If there’s an instrument that strikingly grabs your attention both visually and with its sound presence that would be the drums.
The world of percussion instruments is incredibly vast and diverse, with a multitude of drums that belong to various musical styles and cultural origins. Drums are one of the oldest and most universally played instruments that have the unique ability to set the rhythm, create ambience and accompany a wide range of melodic instruments.
From the traditional African djembe to the drum set commonly encountered in contemporary music, drums come in different shapes, sizes and materials. Each owns a distinctive sound and technique.
Let’s go through the different types of drums and the categories they belong:
Acoustic drums are by fare the most popular type of percussion instrument and are played in various music genres. They produce sound through the vibration of a stretched membrane (or drumhead) after it is struck by a drumstick, hand, or other beater.
This section will cover the main components of an acoustic drum set, which typically include a bass drum, snare drum, tom-toms, floor tom and cymbals.
The bass drum sometimes referred to as the “kick drum”, is the largest drum in an acoustic set and produces a deep, low-pitched sound.
It is typically played using a foot pedal with a beater that strikes the drumhead. The bass drum provides the foundation for the rhythm and is essential in most drumming styles.
The snare drum is a versatile and essential piece of any acoustic drum set. It has a distinctive, sharp sound due to the presence of snare wires that are stretched across the lower drumhead.
This drum can be played in various ways, such as using drumsticks, brushes, or even hands. Snare drum patterns often define the rhythm and drive the music.
Tom-toms are come in various sizes and are typically mounted on stands or attached to a bass drum.
They can produce a wide range of pitches and tones depending on their size and tuning. Tom-toms are often used for fills and accents within a song, adding color and variety to the drum set’s overall groove.
The floor tom is the second-largest drum in an acoustic set, only surpassed by the bass drum.
It is played with drumsticks and typically produces a deep, low-pitched booming sound. Floor toms are mounted on legs and are often used for creating rhythmic patterns and adding depth to the music.
Cymbals are crucial components of an acoustic drum set that are made from alloys and produce a variety of sounds when struck.
There are several types of cymbals, including hi-hats, rides, crashes, splashes, chinas and special effect cymbals each with their own distinctive sound and purpose.
Hi-hats typically provide a steady rhythm while ride cymbals create a sustaining sound for maintaining a consistent beat. Crash cymbals, as their name suggests, create a loud, impactful sound that adds excitement and dynamics to the music.
Electronic drums have become increasingly popular due to their versatility and the ability to practice quietly.
They consist of various types of instruments that can mimic the sound and feel of acoustic drums while also offering the advantages of digital technology.
There are different types of electronic drums, and in this section, we will focus on sample drum pads, drum machines, and MIDI controllers.
Sample pads are devices that can play back pre-recorded drum samples and percussion sounds. These pads can have multiple touch-sensitive zones that allow different samples to be triggered at different velocities.
Some popular sample pads include the Roland SPD-SX and the Alesis SamplePad Pro. Sample pads are often used in live performances, studio recordings, or as a practice tool for drummers who want to expand their sonic palette.
Drum machines are electronic devices that can play drum patterns, sequences and rhythms.
Unlike sample pads, drum machines typically have built-in sequencers that allow users to create and arrange entire drum parts. Many drum machines also feature advanced synthesis and sampling capabilities, enabling artists to create new and unique drum sounds.
Some well-known drum machines include the Roland TR-808 and the Akai MPC. Drum machines are highly popular among electronic music producers and beatmakers, but they can also be utilized by live bands to add a rhythmic foundation to their performances.
MIDI controllers are versatile instruments that can be used to trigger drum samples, virtual instruments, or other MIDI-compatible devices.
These controllers come in various forms, such as drum pads, keyboards, or even electronic drum kits like the Yamaha DTX400k.
MIDI controllers can be connected to computers, keyboards, or sound modules. Allowing users to access a vast library of drum sounds and customize their setup according to personal preferences.
MIDI controllers are used by both amateur and professional musicians alike, making them an essential part of modern music production and performance.
Hybrid drums combine the best of both worlds, featuring both acoustic and electronic elements to create versatile and dynamic drum kits.
Acoustic drums with electronic trigger pads are one way to achieve this hybrid setup. In this configuration, the drummer’s traditional acoustic kit is enhanced with the addition of electronic drum trigger pads for playing different sounds and effects.
These pads can be mounted on a stand or directly onto the acoustic drums, expanding the range of available sounds and offering endless creative possibilities.
Some benefits of using electronic trigger pads with an acoustic drum kit include:
Another approach to hybrid drumming involves attaching electronic triggers to acoustic drums. These triggers are striked and send signals to a drum module or sound source to produce electronic sounds.
This method enables drummers to layer different sounds directly onto their acoustic drum kit, without needing separate pads or additional equipment.
This approach offers the following benefits:
A third category of hybrid drums involves electronic drum kits that use wood shells to replicate the acoustic drum experience more closely. These kits feature traditional wood-shell construction combined with electronic components, such as mesh heads and digital sensors, to generate a wide range of sounds while maintaining the familiar feel of acoustic drums.
Some advantages of electronic drums with wood shells include:
Overall, hybrid drums offer drummers the opportunity to expand their sonic palette and enhance their performances while preserving the unique characteristics of acoustic drumming. With various hybrid options available, drummers can choose the setup that best suits their personal style and needs.
The Djembe is a West African drum made of wood and covered with a goatskin head. Its shape resembles a goblet and it produces a wide range of tones, from deep bass to sharp high notes, depending on where it is struck. Djembes are traditionally played with the hands and are used in various ceremonies, festivals, and other forms of celebration.
Originally from Peru, the Cajon is a box-shaped drum made of wood with a thin plywood front plate known as the tapa.
It is played by sitting on the instrument and striking the tapa with the hands, fingers, or other implements. The Cajon often serves as the backbone of percussion in contemporary styles, including flamenco, Latin, and pop music.
Bongos consist of two small drums: the hembra (larger drum) and the macho (smaller drum), attached one to another. These Cuban origineted drums, have a high-pitched sound and are typically played with the hands. Bongos are commonly used in Latin music genres such as salsa, cha-cha, and son montuno.
Congas, also known as tumbadoras, are tall, narrow, single-headed drums originating from Cuba. They come in various sizes and are commonly used in Afro-Cuban, Latin, and pop music. Congas are played with the hands, employing a variety of techniques to produce deep bass and high-pitched slap tones.
The Bodhran is an Irish frame drum, consisting of a shallow wooden frame with a goat or synthetic skin stretched over one side. It is typically played with a wooden stick called a tipper, beater, or cipín. The Bodhran is a versatile instrument, prominent in traditional Irish music and contemporary Celtic fusion.
Tambourines are small frame drums with jingles (called zills) attached to the rim. They can be found in a wide range of cultures and musical styles, from classical to pop. Tambourines are played by shaking, striking with the hand, or tapping against the leg to produce a combination of drum and jingle sounds.
The Ghaval is an Azerbaijani frame drum with jingles. It is similar to the Tambourine but typically has a thinner frame and more delicate jingles. The Ghaval is played in traditional Azerbaijani music and is often accompanied by the tar, a long-necked lute.
The Tar is a North African frame drum with a goatskin head, named for its round shape. Tars are available in various sizes and are played with the hands, creating a wide range of percussive tones. They are commonly used in North African and Middle Eastern music.
The Ocean Drum is a unique percussion instrument designed to mimic the sound of ocean waves.
It features a frame drum shell filled with small metal beads or pellets and a translucent head on both sides. When tilted, shaken, or gently rocked, the free-moving beads create the soothing sound of rolling waves. Ocean Drums are used in music therapy, meditation, and relaxation practices.
Handpans and steel tongue drums are both unique percussion instruments that produce beautiful, melodic tones.
While they may appear similar due to their round metal dome shapes, there are a few key differences to help distinguish between the two.
Handpans were first introduced in the early 2000s and are known for their dimpled surface, with no piercing of the steel.
These dimples are called notes and are carefully tuned to create harmonic resonance when struck with the hands or mallets. The center note, known as the “Ding,” is the lowest note and creates rich bass tones.
On the other hand, steel tongue drums have tongues cut into the steel, creating a variety of shapes but are often tongue-shaped, as the name suggests.
These tongues are responsible for producing different notes when struck with hands or mallets. Steel tongue drums can trace their history back to the Hank drum, which was created from a propane gas tank and inspired by the original Hang handpan and the instrument’s materials.
In terms of playing techniques, both instruments can be played with hands or mallets, depending on the musician’s preferences and the desired sound.
Handpans often have a more delicate and ethereal sound, while steel tongue drums produce a clearer and more focused tone.
When it comes to maintenance, handpans generally require more attention as they are sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity.
They may also demand regular tuning to maintain their unique sound.
Steel tongue drums, on the other hand, are relatively low-maintenance with less sensitivity to environmental changes, making them more accessible to beginners or those looking for a lower-maintenance instrument.
The snare drum is a crucial element in a marching band’s percussion section. With its bright, crisp sound, the snare drum provides the rhythmic backbone of the ensemble. Its versatile range allows it to be played both as a solo instrument and in sync with the other drums.
Snares are also equipped with a strainer, which adds a “buzzing” effect to the sound, creating a unique timbre that distinguishes it from other drums.
Bass drums are known for their deep, resonant tones and are typically played in unison, creating a powerful foundation for the band’s rhythm. These drums come in various sizes, which allows for a wide range of pitches and dynamic possibilities.
In a marching band, bass drummers often play in a sequence of different pitches. This creates a creative, cohesive and melodic line that complements the other instruments in the ensemble.
Tenor drums, or multi-tenors, are a set of drums arranged on a horizontal rack, allowing the musician to perform on multiple drums with varying pitches.
This setup creates a melodic aspect in the drumline and adds complexity to the overall rhythm of the band. Tenor drummers play a vital role in blending together the snare and bass drum parts, creating a seamless interaction between the sections.
Multi-tenor drums, also known as quints, quads, or tri-toms. They consist of four to six single-headed tenor drums arranged in a set known as quads or quints. These drum setups enable players to perform intricate rhythmic patterns and melodic lines that add depth and variety to the percussion section.
Each drum has a different pitch, allowing for an impressive range of musical expression.
Cymbals are essential in a marching band’s percussion section, providing accents and rhythmic highlights that support the ensemble’s overall sound.
In a marching band, cymbal players use a variety of techniques and cymbal types to create a multitude of sounds that can either punctuate the music or blend seamlessly with the other instruments.
In addition to the numerous drums, marching bands also incorporate various percussion instruments that bring depth and color to the ensemble.
These instruments may include xylophones, marimbas, vibraphones, and other keyboard percussion instruments, as well as hand percussion like tambourines and woodblocks. They can play a vital role in creating unique textures, melodic lines, and rhythmic patterns that enhance the overall musical experience.
Timpani also known as kettle drums are a type of hemispherical drum that have been used in various musical ensembles such as orchestras, concert bands and even some rock bands.
They consist of a membrane called a head, which is stretched over a large bowl traditionally made of copper.
Timpani drums are part of the kettle drum family, or semispherical drums, characterized by their vessel-like body shape.
A standard set of timpani usually comprises four graduated sizes: 32″, 29″, 26″ and 23″. However, sizes may vary as timpani drums are not always standardized.
In some cases, a five-drum configuration might be used. The larger drums produce lower, more resonant notes, while the smaller ones create higher pitches.
Timpani drums have been an integral part of orchestral arrangements since the mid-17th century. Early examples of their use can be found in Matthew Locke’s Psyche (1673) and Jean-Baptiste Lully’s opera Thésée (1675).
The unique sound that the timpani produce has contributed to their widespread and lasting presence in the world of music.
The pitch of a timpani drum can be adjusted by tensioning the head. One common design, pedal-type timpani, allows for quick pitch changes by moving a pedal up and down. This flexibility in pitch makes the timpani a versatile and dynamic percussion instrument in various musical settings.
To play the timpani, musicians use specialized drumsticks called mallets. Striking the head with these mallets produces the distinctive, rich, and resonant sound that has made the timpani a special and enduring instrument in the diverse world of percussion.
Steelpans, also known as steeldrums, are a unique percussion instrument that originated in Trinidad and Tobago. These instruments are crafted from steel and were initially made from industrial containers, but modern steelpans are typically constructed from high-quality steel materials.
There are various types of steelpans available, each producing its own distinct sound and serving a different role in steel bands. The Tenor pan, for example, is the highest pitched instrument in the steelpan family and often plays the main melody in an ensemble.
Double tenor pans use two drums in order to widen the range of notes, while the double seconds pan is known for providing sweet harmonies and chordal accompaniment.
Another type of steelpan is the guitar pan, which serves as a rhythm instrument in ensembles and is tuned to a lower pitch compared to tenor pans.
The cello pan plays the chords and has a middle-pitched voice that lies between the guitar pans and tenor pans. Steel bands also employ the use of bass pans, with the 4-pan bass being a popular choice for producing deep, powerful bass notes.
The talking drum is an hourglass-shaped drum originating from West Africa. It has the unique ability to mimic the tone and prosody of human speech due to its pitch regulation feature. The construction of the talking drum consists of two drumheads connected by leather tension cords, which allow the player to change the drum’s pitch by scraping the cords between their arm and body.
Primarily used in ceremonial settings, the talking drum serves various functions, such as dance, rituals, storytelling and communication of points of order.
Although the drum’s range is limited to gatherings or marketplaces, its cultural significance keeps it relevant even today.
Various types of talking drums are found in different parts of the world, including East and West Africa, Melanesia, and Southeast Asia. Each type has its own unique sound and serves a specific musical purpose. In Africa, talking drums play a vital role in imitating the tone patterns of spoken languages.
As an important element in African culture, talking drums help bridge the gap between music and oral tradition. Not only do they provide a means of communication and storytelling, but they also bring people together through shared history and customs.
By synthesizing music and language, talking drums serve as a powerful testament to the creativity and resilience of African cultures.
Auxiliary percussion instruments are those that can be added to a drum set or used in different musical contexts to add texture and variation to the music.
They are useful in many genres, from rock to jazz to classical. This section will discuss three common auxiliary percussion instruments: Woodblocks, Cowbells, and Tambourines.
The snare drum is a crucial element in a marching band’s percussion section. With its bright, crisp sound, the snare drum provides the rhythmic backbone of the ensemble. Its versatile range allows it to be played both as a solo instrument and in sync with the other drums.
Snares are also equipped with a strainer, which adds a “buzzing” effect to the sound, creating a unique timbre that distinguishes it from other drums.
Bass drums are known for their deep, resonant tones and are typically played in unison, creating a powerful foundation for the band’s rhythm. These drums come in various sizes, which allows for a wide range of pitches and dynamic possibilities.
In a marching band, bass drummers often play in a sequence of different pitches. This creates a creative, cohesive and melodic line that complements the other instruments in the ensemble.
Tenor drums, or multi-tenors, are a set of drums arranged on a horizontal rack, allowing the musician to perform on multiple drums with varying pitches.
This setup creates a melodic aspect in the drumline and adds complexity to the overall rhythm of the band. Tenor drummers play a vital role in blending together the snare and bass drum parts, creating a seamless interaction between the sections.
Drumsticks as you can imagine, are essential for any drummer. To be able to play the drums correctly you need to strike the drumheads with drumsticks. They directly affect the sound produced by the instrument.
They come in various sizes and materials, such as hickory, oak, maple, and aluminum.
Drummers can choose from various tips, including wood and nylon, depending on their preferences and playing style.
In addition to drumsticks, mallets are another accessory used by percussionists to play drums. Mallets differentiate from drumsticks through their larger, softer heads made of materials like felt, yarn, or rubber.
These heads produce a more subtle, mellower sound compared to regular drumsticks, making them suitable for playing timpani, marimba, and other percussion instruments.
Another essential component of a drum set is the drum head, also known as the drum skin. Drum heads come in a variety of materials and thicknesses, affecting the drum’s tone, sustain, and durability.
These are typically made from either single or double layers of synthetic materials, such as Mylar or Kevlar.
Single-ply drum heads are generally more responsive and offer a brighter, more open sound. On the other hand, double-ply drum heads have a thicker, more controlled tone and increased durability, making them suitable for heavier playing styles.
Replacing drum heads periodically is critical to maintaining the optimal sound quality and performance of the drum set. Drummers can experiment with different materials and thicknesses to find their preferred sound and feel.
In our exploration of the diverse world of drums, we went through the rhythmic landscapes of acoustic, electronic, and hybrid percussion.
Each type of drum, with its unique sound and playing technique, contributes to the rich tapestry of music across genres and cultures.
The acoustic drums, with components like the bass drum, snare drum, tom-toms, floor tom, and cymbals, provide a timeless and fundamental sound and base to many musical styles.
Electronic drums, on the other hand, introduce the advantages of technology into the world of percussion. From sample pads and drum machines to MIDI controllers, these instruments afford musicians an expanded sonic palette, increased versatility and the convenience of quiet practice.
The fusion of traditional and modern sounds can enhance the versatility of a drummer’s toolkit, providing exceptional flexibility for live performances and studio recordings.
In conclusion, drums, in their many forms, are truly compelling instruments. They carry the pulse of music, shape its rhythm and accompany a wide range of melodic instruments.
Whether you’re drawn to the resonance of an acoustic set, the innovative capabilities of electronic drums, or the limitless potential of a hybrid setup, there’s a drum out there that can amplify your musical voice. So, embrace the diversity of these instruments and let your rhythm flow!
Founder of TheDrumNinja
I’m crazy about drums, it’s been my passion since I was 12 years old. I played in numerous bands going through different styles like Rock, Progressive, Pop & Jazz-Rock. After being featured in major music publications (Drumeo, Guitar Guitar, AudioIssues, MusicThinkTank) I started this website to share my knowledge and create a resource for drummers of all levels.
Find useful lessons, tips and reviews for any drummer. From beginners to professionals there’s always something new to learn and improve. Join our Newsletter for exclusive advice!
11407 SW Amu St Suite #ABM436 Tualatin, OR 97062
There may be affiliate links on this website, which means we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to our readers.
© All rights reserved Copyright 2024
Subscribe to our ninja mailing list and get a Free E-book!
Subscribe to our ninja mailing list and get a Free E-book!
