Drums are among the oldest and most versatile instruments in the world. They are used in many different musical genres, from rock to jazz to traditional tribal music. Whether you’re interested in drumming as a hobby or a professional pursuit, understanding the different types of drums, how to set them up, play them, tune them, and their pricing can enhance your playing experience.
Drum Types
There are many different types of drums, each with unique characteristics and purposes. The following is a breakdown of the most common types of drums you will encounter in various musical styles.
1. Snare Drum
The snare drum is one of the most iconic drums in a drum set. It is typically placed at the center of the kit and is known for its sharp, crisp sound. The snare drum has a set of wires, called snares, stretched across the bottom head. These snares vibrate against the drumhead when struck, creating its signature sound. Snare drums are often used to keep the rhythm and add accents to the music.
Common Use: Most commonly used in rock, pop, and marching bands.
Sound Characteristics: High-pitched and sharp.
2. Bass Drum
The bass drum is the largest drum in a standard drum set and is played with a foot pedal. It provides the deep, resonating beats that drive the rhythm of the music. The bass drum’s low frequencies make it an essential component of many musical styles, particularly in rock, jazz, and marching bands.
Common Use: Found in drum kits, marching bands, and orchestras.
Sound Characteristics: Deep, low-end sound.
3. Tom-Toms
Tom-toms are smaller drums that come in various sizes. They are typically mounted on the bass drum or placed on stands. They produce a warm, resonant sound that can be used for fills, transitions, or for adding depth to the rhythm. Toms are often grouped into three: high tom, mid tom, and floor tom.
Common Use: Drum kits, orchestras, and some forms of ethnic music.
Sound Characteristics: Warm, resonant, and melodic.
4. Floor Tom
The floor tom is a larger tom that sits on the floor with legs. It is lower-pitched than other toms and is used to add depth and resonance to a drum kit’s rhythm section. Floor toms can be played with sticks or mallets for a softer tone.
Common Use: Drum kits, jazz bands, and rock bands.
Sound Characteristics: Low-pitched, resonant.
5. Hi-Hats
Hi-hats consist of two cymbals mounted on a stand, with a foot pedal that opens and closes them. They are essential for keeping time and adding rhythmic accents. Hi-hats are one of the most frequently used parts of a drum kit, and their sound can vary based on how they are played (open, closed, or partially open).
Common Use: Found in most drum kits across genres.
Sound Characteristics: Crisp, sharp sound with variation depending on foot pedal technique.
6. Cymbals
Cymbals are large, round, metallic discs that are struck with drumsticks. They come in several types, including crash, ride, and splash cymbals, each serving a different purpose in a drum kit.
Crash Cymbals: Used for accenting beats or creating dramatic moments in music.
Ride Cymbals: Used for steady, flowing rhythms in jazz and rock.
Splash Cymbals: Small cymbals used for quick, sharp accents.
Common Use: Integral to most modern drum kits, orchestras, and marching bands.
Sound Characteristics: Bright, metallic, and crash-like or smooth and resonant depending on the type.
7. Bongos and Congas
These are Afro-Cuban drums that have become popular in many modern music genres. Bongos are smaller and are typically played in pairs, while congas are larger, single drums that are played with the hands. Both produce warm, earthy tones and are used in many styles of Latin music, such as salsa.
Common Use: Latin music, world music, and some pop genres.
Sound Characteristics: Deep, earthy sounds for congas; higher-pitched and sharp for bongos.
8. Djembe
The djembe is a goblet-shaped drum from West Africa. It is played with the hands and produces a wide range of sounds, from deep bass notes to high-pitched slaps. The djembe is used in traditional African music as well as contemporary world music.
Common Use: African music, world music.
Sound Characteristics: Wide range of tones, from deep bass to sharp slaps.
9. Tabla
The tabla is a pair of hand-played drums that originate from India. The smaller drum is called the “dayan” and is played with the right hand, while the larger “bayan” is played with the left hand. Tabla playing is highly intricate and involves complex rhythms and finger techniques.
Common Use: Classical Indian music, Bollywood soundtracks, world music.
Sound Characteristics: Rich, melodic tones with rapid, intricate rhythms.
How to Set up Drum
Setting up a drum kit properly is essential to both comfort and sound quality. Here are the steps to set up a basic drum kit.
1. Position the Bass Drum
Start by placing the bass drum on the floor in the center of your setup. Make sure the beater of the bass drum pedal is centered on the drumhead. Attach the pedal to the bass drum using the provided hardware, ensuring it’s securely fastened.
2. Attach the Snare Drum
Next, set up the snare drum. Place it in front of you, slightly off-center from the bass drum. The snare drum should be positioned so that it’s comfortable to play, with the drumhead facing upward.
3. Mount the Toms
Now, mount the toms above the bass drum. The high tom usually sits above the snare drum, while the floor tom should be placed to the side and at a comfortable height. You can adjust the height and angle of the toms to suit your playing style.
4. Set Up the Hi-Hat
Position the hi-hat stand on the left side of the snare drum (for right-handed drummers). The cymbals should be adjusted so that the top cymbal is just above the snare drum when your foot is on the pedal.
5. Place the Cymbals
The crash and ride cymbals should be positioned to the right and left of the snare drum. The ride cymbal is typically placed further to the right, while the crash cymbal should be placed slightly above and in front of you, depending on your playing preference.
6. Adjust the Drum Throne
Finally, adjust your drum throne (seat) to a comfortable height, allowing your knees to be slightly bent while playing. This will help ensure a proper posture and prevent fatigue while drumming.
How to Play Drum
Drumming is an art that involves rhythm, timing, and coordination. Whether you’re playing a drum kit or hand drums like the bongos, the principles remain similar. Here’s a basic guide on how to play the drum:
1. Grip Your Sticks
For drum kits, grip the sticks with your fingers, not your palms. Hold them loosely but firmly, using the traditional grip (left hand over the stick) or matched grip (both hands gripping the sticks the same way). The grip should be relaxed to allow for movement and flexibility.
2. Learn Basic Drum Rudiments
Drum rudiments are basic patterns of strokes that form the foundation of drumming technique. Common rudiments include single strokes (right-left), double strokes (right-right-left-left), and triplets. Practice these rudiments on a practice pad or snare drum to develop control and speed.
3. Understand Timing and Rhythm
Drumming is all about rhythm. Practice playing along with a metronome to develop a sense of timing. Start slow and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable. Learn to play various rhythms, such as quarter notes, eighth notes, and sixteenth notes, and practice integrating them into your playing.
4. Coordination Between Hands and Feet
Drummers need to coordinate their hands and feet to create complex rhythms. Work on coordinating your foot movements (especially for bass drum and hi-hat) with your hands. Start with simple patterns and progress to more complex rhythms as you gain experience.
5. Learn to Play with Other Musicians
Once you’ve learned basic techniques, try playing with other musicians. Drumming in a band or with other instruments will help you develop your timing and adaptability, as you’ll need to keep time with the rest of the ensemble.
Drum Tuning
Proper tuning is essential to getting the best sound from your drums. Here’s how to tune a drum:
1. Tune the Snare Drum
Start by tuning the top head of the snare drum. Use a drum key to tighten or loosen the tuning lugs evenly around the drumhead. The goal is to achieve a balanced tone. Adjust the tension until you find a pitch that works for your style.
2. Tune the Tom-Toms
For tom-toms, the top and bottom heads need to be tuned. Adjust the lugs on both heads to create a balanced sound. You can make the tom sound higher or lower by tightening or loosening the tension of the heads.
3. Tune the Bass Drum
To tune the bass drum, focus on the batter head (the top head). Tighten or loosen the lugs until the bass drum produces a deep, resonant sound. You can also adjust the amount of damping in the drum to reduce unwanted overtones.
4. Fine-Tuning
Once you’ve tuned the drums, play them and listen for any unwanted overtones or dead spots. Make fine adjustments until you achieve the desired sound. Tuning can vary based on the style of music you’re playing, so experiment to find what works best for you.
Drum Price
The price of a drum kit can vary greatly depending on the type of drums, brand, and quality. Here’s a breakdown of typical pricing ranges:
1. Entry-Level Drum Kits
For beginners, entry-level drum kits are affordable and can range from $300 to $600. These kits usually include the essential components: a bass drum, snare drum, toms, and cymbals. They are perfect for beginners who want to learn the basics of drumming.
2. Mid-Range Drum Kits
Mid-range kits, suitable for more experienced drummers, can range from $600 to $1,500. These kits often feature higher-quality drum shells, better hardware, and improved cymbals. They offer more versatility and are ideal for those who play regularly.
3. High-End Drum Kits
Professional-grade drum kits can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000 or more. These kits are made with premium materials like maple or birch and feature high-quality hardware and cymbals. They offer exceptional sound and are built to withstand rigorous use.
4. Hand Drums
For hand drums like bongos, congas, and djembes, prices can range from $50 to $1,000 depending on the quality of the drum and its construction materials. Higher-end hand drums made from premium wood or with advanced design features will be on the higher end of the price spectrum.
