I know this is a subjective question, but what sort of tension do you guys use on your bass drum pedals (single or double, doesn't matter which)? I keep my double bass drum pedals at a middle-of-the-road tension setting which gives me greater control over the dynamics--it's hard to hit the bass drum very softly if it takes a great deal of effort to move the pedal in the first place. Obviously, I'm exaggerating some; if you have to stand on your pedal to get it to move, then clearly the tension is way too high. The reason I ask is because I'm practicing drum lesson #353, the double kick shuffle exercise, and I'm trying to play it with my heels up. So far, I've been playing it heels down, with the majority of the movement being generated by my ankles, but it seems like that's sort of limiting because my shin muscles tire out way too rapidly. I've noticed Alex plays it heels up and that seems like the way to go. I THINK because my pedal tension is too flabby, I'm having a hard time because it's like I'm having to use my stomach muscles to hold my legs up. Does that make sense or am I spouting nonsense?... Anyway, any advice would be welcome. Thanks in advance.

Hey, I've been downloading and learning quite a few of your lessons after taking a bit of a break from playing over the summer (a break that I regret, of course). The samba lesson, the shuffle lesson, the press roll lesson, etc etc--all very cool. Thanks again for all the great content on the site. I just downloaded a tom beat lesson and another that's Gadd-inspired so I know what I'll be doing most of tomorrow. Have a great weekend!