Drums

Some people call it a ‘drum set’ and others call it a ‘drum kit’. Whatever you call it, the drums are an instrument that has no right or wrong name when it comes to how many pieces, and which pieces, you can use to create sound.We are going to focus on the essential components to get you started on the drums.

1 Bass drum: Also known as a ‘kick drum’, this is the biggest piece of the kit. It rests on the floor, has two small ‘legs’ to keep it in place, and gives your rhythms that low ‘boom’. Drummers use a bass drum pedal (or ‘kick pedal’) with a beater (or ‘mallet’) to strike the surface of the bass drum. Most drummers use a single pedal, but some drummers (especially metal and rock players) might use a double pedal for quick patterns.

2 Snare drum: This drum sits right in front of you. The snare wires beneath the drum vibrate when you strike it and gives it its signature sound. If you want to change the amount of ‘snare’ sound, this drum has a lever (or ‘throw off’) and dial you can use to adjust the tension.

3 Tom-tom: Usually abbreviated to ‘tom’, this drum can come in a variety of sizes and is useful when playing drum fills and tribal rhythms.

4 Hi-hats: The hi-hat is a combination of two cymbals that sit together. They’re mounted on a hi-hat stand, and the stand’s pedal allows the top hi-hat to open and close.

5 Crash cymbal: These cymbals can come in a variety of sizes and add a burst of sound when punctuating or accenting notes in your drum parts.

6 Ride cymbal: Rides are usually the biggest cymbal on the kit and they have the biggest surface area. You’re more likely to ‘ride’ (play consistently) on this cymbal, and it has a distinct ‘ping’ sound.