you have two bass drums mounted separately, you need two pedals or a linked setup.
• Playing style: Fast doubles at high tempos depend on independent beaters and a second footboard.
• Hardware compatibility: Check that your pedal’s footboard and cam fit your drum’s hoop and rim height.
• Budget and goals: A single pedal with a dual beater works for occasional doubled hits, while a dedicated double pedal suits steady double-bass playing.

How to set up what you already have

1. Confirm how many bass drums your kit uses. If there is only one, a single pedal is correct.
2. If you want a doubled sound, mount a second beater on the same axle and tighten it so both strike at the same moment.
3. Set the beater height so it rests about 1/8 inch from the head at rest, then adjust the spring tension until the rebound feels even.
4. Test at slow tempos first. If the two beaters bounce or lag, reduce spring tension or tighten the clamp.
5. If you need two independent strikes, switch to a double pedal rather than forcing a single one to do the job.

What we’d use

For drummers who want true alternating double kicks, a dedicated double pedal is the practical choice. View on Amazon is a widely used option among gigging drummers. For a simpler upgrade that adds a second beater to a single pedal, look at a dual-beater attachment such as View on Amazon.

For more on choosing hardware, see Single Bass Drum Pedal: Why Use One and How to Choose and Pearl P532 Double Bass Drum Pedal: Setup, Adjustment and Buying Tips. If you are weighing options for an electronic kit, Electric Drum Set with Double Bass Pedal: Can You Use One? covers compatibility.

FAQ

Can a single bass drum pedal play double strokes?

Yes, but only as a single strike per footstroke. Rapid double strokes depend on how fast you can lift and re-press the footboard, not on the pedal itself.

Do I need two pedals to play double bass?

For alternating kicks on two drums, yes. A single pedal with a dual beater can add weight to one drum but will not alternate between two.

Is a dual beater the same as a double pedal?

No. A dual beater strikes one drum with two beaters together. A double pedal uses two footboards to strike two drums independently. Consult a qualified drum technician if you are unsure how your hardware is configured.

Related reading

• Used Double Bass Drum Pedal: What to Check Before You Buy
• Pearl Drum Double Bass Pedal: A Buyer's and Setup Guide

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