How to Sound Like Scott Travis — Drum Gear & Setup Guide | MetalForge
Replicate Scott Travis's Judas Priest drum sound. Gear list, settings, and technique tips to get that signature tone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What drum kit does Scott Travis use?
Scott Travis has played three drum brands across his Judas Priest career. He used a Tama Artstar II (birch shells) on Painkiller (1990), which gave that album its aggressive, attack-forward drum sound. He gradually migrated to Pearl's Reference Series through the 2000s (2005-2018). Since 2018's Firepower, he plays a ddrum Dominion Series kit — his current setup, carrying through 2024's Invincible Shield. His configuration typically features double 22" bass drums, two rack toms (10", 12"), and two floor toms (14", 16").
What pedals does Scott Travis use?
Scott Travis played Tama Iron Cobra double pedals through his Painkiller and Pearl-kit eras before switching to the DW 9000 Series Double Pedal in 2018 alongside his move to ddrum, a setup that has carried through 2024's Invincible Shield. The 9000's smooth, consistent action suits his precision approach to sustained high-speed double-bass patterns, with the reliability to maintain consistent feel through long Judas Priest concerts.
How do I develop Scott Travis's Painkiller double-bass technique?
The key to Travis's Painkiller technique is precision before speed. Start at 140 BPM playing 16th-note double-bass with a metronome. Every note must be equal in volume, timing, and tone. Record yourself — most players have a dominant foot that's louder and more controlled; identify and train the weaker foot. Increase by 5 BPM per week, never before you can play evenly at the current tempo. At 170-180 BPM, begin endurance training: sustained patterns for 2+ minutes. Speed emerges from technique consistency, not from trying to go fast.
What cymbals does Scott Travis use?
Scott Travis uses Paiste cymbals, drawing from the RUDE and 2002 series — an endorsement he's held continuously since 1987, before he even joined Judas Priest, and the one part of his rig that has never switched brands. His setup typically includes 14" hi-hats for fast, cutting hi-hat patterns; 18" and 19" crashes for explosive accent work; a 21" ride for groove-driven sections; and an 18" China for aggressive accent moments. Paiste's bright, articulate character suits speed metal's demanding frequency requirements.
What Judas Priest songs should I learn to play like Scott Travis?
Start with 'Night Crawler' from Painkiller (1990) — it demonstrates Travis's groove-oriented approach before tackling extreme speed. Then learn 'Painkiller' itself for the definitive speed metal double-bass challenge. For his evolved style, study 'Firepower' from the 2018 album of the same name — it shows his dynamic, mature approach 28 years into his Priest career. These three songs cover both ends of his stylistic range.