How To Set Up A Snare Drum

A drum set is never complete without a snare drum. This musical tool, although often on the sidelines, has such a vital role to play in making great sounds or music. But what does a snare drum do exactly?

What are its components? Is it difficult to learn how to set up a snare drum? If you are new to the world of drums, then here is a basic guide on the snare drum.

What Is a Snare Drum?

A snare drum, also popularly known as a side drum, produces sharp staccato sound when it is hit with a drumstick or mallet.

It is part of the drum kit of drumlines, marching bands, concert and rock bands, and parades.

It consists of two drum heads which are made from either animal hides or plastic.

It is the smallest drum of any drum set. As mentioned, one only needs a drumstick or a mallet to play the snare drum.

A snare drum is often placed on an adjustable stand. This allows the musician to adjust the angle of the drum as well as its height.

The Snare Drum’s Components

The drums, including the snare, have different parts.

• Snare Wires

It is called a snare drum because it has somewhere between eight to 18 snares made of plastic, nylon, sill, and metal that are extended across the drum’s head.

These snares are the ones responsible for creating terse sounds.

• Shell

Contrary to popular belief, the shell is more than just an enclosure as it greatly affects the sounds. Shells are usually made of mixed or single wood species such as mahogany, birch, maple, ash, and poplar.

A snare drum’s shell material can also be from metals like bronze steel, brass, and aluminum.

The kind of material used for the shell also affects the sounds produced by the instrument.

• Hoops or Rims

Most snare drums these days have triple-flange metal hoops or die-cast. The former allows the drummer to ring longer thus producing more overtones and get better snare sensitivity.

On the other hand, the die-cast hoops offer a sturdier feel, particularly for loud rimshots. They also normally make the drum produce fewer overtones.

There are also snare drums on the market that use wooden hoops, which tend to warm-up the sounds. Wooden hoops also change the spectrum of the overtones.

• Tension Rods and Lugs

A snare drum either has a tension rod or lugs, and the design of the tensioning system greatly affects the sound the drum produces. Most snare drums on the market use the lug design.

These designs are either tube lugs or split lugs. The former means there is less contact of the metal with the shell, which improves the sustain and gives a slightly different sound.

Split lugs, on the other hand, have more contact with the drum’s shells.

• Heads

There are many options when it comes to the head. There are single- and double-ply coated batter heads and pre-muffled models.

• Snare Beds

The snares would be uncontrollable and buzzy if there are no snare beds as it is a crucial yet subtle part of the drum.

It is the part of the drum that allows the snare wires to lie flat against the drum head.

What Should You Look for In a Snare Drum Stand?

Before learning how to set up a snare drum, one must first choose the best stand possible for the instrument.

Failure to procure a good stand may cause difficulties in playing the drum really well.

There are different designs to choose from when purchasing a snare drum set stand.

There is the basket-style, classic three-leg style, and L-Styles. In choosing a snare drum stand, one has to keep in mind the positioning of the player.

After all, it would be hard to play in one gig to another if the musician is in an uncomfortable position for most times.

• Adjustable Basket

The first thing to look for is a stand with an adjustable basket or a basket that can easily be resized using a single wingnut to fit a variety of snare drums.

Most snare drum stands on the market have this feature. However, some products are easier to adjust compared to others.

• Universal Basket Tilter

It is also essential to find a stand that has the universal and gearless basket tilter. Having this feature allows the player to fine-tune the exact position of the snare drum easily for ease of hitting.

Most mid- to professional-grade snare drum stands have the gearless friction tilters these days.

• Adjustable Dimensions

Finding a stand that has the width and height adjustment is also beneficial.

Keep in mind that the stand has to be able to go low enough for those with a deep snare or high enough for those with a piccolo.

For those who often play in cramped spaces, it is best to have a snare drum stand with adjustable width.

How To Quickly Set Up A Snare Drum

Setting up a snare drum and attaching it to a stand are easy. It is advisable first to read the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the stand to ensure a fast set-up.

The first step in setting-up a snare drum is to remove the drum from its case. Once done, set-up the stand. Make sure that the stand is stable on the floor while the snare drum’s basket is parallel to the floor.

Slowly place the snare drum to the stand. The snares must be on the bottom while the release lever is facing in front of you.

Gently adjust the drum’s basket to ensure that it is fitted well and not moving.

Look for the drum’s height adjustment so that the snare’s top rim is slightly below the waistline.

Use the angle adjuster to tilt the drum a little bit towards you. Now, grab the two drumsticks and stand straight in front of the drum.

Your forearms should be almost parallel to the floor as you bend your arms at the elbows.

The upper arms must be close to your sides but never touching it. If this is not the case, then proceed to adjust the drum again using the angle adjuster.

No Rocket Science Required

Understanding what a snare drum is and how to set it up is not rocket science. The comfort and position of the player are the things to keep in mind when choosing a snare drum stand as well as in setting it up.

A Beginner’s Guide to Drum Brushes

Musicians invest heavily in their instrument, which they use almost every day. But it is not enough to have a reliable instrument as musicians also require other tools.

For example, drummers have not only their drums but also their drumsticks, which they handpicked themselves.

Aside from the drumstick, drummers also require their brushes, to the surprise of many. But what are drum brushes used for? Why do drummers and other musicians take the time to find the perfect one? How does a drummer look for the best brush?

What Are Drum Brushes Used for?

Drum brushes are common in jazz, which is why even the musically inclined individuals find it odd that drummers have their brushes.

Arguably, the use of drum brushes is relatively new as brushes were mostly used for jazz music and dance band.

However, times have changed, and these days, using drum brushes, such as those from Vic Firth, are now gaining popularity.

Drummers now use these brushes to produce varied, softer yet exciting tones and effects such as swooshing sounds, which drumsticks cannot deliver. Brushes are also used for drum playing that requires softer or lower volumes.

Different Kinds of Brushes

It is not enough to know what are drum brushes used for. Those who seriously want to incorporate different and rich sounds in their music making should also understand the different brushes and how each vary.

One has to check the bristle material, handle material and retractability to differentiate drum brushes.

Metal Wires

The most common drum brushes are metal wires. They create snappy and bright sound when they hit the drums. They also present crisp swishing sounds when swept across the drumhead.

These metal wire brushes also vary. For example, one brand manufactures this kind of product with a twist as it has a slightly bent tip that allows for the creation of a fuller and smoother swish sound.

The slightly angled tip also reduces the chances of the tip getting caught on the drumhead. Another metal brush has small beads on the tip of the wires for snappy sound on cymbals and drums.

Plastic or Nylon Wires

Some brushes are made of either nylon or plastic wires, which can create duller and warmer sounds that are more subdued than the metal wires.

These plastic brushes tend to bend more when swept across the drumhead. They do not, however, remain bent for a long time as these plastic brushes can easily spring back into its original shape.

Handles

Arguably, the handles do not affect the sound quality of the brushes. They do, however, differ on how the musicians handle the brushes conveniently.

The most commonly used materials for drum brush handles include plastic, rubber, aluminum, and wood. Many people prefer the rubber handles because they are soft to the touch and allows for better gripping of the tool.

Other materials basically allow for the free movement of the brush on the hands, which also accounts for the ease of use.

Given that handles do not affect sound quality, then its best to choose a brush with a handle material that offers the most comfortable grip for the user.

Fixed or Retractable Drum Brushes

Drum brushes also come in retractable or fixed designs.

The retractable brushes usually have a metal rod at the back of the stick that easily pulls back the wires inside the handle case. The ease of storing the brush is one of the significant advantages of this kind of brush.

Plus, retractable ones also lets musicians change how far out the bristles or wire for a more varied playing sounds and style. However, retractable brushes have a downside as the moving parts can result in damages such as jamming of the wires.

On the other hand, fixed brushes last a bit longer than retractable ones. Unfortunately, storing the fixed brushes can be quite tricky as one needs to be diligent, so the wires do not end up bent.

Try Until You Find the Perfect One

Drummers who wish to find the best drum brushes may need to try out several products to find the ones that work best for them. After all, drummers have varied playing styles as well as preference, which means there is no formula or rules to follow when buying the brush.

Those in the process of finding their preferred brushes may end up confused given the many choices available on the market these days. Below are four of the best drum brushes that are easily available.

Regal Tip Yellow Jacket Wire Brush

The Regal Tip Yellow Jacket top grade coated steel wire, same working mechanism as the classic Regal Tip, and a rubberized plastic handle. Distinctive.

From Regal: “Regal Tip is a family operation that has set the global standard for hand-crafted brushes and drumsticks for over 50 years.”

Vic Firth Heritage Brush

Vic Firth Heritage Brush – Rubber Handle

The Vic Firth Heritage Brush has a smooth rubber handle for a more comfortable grip. The item also boasts of retractable wires that can easily be adjusted to give drummers a spread as much as six inches wide.

The spread is fuller than many brushes on the market and provides musicians more tone colors to play with. This product promises durability since the wire is a heavy gauge one that won’t easily break or bend.

Promark B600 Nylo-Brush

Promark B600 Nylo-Brush Nylon-Bristle Retractable Brushes

The Promark B600 Nylo-Brush as its name suggests is made from nylon. It promises to be as durable and sharp as metal brittles. The nylon also will not scratch the drumheads.

This brush provides a sweeter and softer sound than what metal wires can provide.

Zildjian Professional Wire Brush

Zildjian Professional Retractable Wire Brush

The Zildjian Professional Wire Brush boasts of being narrower than most brushes with its 0.55-inch diameter to create delicate and softer brush sounds. It has a plastic handle that has a flattened shape, which makes it easier to play for long hours for many drummers.

Drum Brushes for Sweeter Music

Drummers and new percussionists need brushes unlike before when they only need their drumsticks. After all, drum brushes provide soft and textured tones that drumsticks cannot offer.

Finding the best drum brush may take time as these brushes come in various designs and materials. There is no formula in finding the perfect brush, and one may need to buy several items first to determine which one works best for their style and groove.

How to Sit on a Drum Throne Without Falling Off

Sitting on a drum throne means sitting with the right posture, as taught in school as they say.

Some would assume that the right sitting posture would mean sitting up with your back straight, arms on your laps and knees together.

But you can’t drum this way though. Here is how you should sit on a drum throne properly:

Step 1: Make sure that the seat has enough height so that your thighs are slightly on a slanted position coming up from the knees.

Step 2: The legs should be spread apart, usually perpendicular to each other, with the hips as the intersection.

Step 3: The thigh part going down the ankles should be angled at about 90 degrees as well, with variations owing to the skeletal and muscular composition.

Step 4: Keep your back straight as much as possible. This can be achieved by positioning the different drum components within an arm’s reach, drumstick included.

Is Drumming Passive?

Drummers, in general, are often regarded the most overlooked members of any band because they are usually relegated to the background and can, as some perceive, only make noise while the others play.

However, playing the drums is no easy task as you have to know how to sit on a drum throne without falling over after every drum roll or wipeout.

Some people think that drum sets are just part of the background where the drummer sits on a chair and creates a lot of noise that somehow blends in with the rest of the instruments; a few don’t even see the drums at all.

For the majority of the people who know their music, drum sets the overall mood of the song the band is playing, especially if every beat synchronizes well with the bass while the rest of the instruments try to catch up.

Then, of course, there are the expansive drum solos that let drummers take the center stage while the rest watch in awe, or change their instruments and rest their puny hands, whatever. But what exactly is the role of the drum set in music?

Why Do We Need Drums?

Music without drums, without percussion, is mostly like the compositions of old where the violin reigns and cello soothes the soul. The world of music would be monotonous without the sonorous voice of the bass and the loud claps of the cymbals.

It can be postulated by looking at the tools that were used during the past eras that drums and percussions were the first instruments that mankind discovered. Of course, all you needed back then was a large leg bone and a hollow shell.

The role of drums in music is substantial in every music genre you can think of. It dictates the drop of the bass in hip-hop and sets the beat for dance music.

In other words it’s integral in the general composition of rock and metal songs, as well as pop and jazz.

It can be quite hard to imagine music without drums or percussions, although it is doable however boring the result may be. In any case, it is the drummer that does all these, and the drum sets are but his medium of expression.

Aside from a well-tuned drum set, a drummer also needs to know how to sit on a drum throne properly. But what is a drum throne?

Drum Thrones Explained

It sounds regal because of the word “throne” but technically, a drum throne is an upholstered stool that drummers can sit on while they play the drums.

It can be defined as simple as that, but the role that it plays while the drummer sits on it has a lot of impact with the quality of sound that will be produced.

Drum thrones aim to provide a comfortable seat to a drummer who will be spending more than a few minutes sitting down while hitting all the percussive instruments that surround him.

This furniture, ideally, should be able to provide stability while the drummer sits on it.

Things to Look for In a Drum Throne

A drum throne may look like an ordinary stool, but there are some few things that you can look at to determine if a throne is rightfully yours or not.

• Comfort

DO NOT pick a throne made from the swords of your fallen enemies. Pick one that is soft and comfortable as this would help you sit longer in the chair. Ideally, the foam should be made of a material that does not clump together when moist, like cotton and fiber fillers.

• Durable

Drum thrones can and will undergo a lot of stress coming from sudden movements and long-term use, so the best drum throne should be made of sturdy materials that offer stability as well.

• Add-ons

Not all drum thrones are the same as some will be your basic stool while others would offer a swiveling base or a pocket for your drumsticks and whatnots.

Setting Up

Positioning is key to a perfect drumming experience; all you need to do is find the sweet spot, and lock on it. Sitting in the right position in the right way is an important factor to consider when setting up a drum throne.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to set-up your drum throne:

Step 1: Position your legs by sitting on the throne alone and forming a V-shape to cover the bass with your dominant foot and the hi-hats with your lesser foot.

Step 2: The distance between the throne and the bass should be wide enough not to feel cramped, especially when you do a lot of jumping while playing. Make sure that your ankles are ahead of the knees.

Step 3: Adjust the drum throne height so that you maintain the proper posture while seated on the throne. Generally, your thighs should be higher than your knees.

Step 4: Most modern drum throne models come with easy-adjust options while older models can be adjusted using a wrench or a pair of pliers.

Final Thoughts

Drumming is more than just banging a drum set while the rest of the band try their best to make sense of the noise the whole group is generating.

It takes skill and talent to muster your energy into something with tone and class which can guide the rest of the band into creating a cohesive composition.

Sitting properly on a drum throne is a sure way to level up your skills and get your talents in check.

Knowing how to set up your drum throne, determining the ideal height and learning how to sit on it are also some of the things you need to learn aside from learning to bang stuff with a stick, of course.

How to Replace Drum Heads

Much like cleaning a drum kit, the task of replacing drum heads with new ones is a little difficult at first, and it may take time before you can consider yourself proficient enough to do it unaided.

Nevertheless, the steps on how to replace drum heads are as follows:

Step 1: Buy new drum heads.

Of course, the first step is to purchase new drum skins to replace your old ones. It would be advisable to replace everything all at once if you can but consider your budget and consider how much flexibility is left with each piece of drum you have.

Step 2: Loosen the rods.

With the use of a tuning peg, loosen the threaded drum rods and remove them, as well as any washers, claws and anything else attached to the existing drum head.

Step 3: Remove the hoop.

Gently remove the hoop from the drum and lift the old drum head once you have removed everything using the tuning peg.

Step 4: Put on the new skin.

Get your new drum head ready and center it on the drum shell before placing the hoop back on top of it.

Step 5: Wax on, wax off.

Apply some oil or paraffin wax on the parts that you have removed to protect them from rust and to make them easier to adjust.

Step 6: Put everything back together.

Replace the pegs and other attachments to their respective places, and slightly tighten the rods using the tuning peg.

Step 7: Push it down.

With the palm of your hand, push the skin down until you hear some cracking or popping, which is normal. Do this for about five times. This will signify that the skin is set and ready to be tuned. Tighten the rods again, and this time tighten it fully.

How to Tune A Drum Set

Once you are done replacing the drum heads of your drums, it is now time to tune it.

The process is not that challenging, but you have to know what kind of tone or sound you are looking for to ascertain that you have the right tone.

Most drummers would start off by practicing with other drum kits until they get it right.

Newer drummers would use media sites to compare the tuning of their drums with. Videos and tutorials are available as to how you can perfectly tune your drums.

Here are the basics of drum tuning:

Step 1: Tighten the rods.

With the use of a tuning peg, tighten one rod and then move on to the next peg by crossing the surface diagonally.

Do the same step with each peg until you have completely gone around the drum and tightened each peg.

Step 2: Test the tone.

With your hands, tap the drums and test if the tone suits your liking. Use another drum kit or other sources to compare the tones.

Step 3: Tap around.

Give the drum a tap around the hoop to test its sound. This would also test how tight the rods are; adjust them as needed.

Step 4: Repeat as needed.

Repeat the previous steps with every drum that you need to replace the drum head with. Keep in mind these steps can also be used when de-tuning and re-tuning your drums.

How Drum Heads Evolved

The characteristic sound that drums produce comes from striking a membrane with drumsticks or your hands.

Traditionally, drum heads are made from the hides of animals that have been hunted down, with their meats eaten for food and their bones made into tools and what not.

Animal hides didn’t just serve as clothing before, but it also served as an implement for music making.

Hides have since become a thing of the past as they have now been replaced by more newer synthetic material that is more resilient and eco-friendlier.

Although there are still some drum kits and traditional folk instruments that have animal hides for drum heads, these are mostly collection pieces and souvenir items.

Kevlar, Aramid, and Mylar are the most common synthetic materials used for making drum sets for today’s modern drummer.

Taking Care of Drum Heads

Drum heads, being part of a drum kit as a whole, should be maintained at a regular basis to prolong its lifespan and continue providing a dependable surface for ages.

The task may seem daunting at first with all the screws and bolts, but like anything, it get’s easier as you repeat the process over and over.

Here are a few to-do things when it comes to taking good care of your kit.

• Wipe down the drums

After each use, wipe down all surfaces of each piece in the kit before moving to the interiors and everything underneath. Yes it’s work, but it will protect your investment.

• De-Tune them for storage

If you are not going to use your drums for a long period, then loosen the tuning bolts to preserve the elasticity of the skin. A skin under tension sitting in storage will become brittle, plus the compression can warp the shell.

• Keep them in the right environment

Keep your drum set away from direct sunlight and other possible sources of heat like radiators, stoves or heaters. Like any instrument, protection from severe conditions and natural elements will help it last.

• Replace the heads

The drum heads need to be replaced on a regular basis, especially when it gives out the telltale signs that it needs to be. Changing the heads can also rejuvenate the tone of your kit too.

When to Replace Drum Heads

Changing the skins or drum heads is really a matter of preference, but a sure sign that you need to replace it is when you feel, or rather hear them producing a less resonating sound as usual.

This means that the flexibility of the material used for the drum head has reached its maturity and will likely keep producing that low-quality sound no matter how many times you tune it.

Professionals who often use their drums would have the heads replaced every month, depending on how much abuse their drums get.

Famous drummers would change the drum heads of their kits before they record new songs so that they sound consistent from recording to recording.

Imagine how many skins Neil Peart of Rush would have to change every time they make a studio album. Whew!

Final Thoughts

Knowing the basics of replacing drum heads, tuning your drums, and general maintenance for your kit will go a long way as you progress as a musician.

Over time, you’ll build up experience for all the above mentioned processes to the point where they become second nature. That same experience will also build confidence and help define your overall abilities.

How to Set Up a Double Bass Pedal: Getting the Most Out of Your Double Kick!

The use of a double bass drum pedal typically adds more power to the sound, produces more consistent output, and allows you to play more patterns that you cannot do when you use a single pedal.

It’s mostly used and heard in hard rock, punk, and heavy metal music although some country styles, Latin, and jazz use it as well.

So, whether you’re a professional drummer, a beginner, or just someone really interested to learn how to play the drums, it is imperative to know how to set up double bass pedals, too.

The double bass pedal works just like a single pedal, and the only difference is that a second plate is connected by a rod to another beater mechanism while working with the primary beater, and it will require the use of both feet.

It allows you to obtain a consistent sound, plus the transport and set up on stage are easier. And when you start playing a double bass pedal, you will want to get faster and better. Let’s find out how!

The Basics of Setting Up a Double Bass Pedal

To attain a higher double-bass speed, you have to set up your pedals and bass drums successfully. Remember, keeping all of the parts well-balanced is the main focus and the ultimate goal.

This means the balance applies to the angle of the footboard, the placement of the beaters, and the spring tension.

To have similar sounding strokes, you have to set up similar settings on your feet playing pedals. The beater can be hard to control after it strikes the drumhead which also makes it hard to gain speed.

To help tone it down, you want to tune it a little looser or put the necessary amount of muffling on the batter head.

What Do You Need to Know About Fine-Tuning?

A great-sounding bass drum is something that can give you satisfaction when listening to music. And so, here’s what we need to know about fine-tuning.

The head type, the drum size, and tuning all contribute to producing a great sound, but how does the pedal affect everything, and what is its relationship to the other parts? Go ahead and read on!

• Beaters

Bass drum beaters have different features, and it comes in a variety of styles too. Its shape and size affect the sound it produces.

A larger head can, of course, produce more volume compare to the one with a flatter surface. Apart from the shape and size, the material the beater is made up of also affects the sound.

A plastic or wood surface will give you more attack, while a quieter sound is produced by a softer surface like felt or rubber. There are also beaters that can rotate and have different playing surfaces.

These types give the drummers a variety of options to use on their gigs which can have different volume requirements. Weight affects the sound too, and modifying the weight from heavy to light will allow you to change the volume.

• Footboards

If you are after a more responsive action, then longboard pedals are easier to execute and offer lighter action. On the other hand, a split-board pedal offers more power and volume.

The texture of the footboard is also another consideration since some drummers prefer to play barefoot, and a rough surface will surely not feel comfortable.

• Action Adjustments

Using a strap or chain, a cam connects the footboard to the beater assembly. Its shape adds great impact on the pedal’s action.

A large round cam turns more easily and feels lighter, while a smaller round one gives a predictable response. On the other hand, an oblong cam produces the louder note and quicker action.

• Drive Systems

Most pedals use a belt, a direct drive, or a chain to attach the cam to the footboard and beater assembly. Leather belts have a tendency to break and wear sooner.

The chain ones, on the other hand, became popular due to their durability. Although, they may feel heavier and they can be hard to clean too. Direct drive pedals eliminate lags which are present with the other types.

• Angle Adjustments

The beater’s distance and angle from the head directly affect the power and the volume from each stroke. Most drummers want a close setting to trigger a bass drum sound that is aggressive.

A 60-degree angle can be used for quiet acoustic or jazz, while a 45-degree angle produces more volume and is ideal for pop and rock music.

• Rebound Settings

Bass pedals require some form of resistance to pull the beater back after it strikes the batter head, and this is where the spring comes into play. The spring puts the beater to the original position and releases the footboard after striking the head.

Final Thoughts: Just for Double Kicks

After the discussion above about how to set up double bass pedal, we can say that it is critical that we understand what part produces what kind of sound, and how these sounds affect your music as a whole.

It’s also good to know the ways and options on how you can modify the sound that each part produces, so you would know what to do when playing different genres.

The double bass drum pedal setup should always correlate with how all the other parts are positioned to produce your desired sound or results.

There may be technical adjustments and a lot of positioning changes that you need to focus on, but you also need to keep in mind that a great setup is what makes you feel comfortable while playing your music.

And so, go ahead and sit in front of your drum set and make adjustments until you feel comfortable.

There are no blanket rules with music, and no matter how much you research and ask professionals for help with any other setup, you are the only one who can say what will work best for you.

Because let’s all be honest, it will not be successful unless you are comfortable and happy making music with your drum set.

Most studio drum kits would have a couple of snare drums that are tuned differently but never out of tune. But what if one of them is out of tune? What are you going to do? Do you know how to tune a snare drum?

Professional drummers own more than one snare drum, and they often tune each piece different from the next as some songs require a different snare tune.

While the act of tuning a snare drum is easy, in paper, having to do the tuning before and right after a specific song is time consuming. It can also be a bother for roadies and technicians as well.

Steps to Tuning a Snare

A snare drum loses its tone when the membranes have become stretched and expands which can result in an uneven sound. This is why knowing how to tune a snare is important, especially if you are an up and coming drummer.

Since a snare drum has two sides to it, it is also logical that it comes with two different set of instructions for tuning the top and the bottom heads of a snare drum.

Tuning the Snare Head

Step 1: To check if this head is out of tune, press your thumbs on the edges of the snare head. It should be soft but not too soft; you can compare it to the softness of medium rare steak or the fleshy part of your palm.
Step 2: If you feel that it is too soft or if it gives too easily, then you would need to tune it.
Step 3: First things first, unlock the snare wires.
Step 4: Using a drum key, tighten the tension rods by at least half a turn until it feels just about right. Make sure to tighten the rod opposite the one you’re working on next while you tighten around the drum.This ensures that the tension is well-balanced.
Step 5: Lock the snare wires back into place and test the snare head again.

Tuning the Batter Head

Step 1: Tuning a drum requires that you loosen all the rods and start from scratch, this ensures that the tension is evenly spread out.

Step 2: Lightly press the membrane downwards into the shell.
Step 3: Tighten each tension rod until you can’t turn them by hand anymore.
Step 4: Get your drum key and tighten each rod by at least half a turn.
Step 5: Test the tuning by hitting the drum about an inch from the tension rod inwards.
Step 6: Tighten the rods as needed, but you should be able to play the snare as normal with the tuning that you’re used to.

What Is a Snare Drum?

In music theory, a snare drum is an instrument that can produce a sharp staccato sound when its head is hit with a drumstick. The force and the angle to which the head is hit dictates the tone that the snare drum produces.

Snare drums are the central piece to a drum kit, and it often dictates the rhythm of the song, as well as how the drummer would hit the other parts of the drum kit.

Drumsticks are the main implements to which to strike the snare head with, but other implements like brushes, rutes, and even your hands can be used to strike the snare and get the specific tone that you want.

What Are the Parts of a Snare Drum?

• Head

The surface of the snare drum which drummers hit is called the head, and its opposite side is called the snare-side head. Coated-batter heads are often used as materials for modern snare drums.

• Shell

Shells give snare drums its round appearance, and they generally have an impact on the sound that the snare produces. The material used for the shell plays into the sound quality as well.

• Strainer

This device holds the snares against the snare-side of the drum head and provides you, the drummer, a way to adjust the tensioning of the wire.

• Rims or Hoops

Hoops or rims are what you can see around the snare head, and it keeps everything together. Rims also house the other snare parts that dictate the tone of the whole instrument.

• Lugs and Tension Rods

These two act as the tensioning system of the drum head, and they ensure that less metal touches the shell, which affects the quality of the sound that the snare produces. They are found on the sides of the shell and are adjusted using a drum key.

• Snare Wires

These fragile strands of wire give snare drums their distinct sound when the head is struck. Different kinds of wires are often used to create different sounds.

• Mounting

The most popular mounting option is the traditional three-legged stand while a few sport options for attaching a sling and carrying the sling like the little drummer boy of yore.

How Does a Snare Drum Work?

A sound is produced when the membrane of the drum head is struck using a hand, a brush or a stick. This act pushes down the head which causes it to vibrate and spreads the transferred energy until it is fully dissipated through sound waves.

The snare wires react to this force by altering the sound depending on the strength of the force and the amount of tension that the snare wires are in. The sound then changes when you change the amount of force you applied using the drumsticks.

Some professional drummers alter the way they hit the snares to produce another set of sound while another technique also calls for hitting one of the drumsticks as it rests over the drum head.

Still, another method is hitting the rims or hoops to produce a flat beat instead of the staccato, and it sometimes works in conjunction with the hitting the head directly.

What Are the Types of Snare Drums?

• Orchestral

Concert snares often have wooden shells and metal cable snares. This kind of snare drum is also employed using a good-sized amount of muffling as well as orchestral bands to focus on the bass and the other instrument sections.

• Drumset Snare

This kind of snare is often found in rock and roll drum kits and employed snappy coiled snare wires. The shell is often made of fiberglass although there are some that are made of metal or single plywood.

• Marching Snare

This snare drum often has a high-tension and produces a deeper sound than normal snare drums. The heads of marching snares are commonly made of Kevlar and are designed with temperature and humidity in mind as they are often used in the field.

• Piccolo

This snare drums is shallower than the other types and are used mostly as a snare variant for drum kits. They produce a high-pitch sound and less thump which is perfect for some music genres.

Final Words: Experiment and Bang Away

Snare drums can be used in a multitude of ways. They are, of course, an auto-include for rock and roll drum kits as well as marching bands and orchestras.

They play a central part in each of these sets and knowing how to tune a snare drum gives you some street cred especially if you are still new to the group.

How To Read Percussion Music: What Do You Need to Know?

Whether you’re trying to teach yourself how to read percussion music for a class, band, or personal reasons, you know how intimidating it can be.

Luckily, once you get the basics out of the way, reading percussion music becomes easy. Today we’ll go over what percussion music is, and how to read it.

What is percussion music?

So, before we begin, let’s clarify what exactly is percussion music. Percussion is an instrument family that makes sound by being struck. This can apply to drums, cymbals, triangles, and even the tambourine.

Most drummers who want to read percussion music are obviously using drums. For that reason, let’s focus a little bit more on drum players. Being able to read your music sheet is the first step to becoming a great drummer.

How do percussion instruments work?

Knowing how percussion instruments work can help you in learning to read percussion music. Remember, learning the basics will make a tremendous difference down the road.

The workings of percussion instruments are simple enough. You hit the instrument, and sound is made. But why is a certain sound made is the question.

Percussion instruments have a hollow body and the way they are designed, the sound is amplified throughout them. Maracas are shaken and drums are struck, but with both instruments sound is still amplified.

Percussion instruments are not just limited to hollow body objects though. Cymbals are also a part of the percussion family and they simply make a noise.

Now, let’s talk about how percussion instruments make certain notes. With drums, you simply tune them to play a different note. This is very similar to how guitars work.

A higher note is produced by tightening the head of the drum and tightening it produces a deeper sound.

The size of the drum also aids in producing different pitches. Smaller drums produce a deeper sound while bigger ones will produce a higher pitched sound.

Tips and tricks to reading percussion music

There are a couple of things that you can and should focus on when reading percussion music. This will help you as you progress down the road as a percussion user.

First of all, you should know that the music you are reading is often referred to as drum notation. The benefits of learning how to read drum notation extend far beyond improving as a player.

Not only can you begin to write your own music, but you also can transcribe other music that you enjoy and make it your own!

Time Signatures

Looking at the beginning of a music sheet, you will notice numbers. This is the time signature and they are important for a few reasons. Firstly, it tells us the number of beats in the bar.

If you notice, you can see there are four beats in the bar. Next, time signatures tell us what notes get the beat. In the same example above, you can see that the beat goes on the quarter note.

For additional reference. You can see that the beat goes on the quarter note and that there are three beats in the bar in total. It is referred to as three four.

What does drum notation tell

Let’s take a look at what exactly this notation is telling us. Firstly, it is letting us know what drum needs to be played at what time. Each line, space, and symbol typically tells us a different drum that needs to be played.

Other drum notations may have more or less drums to recognize. This all depends on your drum set and what type of music you are playing.

Focusing more on when to play it, timing is key. It is one of the main reasons underlying the perception that reading percussion music is hard.

Now that you know more about the time signature, you should be able to get the timing down. If the music lets you know the beat is four four, then the tempo is 1, 2, 3, 4 or 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &. This becomes easier as you practice. Explaining in words is a bit challenging.

Pay attention to which line the note is on so that you know which drum to play at what time. Note lengths are the next aspect to read. This tells you how long you should play a note and also what rhythm to play it with.

Count While You Play

You may feel like you are too good to count while you play, but you are mistaken. Learning how each note on the sheet music hits and relates to the beat you are playing is important.

A great habit to get into is counting. If you get the rhythm down in your head, you will find it much easier to get right when you are playing.

Take Baby Steps

Again, do not think just because you can play by ear that you are good. Reading percussion music is important to progress as a musician. If you ever find yourself struggling, remember that you can always take baby steps.

A big issue for most people learning how to read percussion music is getting your body to do what you want it to do.

Hitting two drums at the same time may sound easy, but people do struggle with it often.

Take it slow to begin with. Just as you start with a beginner drum set, then graduate to the best pro drum set that matches your emerging style, the process takes time.

Maybe focus only on hi-hats one time and then add on the snare or bass once you get that down. Work your way up and enjoy yourself once you learn how to read the music efficiently.

Practice makes perfect

One of the oldest saying there is, practice makes perfect. This applies well to learning how to read percussion music. If you are too intimidated to start, you will never learn how to read the music.

Getting yourself a piece of music in front of you and learning is one of the best ways to learn how to read percussion music.

There are also several online resources you can use that will aid you in learning. It is a slow and frustrating process, but the more you do it, the better you will get at it.

How to Tune a Drum Set

1. Start with the head

The drum head is where all the tuning takes place. Although this can be cheaply one in a music store, you can actually learn to do it yourself at home. This will save you the time needed to go to the store but so the money for each tuning.

For proper tuning, you will need your tuning key. This usually comes with the new drums. If you don’t have a key or purchased second-hand drums you will need to buy or borrow one from your friends. The good news is that these keys are inexpensive.

There is no secret at this stage; you will have to consider making opposing adjustments to the rods. This principle is used to get an even tension.

2. Loosen or tighten the rods in progression

The sample principle applies when loosening the rods. You would loosen one rod and then move on to the opposing one, instead of the closest one to maintain a circular rim which is not bent. This process should not be rushed.

You should only loose in small turns which would make the rim relax progressively.

These principles are not unique to drums as they are applied a wide range of instruments and circular products and taking your time with the process can actually improve the durability of the drum.

3. If necessary, replace and prepare a new drum head

In order to place the new drum head, you will need to remove the old head and check the inside of the drum for irregularities or small dents.

These can have a major impact on the overall sound quality and it is considered a good practice to check from time to time either with your hand or a fine cloth.

You should also repeat the process with the new drum head and check or early signs of irregularity.

Since it may be one of the situations in which you get a faulty head, you may want to try and replace it with the seller before using it.

Once you went through these steps you can proceed to install the new drum head. If you have an older drum, you can oil the rods before placing them back into position to ensure a smoother tuning.

You can begin tightening the rods progressively using your hands with the same technique from the loosening procedure.

To ensure the break in is as quick as possible you can even push on the center of the drum head with your palm. This can ensure the materials are set and you can even use some force as you may be required to press harder to break in the drum.\

4. Tune the drum

You are now ready to start tuning the drum. The process should not be rushed and you can experiment with various techniques.

However, it seems that the best pattern is to continue adjusting opposing rods which may help you achieve an even distribution and force impact. This is why you should only consider this technique.

You want to stay away from moving to the nearest rod and just move across for a mathematical approach. This can ensure a longer life for the drum and even a better sound.

And since the sound is the only variable at this stage, you want to continue adjusting the rods until you reach your desired result. This will involve a better sound and a better durability.

Your final results should have all the rods in similar tension which mean you can have precise results. You should continuously test the drum for optimum results.

Of course, for new drums, you will need to set the head higher and this can only mean you’ll need to break in the drum yourself by pressing hard on the middle of the drum.

Generally speaking, there are some other good tips or drum tuning. These involve maintaining snares and looking for potential issues at the bottom of the drum.

Since you will be using the drums intensely you should consider storing some extra drum head and drum rings. But the basic equipment also needs to include some spare rods and at least a tuning key.

Together with a fine natural fibers cloth, you can maintain your drums regularly.

5. Know how often to tune the drums

Although there are some general guidelines on the best times to tune your drums, you should simply do it whenever required. So if you feel the sound is not on par with what you expect you need to tune the drums.

But traditional tuning days are far behind and you can now find a dedicated smartphone app which will even indicate the smaller issues with your tuning.

Going too low or too high is immediately noticed by the app and it can be a good opportunity to learn how to tune your drums yourself.

Thus, tuning a drum is one of the simplest processes if you have the patience to do it in a correct mode.

This involves less rushed fine tuning and taking the time to check the drum for possible imperfections in which case you’ll need to take it to a professional for fixing.

But if your drum is fine and if you have a good drum head to setup, there are no reasons to think that this can’t be done by yourself.

It can actually make you a better drummer as it will give you the chance to improve your ability to instantly detect out of tune drums and out of tune playing.

Unless you are playing an electronic drum, you will need to learn to detect these sounds yourself.

This might be challenging, especially at the beginning. But this is why you can make the most of the additional tools like smartphone apps to improve the sound of your drums.

How To Drum Roll: 4 Great Methods To Keep Your Playing Interesting

A drum roll is a stream of fast notes. Unlike vocalists or other musicians, a drum roll can sustain a pitch and can come, of course, in some variations.

Some of these variations include an open roll, a closed roll and the double roll. The double roll is one of the most popular options and it implies playing two notes with each hand.

1. The double stroke roll

This is one of the easiest and most versatile types of drum rolls. To perform this you will have to master the proper technique with the drum sticks. This means you`ll have to grip the drumsticks with the right force.

If you want to make sure you are doing this in a correct form, you should start by allowing the drumsticks to bounce back from the drum`s head with each stroke.

This means the movement should be light enough to allow the bounce but firm enough to avoid wobble.

A good way of practicing and mastering this technique is by using a ping pong ball. The bounce of the ball from a hard surface such as a table is what you will have to mimic.

As the height of the bounce decreases the rhythm and sound get faster and faster. This is the technique you will try to mimic with the double stroke roll.

2. Single stroke roll

The single stroke roll is one of the easiest techniques to master. The simplistic technique will just use a combination of individual hand strokes.

You would play a pattern of right-left with increasing speed until you reach a point similar to a drum roll.

This is also a good technique of transitioning into the double strike roll which will find you in the position where you need to allow for one bounce and you will control the drumsticks from your wrists.

3. Crush roll

The crush role comes with an increased bounce tempo and can sometimes be confused with the double roll or other types of rolls. This doesn`t mean you have to confuse it also.

You will need to master it using a different technique, however. The technique only needs your index ginger and your thumb.

You will hold the drumsticks only using these fingers and you will begin the light bounce method which will allow you to create a roll.

4. The ping pong method

The ping pong method is one of the best ways to learn or even teach drum roll. It can teach you the rhythm and can even show you a how the drumsticks will bounce.

The simple bounce test involves dropping a ping pong ball on the floor and observing the ball bouncing. Another alternative is to use a paddle and hold it above the ball after you drop it.

This will increase the tempo and will create another bouncing effect which is similar to the stroke patterns above.

The same can be performed with the drumstick on the drum. When you squeeze the stick you need to make sure you don`t apply any downward pressure. The more you squeeze the stick the more resistance you will create.

You can now create an effect similar to the one with the ping pong ball on the floor with the paddle held above it.

For more advanced practice you can switch from one-handed performance to a two-handed performance. You can try doing this at the same time with both hands or alternatively.

So how do you perform a complete drum roll? At this stage, you can use both hands and squeeze the sticks to create a higher tempo bounce. The key here is to minimize the time needed to switch the roll on each hand.

How to exercise for the perfect drum roll

Now that you learned all these techniques you can start practicing and performing better and better.

This is not going to be achieved over night as many new drummers believe that a roll is the most complicated playing style to learn. But once you take it step by step, this improves your skills every day.

You can start by practicing with the ping pong and the paddle. You may do this for a few days and you will understand how the drumsticks react similarly. After this stage, you can start practicing the different rolls with one hand.

Then you would practice it with the other hand to finally get to a stage where you are comfortable practicing it with both hands. Although this is quick to achieve, actually maintaining a good tempo might need some practice.

This is why you will need to practice changing the roll from one hand to the other for 6-8 times before truly mastering the switch. You will notice that the more you squeeze the drumsticks the quicker the bounce will be.

At the same time, this is the most difficult part of the roll to master. The good news is that once you are comfortable with the hand switches you will be able to use the technique while playing a repertoire.

Learning to drum roll can be one of the longest and most pleasant experiences for a drummer. Although you might feel this is not easy to achieve, with daily practice you can get to a proficient level and can even use it seamlessly while playing.

With so much advice and techniques to learn from, it can be complicated to find a good starting point.

This drummer may be hilarious to watch, but he has done his homework!

This is why you will need to start with the ping pong technique and progress through the single stroke, the double stroke and the crush roll.

These techniques are essential if you want to maintain a high pitch or make the transition towards a new song.

Since drummers have limited instruments to perform this, the roll can be one of the few feasible options. Another good tip is to slowly progress through the different rolls.

It is best to first master the single roll before moving on to the other rolls, this will give the opportunity to build on the newly acquired skills.

What’s The Best Best Way To Hold Drum Sticks?

Like any skill or sport, drumming requires proper technique, and if you start off with an incorrect grip you may later have to relearn much of what you’ve gained.

Proper grip will also increase your efficiency, making it easier to get the sounds you want and helping you pick up new skills and techniques. However, there are several ways to hold common and custom drum sticks.

You will want to pick the right style for the kind of music you expect to play, but you will probably also want to learn about the others while you are at it. This article will explain all of the major ones!

Matched Grip

There are two major ways to hold drum sticks. The most common for many genres of music is the Matched Grip method, which gets its name because the left and right hands hold the stick the same way.

Their grips are essentially matched. It is also an overhand grip, meaning that the stick is held underneath the hand. However, within this category there are different ways to actually grip the stick. The most important to know are the three most common: the French, German, and American grips.

American Grip

American Grip is the easiest way to start drumming for a beginner. It is one of the most flexible styles, and it will let you play many kinds of popular music.

First, hold out your hand out flat with the palm down about an inch or two above the level of the head of the snare drum. Then, put the stick against your palm and curl your index finger down and around it.

It should be about at the balance point of the stick, which is usually about two-thirds of the way back from the tip. (Experiment with this; it should allow the stick to rest in your hand lightly and bounce easily on the drum.)

Next, curl the other fingers down around the stick, and extend your thumb to lay it gently along the side of the stick.

In this grip, as with most overhand grips, the index finger acts as the main pivot point of the stick. Holding it right at its balance point will allow you to hold it lightly, reducing stress on your hand and getting the most bounce out of each time you hit the surface of the drum.

When you are ready to strike the drum, keep your palms down, nearly parallel to the floor, but tilted to face each other just a little, and use your wrist and fingers to strike the drum. You can adjust the tightness of your grip to change how much the stick bounces with each strike.

German Grip

German Grip is next because it is rather similar to American Grip, but it gives a little bit more power, which is useful for larger drums. The main difference is that you will want to turn your elbows out a little bit, bringing your palms more parallel with the floor, and support the stick firmly with your middle finger.

Because the grip is firmer, you’ll have less finesse and a little less rapidity, but you’ll be able to strike harder.

French Grip

French Grip uses quite a different motion that the other two. After gripping your drumstick as for American Grip, you will want to turn your palms in to face each other, so they are perpendicular to the ground, and bringing your elbows in to your sides at the same time.

Your hands should be comfortably distanced from each other, perhaps a foot or so apart. Now, grip your sticks firmly with all the fingers. When you strike, use their strength rather than your wrists to give you power. This will give you finer control and greater speed.

Traditional or Orthodox Grip

Traditional Grip is less common and is more difficult. It is worth at least knowing about, though, because it is the style used by marching bands and often by jazz drummers.

It is not matched, so one hand will simply use one of the overhand grips described above. Usually, this will be your dominant hand.

The other hand will use a underhand grip. To start, hold your hand out, palm up, with the thumb out to the side.

Put the stick in the “L” shaped space between the thumb and index finger, resting it on your fingers so that its balance point is on the palm at the base of the index finger, and curling the thumb over the top of it.

Then curl your index finger around and over the top of it. Your thumb should almost touch the first knuckle of the index finger.

The stick should rest on top of and along your extended middle finger. Finally, bring in the last two fingers to help support it. Use a downward motion of your wrist to strike the drum.

How To Hold Drum Sticks, Conclusion and a Few Suggestions

If you’re a new drummer, or if you’re teaching one, the American grip will be the best way to hold the drum sticks, as it is simplest to learn. It will give you or your beginner the most range and versatility.

Whatever grip you use, though, make sure to hold the stick lightly but firmly. If you grip it too hard, you’ll both strain your fingers, eventually causing you pain and cramping your style, and you’ll also have less control and finesse.

Also, make sure you are using the right part of your arm, whether fingers or wrist, to power the stroke. Hold your body upright, with good posture, and plant your feet firmly. Lastly, take deep breaths and relax.

Now that you know how to hold your drum sticks, go for it: rock out and have fun!