Different Types of Drum and Complete Guide

Let us delve into the fascinating world of drums with a detailed overview of the different types of drums. Whether you are a budding drummer, a seasoned percussionist, or curious about different drums, this guide will provide valuable insights. From acoustic and electronic drums to instruments like South American hand drums and Indian hand drums, we will cover different kinds of drums. This blog will help you develop a thorough understanding of the unique characteristics and roles of each drum type to help you appreciate their contributions to music across cultures and genres.

Introduction to Drum

Drums are the oldest and most universal musical instruments found in cultures worldwide. They come in various shapes, sizes, and types, each producing unique sounds and serving different musical purposes. This comprehensive guide explores the many varieties of drums, from traditional acoustic sets to innovative electronic drums and everything in between.

Main Kinds of Drum

The world of drums is vast and varied. Each category encompasses a range of drum types, each with its characteristics and uses. In the following sections, we will learn about some of the main types of drums.

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Acoustic Drums

Acoustic drums are the heart and soul of many musical genres, producing rich, organic sounds through the vibration of a membrane, known as a drumhead, stretched over a hollow shell. This traditional form of drumming is the cornerstone of numerous musical styles, from rock and jazz to classical and world music. In this section, we will explore the key components and types of acoustic drums that form the foundation of a standard drum kit.

Components of Acoustic Drums

1. Snare Drum: The snare drum is the centrepiece of a drum kit, known for its bright, sharp sound that cuts through the mix. It features a set of metal wires, or snares, stretched across the bottom head, which vibrate against the drumhead to create a crisp, rattling sound when struck.

The snare is essential for creating backbeats in rock, pop, and many other genres, often played on beats two and four in a standard 4/4 time signature.

2. Bass Drum: Also known as the kick drum, the bass drum produces deep, low-frequency sounds that provide the rhythmic foundation of most music. It plays with a foot pedal that strikes the drumhead.

The bass drum is crucial for driving the beat in various styles, from the heavy thump in rock music to the subtle pulse in jazz.

3. Tom-Toms: Tom-toms, or toms, come in different sizes and pitches, adding melodic and rhythmic diversity to a drum kit. They are usually mounted on the bass drum or placed on stands.

Toms are for fills, rolls, and accenting different parts within a song.

4. Hi-Hats: Hi-hats consist of two cymbals mounted on a stand, controlled by a foot pedal that opens and closes them. They produce a range of sounds, from a tight, chick sound when closed to a sustained, open sizzle.

Hi-hats are versatile and essential for keeping time, adding rhythmic complexity, and creating dynamic shifts in a song.

5. Cymbals: A standard drum kit includes several types of cymbals, each contributing unique sounds:

• Crash Cymbals: Produce a loud, explosive sound for accents and transitions.
• Ride Cymbals: Offer a sustained, shimmering sound to keep a steady rhythm.
• Splash Cymbals: Smaller cymbals that produce a quick, splashy sound, often used for accents.

Cymbals add colour, texture, and dynamic contrast to drumming.

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Electronic Drums

Electronic drums offer a versatile and convenient alternative to traditional acoustic drum kits. They are equipped with advanced technology that replicates the sound and feel of acoustic drums while providing additional features that cater to modern musician’s needs.

Electronic drums are a modern alternative to traditional acoustic drums, featuring a set of pads that trigger drum sounds when struck. These pads are made from rubber or mesh and emulate the feel of snare drums, toms, bass drums, and cymbals. Central to an electronic drum kit is the sound module, which processes the input from the pads and produces a variety of drum sounds and effects. Electronic drums are known for their versatility, allowing for silent practice with headphones, easy integration with recording systems via MIDI or USB, and a compact design suitable for small spaces and convenient transport.

• Electronic Drum Kit: An electronic drum kit is a set of drum and cymbal pads designed to replicate the feel of acoustic drums by triggering electronic sounds when played with drumsticks. Key components include rubber or mesh drum pads, cymbal pads, a sound module that processes and outputs drum sounds, and hardware stands to support the pads. These kits are used for practice, performance, and recording, offering a range of sounds, from acoustic drum kits to electronic effects. They provide volume control for quiet practice and come with recording systems. Electronic drum kits are versatile, suitable for various musical genres, and ideal for silent practice with headphones. They are more portable and compact than acoustic kits, making them convenient for small spaces and easy to transport. Their ability to connect to computers and MIDI systems makes them valuable for advanced recording and music production.

• Drum Machine: A drum machine is an electronic device that generates drum beats and percussion sounds, allowing users to program and sequence drum patterns. Key components include pads or buttons for input, a sequencer for arranging drum patterns, a sound library with various drum and percussion sounds, and a control interface with knobs, buttons, and screens for programming and adjustments. Drum machines are essential in music production, particularly in electronic music genres like EDM, hip-hop, and pop, providing consistent and complex drum tracks. They are invaluable in live performances for solo artists and bands, offering backing drum tracks without a drum kit. With extensive programming capabilities, drum machines foster creativity, enabling precise control over rhythm and timing and allowing for innovative beat-making.

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Hybrid Drums

Hybrid drums combine the best of both acoustic and electronic drum worlds, offering drummers the versatility and benefits of each. This setup adds electronic sounds and effects into the traditional acoustic drumming experience, providing endless possibilities for creativity and performance. Here, we explore various types of hybrid drums:

• Acoustic Drums with Electronic Triggers: Acoustic drums with electronic triggers feature traditional acoustic drum shells fitted with electronic sensors that detect the drum hits and send signals to a sound module. This setup allows drummers to enhance their acoustic sound with electronic samples and effects, making it perfect for live performances and studio recordings. Drummers can switch between or combine acoustic and electronic sounds seamlessly, adding a new dimension to their playing.

• Hybrid Drum Kits: Hybrid drum kits are complete setups that combine acoustic drums and electronic pads. These kits typically include acoustic drums fitted with electronic triggers, pads and cymbals. The sound module processes the inputs from acoustic triggers and electronic pads, allowing for an entire range of sounds and effects. Hybrid drum kits are ideal for drummers who want the natural feel of acoustic drums with the added flexibility of electronic sounds.

• Orchestral Drums: Orchestral drums are large, tuned drums used in classical and orchestral music. These include timpani and concert bass drums, which provide deep, resonant sounds. Timpani, known as kettledrums, are tuned to specific pitches and played with mallets. Concert bass drums are drums that produce a powerful, booming sound. Both instruments require precise tuning and playing techniques to achieve the desired effects in orchestral settings.

• Timpani: Timpani, known as kettledrums, are essential elements of orchestral percussion sections. These large, bowl-shaped drums tuned to specific pitches using a pedal mechanism allow for a precise control over their pitch. Timpani are typically played in pairs or sets of four and provide rhythmic and harmonic support in orchestral music. Their deep, resonant sound adds depth and drama to musical compositions.

• Concert Bass Drum: The concert bass drum is a large, cylindrical drum that produces a deep, powerful sound. It is played with large, padded mallets and is often used to create dramatic, thunderous effects in orchestral music. The concert bass drum adds weight and impact to musical passages, providing a solid foundation for the orchestra’s percussion section. Its size and resonance make it a standout instrument in any orchestral performance.

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Marching Drums

Marching drums are for marching bands and drum corps. These drums are built for mobility and durability, providing the robust sound needed for outdoor performances and parades. Marching drums create a rhythmic and visual impact of marching ensembles. Here, we explore the main types of marching drums:

• Marching Snare: The marching snare drum is a high-pitched, sharp-sounding drum that provides the primary rhythmic drive in a marching band. These drums are constructed with durable materials to withstand the rigors of outdoor performances. They feature a tight, crisp sound that cuts through the ensemble, making them ideal for intricate rhythmic patterns and solos. Marching snares are arried using a harness or mounted on a carrier, allowing the drummer to perform complex maneuvers while playing.

• Marching Bass Drum: The marching bass drum is the lowest-pitched drum in the march ensemble. These drums provide the foundational beats that drive the tempo and add depth to the band’s sound. Marching bass drums come in various sizes, each producing a different pitch, allowing for melodic bass lines within the drumline. They get worn using a harness that distributes the weight evenly across the drummer’s shoulders, enabling them to carry and play the drum comfortably during long performances and parades.

• Marching Tenor: Marching tenor drums, also known as quads, quints, or sextets, are mid-range drums that add melodic and rhythmic complexity to the drumline. These drums are typically arranged in sets of fours, fives, or sixes and played with sticks or mallets. Marching tenors offer a range of pitches, allowing for dynamic and expressive playing. The drums are mounted on a carrier, enabling the player to move and perform while maintaining control over the multiple drum heads.

Marching drums play a vital role in the energy and visual appeal of marching bands, contributing significantly to the overall performance with their powerful and dynamic sounds.

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South American Hand Drums

South American hand drums are an integral part of the rich musical traditions of Latin America. These drums are renowned for their vibrant sounds and rhythmic versatility, playing crucial roles in various musical genres, including salsa, samba, and folkloric music. Here, we delve into some of the most prominent South American hand drums:

• Congas: Congas are tall, narrow drums of Afro-Cuban origin, typically played in sets of twos or more. They are unique by their deep, resonant tones and are played with the hands, using various techniques to produce a wide range of sounds, from deep bass notes to sharp, high-pitched slaps. They are often featured in percussion sections, providing rhythmic complexity and driving the music’s tempo.

• Bongos: Bongos are a pair of small, open-bottomed drums connected by a wooden bridge. Originating from Cuba, bongos are played with the fingertips and palms, producing high-pitched, lively tones. Bongos are essential in Latin music ensembles, contributing fast, intricate rhythms that add excitement and energy to the performance. They are prominent in multiple genres like salsa, son cubano, and Latin jazz.

• Cajon: The cajon is a box-shaped percussion instrument that originated in Peru. It is played by sitting on the drum and striking the front face, or “tapa,” with the hands. The cajon produces a wide range of sounds, from deep bass tones to sharp slaps, making it incredibly versatile. Cajon used in various music styles, including Afro-Peruvian, flamenco, and contemporary acoustic settings. The cajon’s portability and rich sound has made it a popular choice for street musicians and acoustic performers worldwide.

• Tambora: The tambora is a two-headed drum from the Dominican Republic, widely used in merengue music. It is played with a combination of sticks and hands, creating a distinctive rhythmic pattern that drives the energetic tempo of merengue. The tambora has a wooden body and is often played while standing or sitting, with one head producing a high-pitched sound and the other a deeper tone. This drum is crucial in delivering vibrant and fast-paced beats characteristic of merengue music.

South American hand drums bring a rich tapestry of rhythms and sounds to the musical landscape, influence the genres they are associated with and continue to inspire percussionists.

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Timbales

Timbales are a set of shallow, single-headed drums essential to many Latin music genres, particularly Cuban music styles such as salsa, mambo, and cha-cha-cha. Typically, timbales are mounted on a stand and played with sticks.

Each set of timbales usually consists of two drums of different sizes: the “macho” and the “hembra” (smaller drum). The metallic shells of these drums give a bright, sharp tone that can cut through other instruments in an ensemble.

In addition to the drums, a standard timbales setup often includes a cowbell and other small percussion instruments mounted on the stand. These additional elements allow timbaleros (timbales players) to produce a variety of rhythmic textures and accents.

Timbales are notable for their versatility in both rhythm and sound. They can produce a wide range of tones depending on where and how they are struck, from the high-pitched rim shots to the deeper tones produced by hitting the center of the drumhead. This flexibility makes timbales a dynamic and expressive instrument, capable of leading complex rhythms and adding flair to musical performances.

Goblet Drums

Goblet drums, also known as doumbeks, darbukas, or tabla, are a type of hand drum with a goblet-shaped body and a single head. Originating in the Middle East and Africa, these drums have a rich history and cultural significance in various musical traditions.

• African Goblet Drums: African goblet drums, such as the djembe, are deeply rooted in the musical heritage of West Africa. The djembe, is traditionally carved from a single piece of wood and topped with a goatskin head.

• Middle Eastern Goblet Drums: Across Middle East, goblet drums like the darbuka are prevalent in traditional music. The darbuka features a narrower body, often made from metal, ceramic, or wood, with a skin head stretched over the top. Renowned for its versatility and expressive potential, the darbuka accompanies various genres, from classical Arabic music to contemporary fusion styles.

African and Middle Eastern goblet drums showcase the diversity and vibrancy of percussion traditions worldwide, serving as integral instruments in cultural expression and musical innovation.

Frame Drums

Frame drums are a diverse category of percussion instruments with a single drumhead stretched over it. They have a long history of contributing unique playing techniques and aesthetic qualities.

• Tambourines: Tambourines are the frame drum featuring jingles or metal discs attached to the frame. Played by shaking, striking, or through both, tambourines add rhythmic texture and embellishments to music across genres, from folk and rock to classical and world music.

• Bodhran: Originating in Ireland, the bodhran is a frame drum played with a beater called a tipper or cipín. Its distinct sound, achieved by varying pressure and striking positions on the drumhead, is a fundamental element in traditional Irish music with a pulsating heartbeat to reels, jigs, and other dance tunes.

• Pandeiro: The pandeiro is a Brazilian frame drum with jingles similar to the tambourine but with a unique playing technique. Held in one hand and played with the fingers, palm, and thumb, the pandeiro produces intricate rhythms integral to samba, choro, and other Brazilian musical styles.

• Tar: The tar is a frame drum prominent in Persian, Azerbaijani, and Central Asian music. Featuring a wooden frame and a skin head tar produces deep, resonant tones. Its versatile playing techniques and intricate patterns contribute to the rich tapestry of Middle Eastern music.

• Daf: The daf is a large frame drum popular in Kurdish, Persian, and Turkish music. Often adorned with metal rings or chains, the daf produces a shimmering sound with a unique timbral quality. Its rhythmic patterns and expressive potential make it a centerpiece in ensemble and solo performances.

• Ocean Drum: The ocean drum is a modern innovation in frame drum design, featuring a transparent head filled with metal beads or pellets. When tilted or rotated, the ocean drum creates sounds reminiscent of ocean waves, adding an atmospheric dimension to musical compositions and therapeutic settings.

Various forms of frame drums continue to captivate musicians and audiences alike with their versatility, cultural significance, and evocative soundscape.

Talking Drums

Talking drums are a type of drum found in various cultures throughout West Africa, Central Africa, and Southeast Asia. What sets them apart is their ability to mimic the tones and rhythms of spoken language.

Talking drums have two heads connected by cords or ropes that gets squeezed under the player’s arm to change the tension and thus maintain the pitch. By varying the tension and striking different areas of the drumheads, skilled players can produce a wide range of tones and pitches, effectively “talking” through the drum.

In traditional African societies, talking drums were used for communication over long distances, conveying messages between villages or individuals. The rhythms and patterns played on the drums could convey complex messages, including announcements, warnings, or even stories. Skilled drummers were known for their ability to communicate effectively through the drums.

Talking drums continue to be used in ceremonial and cultural contexts in many African communities today, and they have also influenced contemporary music genres, serving as a source of inspiration for musicians worldwide.

Steel Drums

Steel drums, also known as steel pans, originated in Trinidad and Tobago and are made from repurposed steel oil barrels or drums. The top surface is hammered or molded into a concave shape with various indentations, called “notes” or “pitches,” tuned to specific frequencies. Steel drums are typically played with rubber-tipped mallets and produce melodic tones. They are a staple of Caribbean music used in various genres worldwide.

Tongue

Tongue drums feature metal tongues or bars arranged in a circular or rectangular pattern on the surface of the drum. Each tongue has a specific pitch, and the instrument is played by striking the tongues with mallets or fingers. Tongue drums produce melodic tones and used in meditation, relaxation, and contemporary music settings.

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Handpan

Handpans are convex steel drums with tuned notes arranged in a circular pattern on the top surface. They are played by striking the notes with the hands and fingers, producing rich, resonant tones with a distinctive sound. Handpans are relatively modern instruments developed in the early 21st century and prized for their soothing and meditative qualities.

Indian Hand Drums

Indian hand drums encompass a variety of percussion instruments used in traditional Indian music. These drums are played with hands and are integral to various classical, folk, and devotional music styles across the Indian subcontinent. Some of the most prominent Indian hand drums include:

1. Tabla: The tabla is perhaps the most famous Indian hand drum. It is a pair of small drums — the dayan (the treble drum) and the bayan (the bass drum). Tabla players use their fingers and palms to produce a range of tones and intricate rhythms. The tabla is central to classical Indian music and various forms of fusion and contemporary music.

2. Dholak: The dholak is a double-headed drum with a narrow waist and a broad, rounded body. Folks, bhajans (devotional songs), and festive celebrations across India are incomplete without them. The dholak produces a deep, resonant sound and is played with both hands using a combination of strokes and finger techniques.

3. Mridangam: The mridangam is a barrel-shaped drum with two heads, traditionally made from layers of goat skin. It is used primarily in Carnatic music, the classical music tradition of southern India. To play a mridangam, fingers and palms of both hands are used, and it serves as the primary rhythmic accompaniment in Carnatic concerts.

4. Pakhawaj: The pakhawaj is a double-headed drum with a barrel-shaped body commonly used in Hindustani classical music. It has a deep, resonant sound and is played with both hands using a combination of strokes and finger techniques. The pakhawaj is closely related to the mridangam and shares similarities in its playing style and repertoire.

These Indian hand drums, among others, play a vital role in Indian musical traditions, providing rhythmic accompaniment, melodic support, and expressive textures to a wide range of musical genres and contexts. Each drum has unique characteristics, playing techniques, and cultural significance within the rich tapestry of Indian music.

Conclusion

In this comprehensive guide, we’ve journeyed through the diverse world of drums, exploring different percussion instruments from around the globe. From the foundational beats of acoustic drums to the innovative sounds of electronic and hybrid setups, each drum type offers its unique blend of history, culture, and musical expression.

Whether you draw to the pulsating rhythms of African djembes, the intricate patterns of Indian tabla, or the lively beats of South American congas, there’s a drum for every musical style and preference. These instruments provide the backbone of countless genres and serve as a testament to the rich tapestry of human creativity and ingenuity.

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