Music is an art form that has been a part of human culture for thousands of years. From classical notes to modern-day pop and hip-hop, music has always successfully communicated and created a bridge among people from all different parts of the world. It has always had the power to connect people across generations and cultures. While countless musical instruments have entered the world of music and stayed, one of them stands out the most- the drum. But how did they get invented? How does it work? What are the different types of drums that get played around? And why are they even popular? Let’s find out.
What is the origin story?
Drums are one of the most popularized musical instruments in the world that can be a part of almost any music genre or style. Starting from the early days, to even in the modern days, take out any style or genre, and you will be surprised by how well drums can be a part of that! Well, this musical instrument comes with a wide geographic distribution from Neolithic times onward in archaeological excavations. Surprisingly, one was excavated in Moravia which is dated to 6000 BCE. According to historians and researchers, drums consisted of a section of hollowed tree trunk in the early days that were covered at one end with reptile or fish skin and then were stuck with hands. Later the skin from the drum was taken from cattle or hunted games where sticks were used. The double-headed drums came much later, just like pottery drums in different shapes and sizes. The heads were fastened using several methods, some of which are still used to this date. The double-headed drums were directly cord-tensioned often for example through holes in the skin. Modern European orchestral drums are often made by combining two hoops pressing against each head, where one rolled in the skin and the other outside with indirect lacing.
Giant V back in the day was used in used in the temples of ancient Sumer. According to the depiction of Mesopotamian objects from about 3000 BCE, drums (including small cylindrical drums) were played both horizontally and vertically. Now the music industry has different types of drums that will be discussed in the following sections.
How is the sound on drums produced?
Drums create sound mainly from the shaking which is caused by striking the head. This action changes the shape of the drum and compresses the air inside its shell. The compressed air then presses on the bottom head and changes its shape. The next process includes these changes transmitting to the drum shell and then reflecting. When this action is repeated, it creates a vibration at the top and bottom heads creating vibrations in the air, becoming sound. And eventually, as the vibration on the head is dampened the sound diminishes. To put it simply, drums make sound by vibration when struck by a padded mallet, drum stick, or bare hands. The head of the drum skin vibrates up and down with the striking and pushes the air molecules around it. This then creates air pressure differentials, being perceived by our ears as sound.
An Anatomy of a Drum: Its Different Parts
• The head - the drum head is the part that gets strict with the drumstick, or your hands. This is the topmost component of any drum and can be made from various animal skins. These animal skins can include sheepskin, goat skin, and even cowhide. Additionally, the drum head can also be made with synthetic materials such as polyester, Kevlar, or Mylar. This is the part that is mostly responsible for making the sound.
• Drum shell - The drum shell is mainly the body of the instrument which is usually made of wood. This is the drum’s body part that is responsible for its resonance and sustains. Different materials such as wood, aluminum, or steel are used to make a drum shell, and depending on what material is used, how it is shaped, and how it is formed will impact the drum’s sound.
• Tuning keys - Just like a guitar, a drum can also be tuned to produce a higher or lower tone by either tightening or loosening the head. The tuning keys of a drum are small metal structures that help you tighten the drum head along the way and achieve the tune that you are looking for.
Also Read: Guitar: Find Out Every Detail of the Globally Popular Instrument
• Drum rim - The drum rim also known as the drum hoop is a circular piece that is attached to the drum’s top. This piece is usually made from wood, metal, or occasionally from other materials that hold the drumhead in place together. It is also responsible for providing the tension that is needed to produce different tones in the drum beats.
• Drum pedal - The drum pedal is an accessory that is attached to the base of the kit. While playing the drum, you usually step on the pedal to hit the bass drum, matching the beat of the song.
All the different types of drums you need to know about:
Drums provide the beating heart to many genres of music in every corner of the world, in all different cultures. So let’s explore various kinds of drums, diving into their tones, what they are used for, how they are hit, and their materials. If you are looking for recommendations to buy a drum, then after scanning through this article, you must go over dw drums, and pearl drums, because they have the quality, affordable price, and popularity- all for a good reason! Now that you got your recommendations, let’s move over to the different types of drums that are primarily used in today’s modern world of music.
Acoustic drums -
• Snare drum: The snare drum is a vital instrument in various ensembles, delivering a sharp, and crisp tone. These drums are crafted with various materials such as wood or metal, while its diameter ranges from 13″ to 15″.
• Bass drum - It produces a deep and captivating kind of sound that fits well with any band, from rock to jazz. It is struck by a foot pedal and has a diameter range of 18″ to 24″.
• Toms - This kind of drum produces a rich and distinctive tone, all thanks to its production from birch, or maple. The diameter ranges from 6″ to 20″ and can be played with drumsticks or hands.
• Cymbals - Although these do not belong in the category of drums distinctively, they still come in an acoustic drum kit. It has three variations, such as the hi-hat crafted from bronze or brass, ride and crash cymbal.
Electronic drums -
These are perfect for studio and live use and are mostly seen in modern music genres and styles. Drummers who want to practice their sessions without making any noise disturbance can also go for the electric drum kits. These kits also take the entire appraisal for revolutionizing modern music-making while offering portability and versatile sounds. The tone of these drums is either synthesized or sampled. This allows an extensive range of sounds that are beyond traditional drum kits. So they can emulate everything, from a classic rock drum set to the most exotic world percussion instruments. This wide tonal palette also makes electronic drums making them adaptable to various genres, such as pop, rock, jazz, and electronic music.
Hybrid drums -
This is the kind that is most suitable for players who want the benefits of both acoustic and electric. This is perfect if you already have an acoustic drum set, but want to explore a few more sounds. You can easily add an electronic trigger to the acoustic guitar which are nifty devices that clip onto your drums. It senses the head and rim for any and every vibration. The way this set works is that it will transmit a signal to the trigger module and produce a sound that blends with the acoustic sound in the mix.
Orchestral drums -
• Concert bass drum - A concert bass drum is used primarily for rhythmic and percussive effects as it is not tuned to a specific pitch. This deep and large in appearance drum is often made from wood, such as maple or birch. For that fact, this is the largest bass drum you will find.
• Timpani - Timpanis are also known as kettle drums that range in diameter from 20 to 32 inches. It is a large bowl-shaped drum that has a skin made from either animal hide or synthetic materials that is stretched across the top. Traditionally, they are made with copper or brass kettles. Timpanis are usually seen in groups of three or four and are played using sticks with soft felt tips. They are also most commonly used in symphonic orchestras, playing crucial rhythmic support.
Bongo drums -
Another popular and traditional drum set that is still used to this day is the bongo drums. It is an Afro-Cuban percussion instrument that consists of a pair of small open-bottomed hand drums of various sizes. The hand drums also contain a larger hembra and a smaller macho, joined by a wooden bridge. These are played using both hands in classical music, but in today’s musical world, players also may use sticks or mounted on stands.
Why drums are the best musical instrument?
Among all other musical instruments, drums have earned a special place and are often called the best musical instrument, ever! Do you still not agree? Well, let’s dive into why it is the absolute truth then!
• Versatility -
Drums are incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide variety of musical genres. From metal to rock to even Latin music, drums have their places in almost every category. This instrument can also produce soft and gentle sounds, like a whisper or gentle rain shower. At the same time, they can also be used to create loud sounds that can rattle your bones or shake the ground.
• Rhythm -
Rhythm is the backbone of any musical craft or piece and drums are the perfect instrument for creating and highlighting it. They also provide a steady beat that acts as an anchor of the music, helping other instruments to stay in sync. At the same time, drumming is also a form of self-expression. The players can create a wide range of rhythms conveying different emotions and feelings. A simple drum beat or rhythm then can be used to create a calming and relaxing atmosphere. Additionally, a more complex rhythm can also be created with drums that have the power to move the audience innovatively and energetically.
• Physicality -
Playing drums is a form of physical activity that requires stamina, strength, and coordination from the player. It also needs the usage of all four limbs which means the drummers need to be able to coordinate their movements to keep a steady beat. This requires extreme physicality, which means playing the drums is not just an art form but also a form of exercise. So drumming can also be a great way to relieve stress.
While playing drums, the players can get lost in the beat and rhythm and forget about the trouble they are facing. Additionally, the physical act of hitting the drums can be cathartic and help release pent-up emotions at the same time.
• Community -
Lastly, drumming is an activity that brings people together. Drum circles are a popular way to come together for people and share their joint love for music. Drumming at the same time can also be a way of connecting with other musicians. The addition of a great drummer can elevate the sound and performance of an entire band, creating a cohesive and tight sound. However, to do that, the players must be able to adjust their playing to match the overall sound of the band and listen to other musicians.
Drums are by far the best musical instruments for various reasons. Drums provide essential rhythms for music and are incredibly versatile, blending in almost every genre around the music world. At the same time, it is also a brilliant physical exercise and brings a connection to other musicians. So if you are a beginner, or a seasoned player already, know that this musical instrument can be both challenging and rewarding.
