The parts of a drum set don’t really come with a strict algorithm or formula. You can set it up in whatever configuration you like which feels most comfortable to you. Every single movement or step made when drumming is controlled by different joints and gears in the body. To make these movements second nature, you’ll need to know everything about drum set parts and their arrangements. 

The modern drum kit is about a hundred years old. While many other types of drums remain deeply rooted in tradition, the drum kit has evolved constantly. While the appearance and construction methods have changed significantly over time the core pieces of the kit remain the same:

Snare Drum

If you look at a picture of any drum kit, no matter how big or small, they are all centred on the snare drum. Out of all the pieces in the kit, it is the most important. The name is attributed to the snare wires that run along the bottom head to produce a distinct snap sound. These skills are then applied to the larger kit. Modern snare drums can range anywhere in size from 10-16” in diameter (14” being the most common), and 3-12” deep (5-6” being typical).

Bass Drum

The bass drum is the large drum that sits on the floor. It is struck with a foot-operated pedal. When the term “drumbeat” is used what is being referred to is the interplay between the bass and snare drum. As the biggest drum in the kit it can range in size from 18-28” in diameter (22” being the most common), and 12-18” in depth (16” being typical).

Tom-Tom(s)

The toms are used primarily to provide color to the music and for fills. They range in head size from 6-20”. The depths vary quite a bit relative to the diameter of the drum. The most basic drum kit configuration utilizes two (one high, one low). There are no limits to how many can be included though.

Hi-Hat

The hi-hat is comprised of two cymbals nested on top of each other. They can be played with a stick or stuck together with a foot-operated pedal. This allows for a multitude of sounds to be produced. This provides a foundation for the drum beat occurring between the bass and snare. The cymbals range in size from 12-16” with 14’ being the most common. 

Ride Cymbal

A ride is typically the largest cymbal within the kit. Functionally it is used in the same manner as a hi-hat – to ride on. However, it provides a bright “ping” sound to color the music with. Ride cymbals can be anywhere from 18-24” in diameter. 

Crash Cymbal

Crash cymbals are used primarily to accentuate and punctuate the music with a sharp, cutting tone. When a drum kit includes many cymbals they will be mostly of the crash variety. Sizes range from 14-20”. The most common sizes are 16” or 18”.

Electronic Drums

In the same way, there are acoustic and electric guitars, there are also Electronic drums. These first came to prominence in the early 1980s in two distinct forms.

Electronic Drum Kit

The first is a physical kit that has electronic trigger pads instead of drums and cymbals. These pads mimic the acoustic counterpart in physical positioning. The drum and cymbal sounds don’t emanate from the pads themselves, though. They are generated from a brain module that stores the sounds as “samples”. 

Drum Machine

The second form is that of a drum machine. This is a drum computer that can be programmed to produce drum/percussion sounds in a defined manner. No skill or knowledge of the actual instrument is required to program one. This has made drum machines popular with composers. 

Since Electronic Drums and Drum Machines are technology based they have advanced rapidly over the last few decades. The manufacturers of electronic kits have focused heavily on developing trigger pads that more closely resemble the feel of actual drums and cymbals.

Marching Drums

Marching drums are used with field bands in either parades or choreographed performances on a measured pitch, typically Football. These types of events feature the percussion section as an ensemble performance. Since these drums are used primarily outdoors they tend to be made in larger sizes and for greater durability. 

Snare

Marching snares are noticeably deeper (10-12”) than the ones found on a drum kit. This is to produce the extra volume and projection needed outdoors. The heads are also tuned considerably tighter to achieve the correct tone. A modern drum corp will have up to ten individuals all playing snare. Typically they are performing the same part in unison.

Bass

Marching bass drums are built shallower (10-12”) than those found on a drum kit. This allows them to be played on both sides. A drum corp can have up to six bass drummers. Each drum will be of a different size drum ranging from 16” to -28” in diameter. This allows the parts to be written in a melodic sense.

Tenor and Multi-Tenor

The tenor drum is similar to the tom-toms on a drum kit, yet unique to marching. When just one drum is used it tends to be slightly larger than a marching snare, without the snare on the bottom head. These will range in size from 6-13” and have only a single head. There can be up to six tenor players.

Cymbals & Percussion

In addition to the drums listed above a marching band will have players with handheld cymbals. For performances on a football grid, there is also a large percussion battery that does not march. That is, they play from the sideline of the field. 

Timpani 

Timpani are most commonly used in orchestral and symphonic settings. They are large, semi-spherical bowls with a skin over the top. The most common material used in their construction is copper. Unlike most of the drums being reviewed here, the tympani are tuned to specific notes.

Hand Drums

As the name implies, the term “hand” drum refers to any sort of drum that is struck with the hand rather than a stick or beater. The various types all originate from specific geographic regions across the globe. This gives them deep roots in both cultural and spiritual practices. Some of the more commonly known ones are:

Congas

The Conga is a Cuban instrument. It is a deep drum, made with barrel stave construction, and a single animal-skin head. They are tall enough to be played with the base of the drum resting on the ground while the player sits. Each plays a different-sized drum. Much like the modern drum kit, over time this has merged into a single player covering multiple parts or drums.

Bongos

There is some debate as to the exact origin of the Bongo, but it was popularized through its use in Cuban music. The bongos consist of a pair of small drums joined together. Like Congas, they have a single animal-skin head on top and an open bottom. 

Cajon

Hailing from Peru, the Cajon has become a popular addition to the percussion section in recent memory. It is essentially a wooden box made from musical-grade plywood. Five sides of it are made stronger to support a person sitting on it. The front face is made from a thinner, more resonant layer. 

Tabla

Originating in India, the Tabla is a pair of small drums. Each is a slightly different shape, but they are both barrels and hollowed out. Construction materials include wood, clay, or metal. A single head is stretched over the top opening. 

Frame Drums

A frame drum is perhaps the simplest and most ancient form of drum. The only real requirement to fall into this category is that the width of the head is greater than the depth of the drum (i.e., frame). In some cases, the drum may not even have a head. 

Tambourine

The most common and versatile form of frame drum. Tambourines come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Depending on musical requirements they may or may not have metal jingles and a head. This allows for a multitude of tones to be generated by shaking it, striking the frame, or playing the head. 

Bodhran

This is an Irish instrument that dates back to the Celts. It comes in a variety of sizes. All have a head on one side. This is struck with one hand while the other is used inside the frame to control the tone of the drum. A small hand beater can also be used to strike the drum. Despite its ancient origins, the Bodhran was not fully recognized as a legitimate musical instrument until the mid-twentieth century.

FAQs

What are the parts of a simple drum?

      The main parts of a simple drum are:

      • Batter head: One of the five parts of a drum.
      • Resonant head: One of the five parts of a drum.
      • Shell: One of the five parts of a drum.
      • Lugs: Used to tighten the heads to the drum.
      •  Hoops: Determines the timbre of the drum 

      What are the screws on a drum called?

        The screws on a drum are called tension rods or tuning screws. They are threaded bolts that are screwed into lugs around the drum’s rim. 

        What are the most important parts of a drum?

          The most important parts of a drum kit include the drums, cymbals, and throne:

          Drums: The most important drums in a kit are the bass drum, snare drum, and toms:

          Bass drum: Also known as the kick drum, this is the largest drum in the kit and produces a deep, resonant sound. It’s played by stepping on a pedal that strikes the batter’s head.

          Snare drum: A shallow drum that’s often played on a separate stand or attached to the bass drum. The snare wires that run along the bottom head define the sound of the snare drum.

          Toms: Come in different sizes and can be positioned around the kit. Smaller toms produce higher sounds, while larger toms produce deeper sounds.

          Cymbals: The main cymbals in a kit are the hi-hat, ride, and crash cymbals:

          Hi-hat: A pair of metal cymbals that are sandwiched together using a foot pedal. The degree of separation between the cymbals can be controlled to change the sound.

          Ride cymbal: Usually the largest cymbal in the kit, measuring around 20 inches in diameter. It’s usually mounted on a stand above the floor tom.

          Crash cymbal: Used for accents and loud dramatic tension. Standard crash cymbals are around 16 inches in diameter.

          Throne: The stool where the drummer sits.

          What is a drum cage called?

            A drum cage is also known as a drum screen, drum shield, or acoustic shield.