Best Drum Pedals for Nu-Metal 2026 | MetalForge Expert Guide
Best drum pedals for nu-metal drumming. What Joey Jordison (Axis A Longboard double pedal), John Otto (single-pedal groove approach), and Ray Luzier (DW 9002 double pedal) actually use — from budget to pro.
Frequently Asked Questions
What pedal does Joey Jordison use?
Joey Jordison drove Slipknot's explosive double bass work on Axis A Longboard double pedals. The extended longboard footboard gave him the leverage and speed for the extreme kick patterns and blast beats he performed live on the band's rotating drum riser.
Does John Otto use a double pedal?
No — John Otto built Limp Bizkit's entire hip-hop-informed groove on a single bass drum pedal rather than the double-kick norm common among his nu-metal peers, a deliberate choice reflecting his jazz-trained, feel-first approach to records like "Significant Other" and "Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water."
What pedal does Ray Luzier use?
Ray Luzier has driven Korn's powerful, syncopated kick patterns on a DW 9002 double bass pedal since becoming the band's permanent drummer in 2010, delivering the precise control Korn's dense, processed productions demand.
Do I need a double pedal to play nu-metal?
No — John Otto proves that a single, well-calibrated pedal can anchor an entire genre-defining catalog when your playing prioritizes groove and feel. Double pedals become essential once you need Joey Jordison-level extreme speed or Ray Luzier-level syncopated double-kick precision.
Direct drive or chain drive for nu-metal?
Both work at the highest level — Joey Jordison's Axis A Longboard uses direct drive for maximum speed, while Ray Luzier's DW 9002 uses chain drive for smooth, precise control on syncopated patterns. Direct drive suits extreme speed and theatrical extremity; chain drive suits groove-focused precision.