What Are the Drums Called in a Drum Set?

The Bass Drum

Size and Shape: The bass drum is the largest drum in a drum set, typically cylindrical in shape. It can range in size from around 18 inches in diameter for some smaller kits to 24 inches or more for larger, more powerful setups. The larger the diameter, the deeper and more resonant the sound it produces. For example, a 22-inch bass drum is a popular choice as it offers a good balance between volume and tonal quality.

Sound and Function: It is responsible for providing the low-frequency foundation of the rhythm. When struck with a beater attached to a pedal, it creates a deep, thumping sound that anchors the entire drumbeat. In genres like rock and metal, the bass drum is often played with a strong, driving force to create a powerful and energetic feel. In contrast, in jazz or more laid-back styles, it may be played with a softer touch to add a subtle, understated groove.

Construction and Materials: Bass drums are usually made of wood, with maple and birch being common choices. The shell construction and the quality of the drumheads significantly affect the sound. A thicker shell may produce a more focused and punchy sound, while a thinner shell can offer a more open and resonant tone. The choice of drumhead, whether single-ply or double-ply, also impacts the attack and sustain of the bass drum sound.

The Snare Drum

Design and Features: The snare drum is a relatively small, cylindrical drum with a set of snares (a series of thin, coiled wires) stretched across the bottom head. It is typically mounted on a stand and positioned at a convenient height for the drummer to play. The snares can be engaged or disengaged, allowing for different sound options.

Sound Characteristics: It has a sharp, distinct sound with a pronounced “crack” when struck. This is due to the interaction between the drumhead and the snares. When the snares are engaged, they vibrate against the bottom head, adding a unique buzzing or rattling quality to the sound. The snare drum is often used to play backbeats and add accents in a variety of musical styles. In marching bands, for instance, the snare drum provides a crisp and precise rhythm that helps the band maintain its tempo and formation.

Tuning and Adjustments: Tuning the snare drum is crucial to achieving the desired sound. The top and bottom heads can be adjusted independently to control the pitch and the amount of snare buzz. Drummers may also experiment with different types of snares, such as gut snares or metal snares, to further customize the sound. For example, gut snares can produce a warmer and more vintage sound, while metal snares offer a brighter and more cutting tone.

The Tom Toms

Different Sizes and Tones: A drum set usually includes multiple tom toms, which vary in size. There are typically a floor tom, which is larger and has a deeper tone, and one or more rack toms of different diameters. The smaller rack toms produce higher-pitched sounds, while the floor tom offers a lower, more resonant tone. For example, an 8-inch rack tom will have a relatively high and bright sound, while a 16-inch floor tom will have a more booming and full-bodied sound.

Mounting and Placement: The rack toms are mounted on a drum rack or on the bass drum hoop, allowing for easy access and positioning. The floor tom stands on its own legs. The placement of the tom toms is important for ergonomic playing and achieving the best sound projection. Drummers often arrange them in a way that allows for quick and comfortable transitions between different drums while performing complex rhythms.

Playing Techniques: Tom toms can be played with a variety of techniques, including single strokes, double strokes, and rolls. They are used to create fills, which are short, rapid sequences of drum strokes that add excitement and variation to a drumbeat. In a rock song, for example, a drummer might use a series of tom fills to lead into a chorus or a new section of the music.

The Hi-Hat Cymbals

Structure and Components: The hi-hat consists of two cymbals mounted on a stand. The cymbals are typically of the same size and are connected by a clutch mechanism. The stand has a pedal that allows the drummer to control the opening and closing of the hi-hat.

Sound Variations: When the hi-hat is closed and the cymbals are struck together, it produces a tight, crisp sound. As the pedal is depressed and the cymbals are opened slightly, a more open and airy sound is created. The hi-hat is used to maintain a steady rhythm, often playing on the off-beats or in a continuous pattern. In jazz music, for example, the hi-hat is played with great finesse, with the drummer using subtle changes in the pedal pressure to create a wide range of dynamics and textures.

Role in Rhythm: It is an essential element in establishing the groove of a song. The hi-hat can be played in a variety of rhythms, from simple quarter-note patterns to more complex syncopated rhythms. It works in conjunction with the other drums and cymbals to create a cohesive and engaging rhythmic foundation.

The Crash Cymbals

Size and Sound Impact: Crash cymbals come in different sizes, with larger cymbals producing a louder and more sustained sound, while smaller ones have a shorter, sharper crash. They are typically used to add accents and dramatic moments to a drumbeat. A 16-inch crash cymbal is a common size and offers a good balance of volume and decay.

Playing Styles: Drummers can play a crash cymbal in different ways, such as a full crash, where the cymbal is struck hard and allowed to ring out, or a choked crash, where the cymbal is quickly grabbed after the initial strike to stop the sound. In a heavy metal song, for example, a powerful full crash may be used to punctuate the start of a new section or a climactic moment in the music.

Placement and Pairing: Crash cymbals are usually mounted on stands and positioned within easy reach of the drummer. They can be used alone or in combination with other cymbals, such as a ride cymbal. Some drummers may have multiple crash cymbals of different sizes and tones to create more variety in their playing.

The Ride Cymbal

Characteristics and Tone: The ride cymbal is larger than the crash cymbals and has a more defined bell area. It produces a continuous, ringing sound that is ideal for maintaining a steady tempo and playing rhythms. The tone of the ride cymbal is often described as warm and washy, with the bell providing a bright and focused accent. A 20-inch or 22-inch ride cymbal is commonly used.

Playing Techniques: Drummers use the ride cymbal to play a variety of rhythms, including steady eighth-note patterns, known as “riding the cymbal.” The bell can be struck separately to add a distinct accent. In a jazz or blues context, the ride cymbal is a crucial element in creating a laid-back and swinging groove. The drummer may use different parts of the cymbal and vary the force of the strikes to add interest and dynamics to the rhythm.

Conclusion

In conclusion, each drum in a drum set has its own unique role and sound, and together they form a powerful and versatile percussion instrument. Whether it’s the deep thud of the bass drum, the sharp crack of the snare, the tonal variety of the tom toms, or the different sounds of the cymbals, understanding these components is essential for any drummer or music lover interested in the art of drumming. By mastering the different drums and their playing techniques, drummers can create a wide range of rhythms and grooves that enhance the overall musical experience.