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 Home > Learning Center > Drum Sets

Drum Sets

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Drum sets have been developed over the last century. In the past, an individual played one drum at a time, but spatial and financial limitations spurred the creation of drum sets. The sets featured the basic required drums arranged to be played by a single individual.

Different styles of music require different configurations and different types of drums. A beginner’s set usually consisted of four main pieces: a snare drum, bass drum, a mounted tom and a floor tom. A tom is a simple drum. A beginner’s set is good for rock, blues, and jazz types of music.

More advanced sets may contain five, six, or more pieces. They are good for rock, contemporary, country and many other types of music. They typically have more toms to allow for a greater tonal range. Some of these advanced kits also contain two bass drums (known as a double bass kit.)

Besides the drums, a drum set will also include cymbals. Typically the cymbals are a ride cymbal, a crash cymbal, and a hi hat. Not all three cymbals may be present on the kit. Some drum kits also include some other various percussion instruments such as the cowbell, a triangle, or a tambourine.

Drum sets are most commonly played with drumsticks but can also be played with brushes or mallets. The bass drum and hi hat are exceptions however because they are played by the musician compressing foot pedals on the floor.

The purpose of the drums in a band is to provide a steady beat for the other musicians to keep time with. This however, is just the traditional role of the percussionist and often times the drummer is showcased as a key part of the band with drum solos. Drum solos give the drummer a chance to show listeners that the drums can be a viable instrument on its own.

Most drums are made from wood, because it provides a desirable rounded tone. Some heavy metal bands will use metal drums, as they provide a sharper sound that is often heard in this type of music. The most common wood used is maple, but there are several other kinds of wood available. Each kind of wood will yield a different sound and some cost more than others, it will come down to a matter of preference for most.

The size of the drums will also affect the sound produced. Large drums are good for amplified music such as rock. Small drums are good for acoustic styles. Those who are looking for a way to practice without disturbing others may want to consider an electric drum set. They can be plugged into a set of headphones for nearly silent playing.

For a drum set to last longer than a year it will need to be maintained. Drumheads should be replaced at least every six month- most importantly the snare drumhead. Cymbals may build up grime and should be wiped with a soft cloth after every use. And drum sets should never be exposed to prolonged heat or cold.

New musicians may have to do some experimenting to find a setup that works best for them. Most sets are expandable and can accommodate the addition of other percussion pieces as needed. Identifying what kind of music is being played, where it will be played, and the skill level of the musician will help make choosing a drum set much easier.

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