Exploring the Diverse Types of Drums: A Beat for Every Beat

 

Each drum beat, from Indian percussion to South American patterns, tells a story about cultural heritage, musical evolution, and rhythmic variety. Whether you are a seasoned drummer, a novice music enthusiast, or simply curious about the vibrant world of drums, this article will explore the distinct sounds of various types of drums.

Drums are percussion instruments that generate sound by striking their surfaces, typically a membrane drumhead stretched across an open or resonant shell. There are various types of drums, each producing distinct musical tones when struck against it and each producing distinct tones from within its sound chamber.

Whether deeply rooted or not, each type of drum set has unique characteristics and can be used in a variety of musical contexts.

All over the world, various types of drums are used:

1.  Acoustic Drums

Traditional drum sets with physical shells, drumheads, and hardware such as bass drums, snare drums, toms, hi-hats, and cymbals that can be found in a variety of music genres.

2. Electronic Drum Machines (EDM)

Electronic sound pads or triggers are ideal for modern genres and versatile music production environments because they are small enough for both quiet practice sessions and electronic music production.

3. Instruments that are hybrids

These hybrid drums combine acoustic and electronic drum elements to provide more sound customization.

Acoustic drums with electronic triggers or pads can be combined with traditional components to increase versatility and the ability to mix acoustic and digital sounds.

4. Drums in an orchestra

Orchestral sounds are created using instruments such as timpani (kettle drums), snare, bass guitar, and cymbals.

5. Classical Orchestra Drumming

These drums are essential for incorporating dynamics and rhythmic elements.

• Tabla is an Indian hand-drum set composed of two drums: the smaller Dayan (right) and the larger Bayan (left).

• Versatility of sound palette: used in classical, devotional, and popular music.

• Complex rhythmic compositions: Tabla players are well-known for their complex rhythmic compositions.

Mridangam

• The double-headed barrel drum was invented in South India.

• Carnatic Music: A necessary component of Carnatic music performances.

• Tuned by striking different areas: Produces a variety of tones by striking various parts of the drumheads.

A Dholak's structure is as follows:

• A double-headed drum with a narrow middle and wider ends, usually made of wood and fitted with goat or synthetic drumheads.

• Festive Use: This versatile instrument is used during the holidays.

Acoustic drums

Bass drum

·         Size: The largest drum in the set provides deep, low-frequency tones and is played with a foot pedal.

·         Versatility: It acts as the heartbeat of the rhythm section in many genres.

·         Style: Often played on beats 1 and 3 in a standard 4/4 time signature.

·         Set rhythm: Fundamental in establishing the rhythm and pulse of the music.

Snare drum

·         Placement: Placed between the drummer’s knees, it has a set of wires (snare) underneath that produces a distinct, sharp sound.

·         Structure: Features a set of wires or “snares” stretched across the bottom drumhead.

·         Sound: Produces a sharp, cracking sound when hit, often providing the backbeat.

·         Versatility: A versatile drum for accents, backbeats, and ghost notes.

Electronic drums

Electronic drum kit

• Pads: Replace traditional drum heads with electronic pads that can be rubber, mesh, or silicone.
• Sound module: Generates a variety of drum and percussion sounds. Allows customization of tones.
• Versatility: Offers a wide range of sounds beyond traditional drum kits, including electronic and synthesized tones.
• Silent practice: Ideal for quiet practice with headphones, making them suitable for home use.
• Recording capability: Some kits allow for MIDI or direct recording to a computer for music production.

·         Drum machine

• Sequencing: Programs and sequences pre-recorded drum patterns and beats.
• Sound library: Contains diverse drum sounds and often other percussion instruments.
• Editing: Enables users to customize and edit patterns, adjusting tempo, volume, and individual drum sounds.
• Portability: Compact and easy to carry, making them suitable for live performances and studio use.
• Integration: Can be integrated into larger music setups, syncing with other electronic instruments.

Hybrid drums

Acoustic drums with electronic triggers

·         Integration: Combine traditional acoustic drums with electronic triggers.

·         Expanded Sound Palette: Allows blending acoustic drum sounds with electronic samples and effects.

·         Versatility: Drummers can maintain the feel of acoustic drums while incorporating electronic elements.

Electronic drums with wood shells

·         Aesthetics: Feature electronic components but maintain the appearance of classic wooden drum shells.

·         Feel: Provides drummers with a familiar playing experience akin to acoustic drums.

·         Hybrid sound: Marries the benefits of electronic functionality with wood’s natural resonance.

Steel drums

Pan (steel pan):

·         Trinidad and Tobago origin: Developed in the 20th century in the Caribbean.

·         Tuned percussion instrument: Made from oil drums, tuned by hammering the surface into distinct pitches.

·         Steelband ensembles: Often played in groups, known as steel bands, showcasing intricate arrangements.

Tongue drum (steel tongue drum)

·         Hand-played percussion instrument: Made of steel with tuned tongues or slits.

·         Melodic and resonant: Emits soothing and rich tones when struck.

·         Portable: Available in various sizes, from small handheld versions to larger, more elaborate designs.

Handpan

·         Modern steel drum variant: Evolved in the 21st century, inspired by the steelpan and other ethnic drums.

·         Circular shape: Resembles a UFO, often with a center note and surrounding tone fields.

·         Expressive sound palette: Played with hands and fingers, producing a wide range of tones.

History of drums:

• Prehistoric - 500 AD origins: Ancient Egyptian art (3000 BC) contains evidence of drum-like instruments. • Drums were used in religious and military contexts in ancient Greece and Rome (500 BC - 500 AD). • The Tabor drum became popular in European folk music and military bands during the Middle Ages (500-1400 AD). • The snare drum evolved and timpani became popular in orchestras during the Renaissance and Baroque periods (1400-1750 AD). • Advances in drum manufacturing and materials from the 18th to the 19th centuries. • With innovations such as the bass drum pedal (1900s), the drum set emerges in the early twentieth century. • The mid-twentieth-century evolution of rock and roll as it influenced popular music (1950s-1960s). Electronics became popular in the late twentieth century.