Drums have been a part of cultures around the world for thousands of years. While they have served in different capacities over the years, from communication and warfare to entertainment, not many people understand the mechanics behind how drums produce sound. So, how do they make sounds?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Drums make sound by vibrating when struck by hand, padded mallet, or drum stick. The head of the drum (skin) vibrates up and down with each hit, pushing the air molecules around it and creating air pressure differentials that our ears perceive as sound.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n There’s substantial science behind how drums make sound and a couple of factors that affect how a drum sounds. In this article, we’ll break down the basic anatomy of the drum and the different parts that make it sound unique.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A drum is a versatile instrument that can be used in many ways and for different audiences. Various drums are used for different styles of music, and the same drum can be played in very different ways. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Perhaps the most important determinant of any drum’s sound is its anatomy. The different parts, shapes, and designs determine how this instrument will sound, as you will see later in the article. And while all drums have unique characteristics, they also share some common traits that give them their particular sounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Having covered the various parts of a drum, let\u2019s zero in on what happens inside it to create sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sound is vibration. It is a mechanical wave created by a disturbance in an elastic medium and transferred into the air around us. Drums and other musical instruments, like the guitar and the harp, make sound thanks to vibrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you hit the drum head, the skin vibrates, rapidly compressing and expanding the air under and above it. This quick expansion and compression of air creates rapid changes in air pressure. It\u2019s from these air pressure changes that sound waves are born. The waves then travel through the air until your ear picks them up as sound from your drum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Like many other instruments, drums are designed to play a particular range of notes. This depends on the size of the drum and the material it’s made from. The notes that a drum can make are also determined by the size of the shell, what it’s made of, and the thickness and tension of the drumhead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As mentioned earlier, a drum’s sound is shaped by the type of shell, its dimensions, the material it’s made of, and how it’s tuned. Each of these elements has a unique effect on how the drum sounds. And while most (if not all drums) have a rounded shell, their size plays the most crucial role in their sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bigger drums produce lower tones. It all goes back to the size of the skin and shell. Bigger drums have large skins that vibrate less. On the other hand, smaller drums have smaller skins that vibrate more times per second, giving off a higher-pitched attack sound when struck. That’s why a 20″ x 14″ bass drum will produce a lower frequency beat and more ‘oomph’ than a 14″ snare drum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep in mind that the shell size also affects the volume of the drum. A larger drum displaces more air and therefore sounds louder. A smaller drum displaces less air but sounds sharper and quieter than a larger drum. In simpler terms, the larger the drum, the louder it sounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although often overlooked, the material of the shell is another primary factor determining the sound of a drum. Different materials produce different tones, which gives you a wide selection to choose from based on the tone you want your drums to have: <\/p>\n\n\n\n When choosing a drum shell, keep in mind its impact on the tone of your drums. You might want a drum shell material that works well with certain types of music. You can also purchase shells made from synthetic materials like carbon fiber to get a more focused tone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on the music you play, you may want a drum with a certain type of shell material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, if you are in a loud rock ‘n’ roll band, you may want to choose a drum with hard shell material, such as maple. On the other hand, someone playing in a quieter acoustic group may want to choose a drum with softer shell material, such as birch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thinner shells will produce a lower tone, while thicker shells create a higher one. Shell thickness is measured in millimeters, and most shells fall between 5mm and 10mm. If you’re a beginner, I recommend starting with thinner shells because they’re easier to work with. These shells have less material inhibiting vibration, making them easy to vibrate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The way you hit the drums has a major impact on the sound you get. There are numerous variables to take into account when playing drums, such as where you strike the head, how hard you strike it, what part of your hand hits it, and the angle at which you strike the head. All these affect the sound of the drum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, if you strike the head of the drum from the side at a sharp angle, you’ll get a different tone than if you strike it from the top at a shallow angle. It’s important to experiment with different angles and positions to find the sounds that work best for your music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Drummers have their own unique styles. Some drummers are heavy and hard-hitting, while others are light and fast with lots of snare work. Drummers use different-sized drumsticks; smaller sticks feel lighter and can be moved effortlessly. Heavier and larger sticks are harder to move fluidly but produce louder sounds with less effort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The way you tune your drums<\/a> makes a big difference in their sound. The tension of the head and the position of the drum under the tunable tension rod has a direct impact on the sound. You may also experiment with different materials for the heads to get a different sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Drum tension rods increase the responsiveness of the drum by tightening its skin more firmly over its shell. They also help keep the drum at a consistent pitch and volume. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When tuning a drum, you are adjusting the tension on the head to get the desired sound. Depending on your playing style, there’s a sweet spot where the drum sounds its best. You will lose some of the character and volume if you go too far in either direction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s important to keep in mind the type of music you are playing. Depending on the genre, you may want tighter or looser tension on the head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Any drummer will tell you that the drums are one of the most physically demanding instruments to play. It’s not just about having stamina or rhythm but also strength, agility, and flawless coordination between your arms and feet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To become a proficient drummer and hit those beats like a pro takes practice, practice, and more practice. Playing the drums involves using your entire body, from your fingers to your legs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Before we go into the details on how to play the drum, it’s important to point out that you’ll use both hands and feet simultaneously while also remaining stationary. This may seem like a lot to ask of someone who has never played an instrument before, but it is possible to learn how to drum with some practice and patience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are the steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The first thing you should do is purchase a solid drum kit. As a beginner, you don’t need to invest in a high-end kit right away. What\u2019s important is to ensure that the kit you purchase is made with quality materials. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Don’t worry; there are plenty of affordable kits out there that are great for beginners. One example is the Donner Drum Set<\/a> (available on Amazon.com). Other than its visually striking appearance, this beginner\/professional drum kit has everything you need to start playing drums, including a high hat, tom, and cymbals. Plus, it comes with mute pads so you can keep the noise down while you practice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re staring into a long career as a drummer, you’re probably better off with a higher-end model like the PDP By DW 7-Piece Concept Maple Shell Pack<\/a> (available on Amazon.com). This drum set is perfect for drummers looking for a quality upgrade. It comes with everything you need to start jamming out in your living room or on the stage. The shells are made of basswood for a warm tone that packs a punch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Learning the basics of drumming is the first step toward becoming a better drummer. The basics of learning how to drum aren’t difficult, but they do require practice. You can start with simple beats and work your way up to more complicated rhythms as your skills improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Anatomy of a Drum<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Parts of a Drum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Mechanics of Sound Production in a Drum<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Drum Shapes, Size, Thickness, and How They Affect Sound<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Shell Size<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Shell Material<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Thickness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Drum Sounds Are Affected by the Technique<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Drum Tuning Has an Impact on the Sound Your Drum Produces<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How To Play Drums and Make Them Sound Better<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Get a Solid Drum Kit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Learn the Basic Drumming Techniques<\/h3>\n\n\n\n