Exploring Types of Drums from Around the World

 

From Indian percussion to South American patterns, each drum beat tells a story about cultural heritage, musical evolution, and rhythmic variety.

Whether deeply rooted or not, each types of drums set has distinct qualities and serves a variety of musical contexts and styles.

This article will explore the distinct sounds of various types of drums, whether you are a seasoned drummer, a novice music enthusiast, or simply curious about the vibrant world of drums.

Drums are percussion instruments that produce sound by impacting their surfaces, typically by striking a membrane drumhead stretched across an open or resonant shell.

 There are various types of drums, each of which produces distinct musical tones when struck against it and each of which produces distinct tones from within its sound chamber.

There are various types of drums used all over the world:

1. Acoustic percussion

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

2. EDM (Electronic Drum Machines)

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

3. Hybrid percussion instruments

These hybrid drums combine acoustic and electronic drum elements, allowing for greater sound customization.

Acoustic drums with electronic triggers or pads can be used in conjunction with traditional components to provide 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. Traditional Orchestra Drumming

These drums are crucial for adding dynamics and rhythmic elements.

Indian drums

• Tabla is a hand-drum set made up of two drums: the smaller Dayan (right) and the larger Bayan (left).

• Sound palette versatility: used in classical, devotional, and popular music.

• Intricate rhythmic compositions: Tabla players are well-known for their intricate rhythmic compositions.

Mridangam

·         The double-headed barrel drum is a South Indian invention.

·         Carnatic Music: An essential component of classical Carnatic music performances.

·         Tuned by striking various areas: Produces a wide range of tones by striking different parts of the drumheads.

Structure of a Dholak:

·         A double-headed drum with a narrow middle and wider ends.

·         Typically made of wood, with goat or synthetic drumheads.

·         Festive Usage: This versatile instrument is used in folk, devotional, and popular music throughout India.

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: There is evidence of drum-like instruments in ancient Egyptian art (3000 BC). 

• In ancient Greece and Rome (500 BC - 500 AD), drums were used in religious and military contexts. • During the Middle Ages (500-1400 AD), the Tabor drum became popular in European folk music and military bands. 

• During the Renaissance and Baroque periods (1400-1750 AD), the snare drum evolved, and timpani became popular in orchestras. 

• From the 18th to the 19th centuries, advances in drum manufacturing and materials. 

• The drum set emerges in the early twentieth century, with innovations such as the bass drum pedal (1900s). 

• The evolution of rock and roll in the mid-twentieth century, as it influenced popular music (1950s-1960s). In the late twentieth century, electronic drums and drum machines were introduced into electronic music.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the world of drums is rich and diverse, encompassing a wide array of types, sounds, and styles. From traditional acoustic drums like the snare, bass, and toms, to modern electronic drum kits and exotic ethnic percussion instruments, each type of drum offers unique characteristics and capabilities.