How to Understand the Parts of a Drum Set
Familiarize yourself with the snare drum., Examine the uses of the bass drum., Get to know the hi-hat cymbals., Acquaint yourself with the ride cymbal., Introduce yourself to crash and splash cymbals., Familiarize yourself with the toms.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Familiarize yourself with the snare drum.
The snare drum is perhaps the most important drum in any drum set.
It is a rather shallow drum fitted with a set of tightened wires underneath the resonant head; this gives it its signature "crack" sound.
In nearly any musical style, the snare drum is played on the back beats (beats 2 and 4 in a 4/4 time signature). -
Step 2: Examine the uses of the bass drum.
The bass drum, often called a kick drum, fits hand-in-glove with the snare drum.
The bass drum has a large diameter, most commonly 22 inches (56 cm), and thus has a deep, resounding sound.
It is played with the drummer's right foot using a pedal.
It is often played on the upbeats (beat 1 and 3 in a 4/4 time signature) to balance the snare drum back beat. , If you could only choose 3 components for an extremely basic drum set, the best choices would be a snare drum, bass drum, and a pair of hi-hat cymbals.
The hi-hats are played in eighth- and sixteenth-note patterns to fill in the drum groove of nearly any kind of music.
They can be closed and opened using a foot pedal located under the drummer's left foot. , The ride cymbal is the largest cymbal in a drum set, usually with a diameter between 20 and 22 inches (50
- 56 cm).
It is the next most important component after the snare, bass, and hi-hat.
Ride cymbals are used for the same eighth- and sixteenth-note patterns as the hi-hat, but provide a more sustained, "washy" sound.
Ride cymbal patterns are especially prevalent in jazz drumming. , Crash cymbals are smaller than ride cymbals, usually boasting a diameter between 15 and 18 inches (38
- 45 cm).
Splash cymbals are even smaller and higher in pitch, with diameters ranging from 6 inches to 14 inches (15
- 35 cm).
These cymbals are usually struck on their edge, providing a loud, piercing impact that is ideal for ending drum fills. , The remaining drums in a drum set are called toms or tom-toms.
These drums do not have snare wires underneath them, and so provide a more mellow sound than the snare drum.
Toms can be mounted over the bass drum or supported on a set of adjustable legs.
They are most often used in drum fills, but can also form crucial parts of the groove in Latin American and Afro-Cuban drum patterns. -
Step 3: Get to know the hi-hat cymbals.
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Step 4: Acquaint yourself with the ride cymbal.
-
Step 5: Introduce yourself to crash and splash cymbals.
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Step 6: Familiarize yourself with the toms.
Detailed Guide
The snare drum is perhaps the most important drum in any drum set.
It is a rather shallow drum fitted with a set of tightened wires underneath the resonant head; this gives it its signature "crack" sound.
In nearly any musical style, the snare drum is played on the back beats (beats 2 and 4 in a 4/4 time signature).
The bass drum, often called a kick drum, fits hand-in-glove with the snare drum.
The bass drum has a large diameter, most commonly 22 inches (56 cm), and thus has a deep, resounding sound.
It is played with the drummer's right foot using a pedal.
It is often played on the upbeats (beat 1 and 3 in a 4/4 time signature) to balance the snare drum back beat. , If you could only choose 3 components for an extremely basic drum set, the best choices would be a snare drum, bass drum, and a pair of hi-hat cymbals.
The hi-hats are played in eighth- and sixteenth-note patterns to fill in the drum groove of nearly any kind of music.
They can be closed and opened using a foot pedal located under the drummer's left foot. , The ride cymbal is the largest cymbal in a drum set, usually with a diameter between 20 and 22 inches (50
- 56 cm).
It is the next most important component after the snare, bass, and hi-hat.
Ride cymbals are used for the same eighth- and sixteenth-note patterns as the hi-hat, but provide a more sustained, "washy" sound.
Ride cymbal patterns are especially prevalent in jazz drumming. , Crash cymbals are smaller than ride cymbals, usually boasting a diameter between 15 and 18 inches (38
- 45 cm).
Splash cymbals are even smaller and higher in pitch, with diameters ranging from 6 inches to 14 inches (15
- 35 cm).
These cymbals are usually struck on their edge, providing a loud, piercing impact that is ideal for ending drum fills. , The remaining drums in a drum set are called toms or tom-toms.
These drums do not have snare wires underneath them, and so provide a more mellow sound than the snare drum.
Toms can be mounted over the bass drum or supported on a set of adjustable legs.
They are most often used in drum fills, but can also form crucial parts of the groove in Latin American and Afro-Cuban drum patterns.
About the Author
Ruth Lee
Ruth Lee is an experienced writer with over 6 years of expertise in lifestyle and practical guides. Passionate about sharing practical knowledge, Ruth creates easy-to-follow guides that help readers achieve their goals.
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