Drum

A percussion instrument consisting of a hollow shell and a membrane

A drum is a type of percussion instrument that is typically played by striking with the hands or with sticks. Drums are among the oldest and most ubiquitous musical instruments, and the basic design has remained relatively unchanged for thousands of years.

Structure

A drum consists of at least one membrane, called a drumhead or drum skin, that is stretched over a shell and struck, either directly with the player's hands, or with a drum stick, to produce sound. The shell is usually cylindrical, although other shapes are used in some types of drums. The shell can be made from wood, metal, or synthetic materials.

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A standard drum kit used in popular music.

The drumhead is typically made from animal skin or synthetic materials, and it is attached to the shell by a hoop and tuning screws. The tension of the drumhead can be adjusted to change the pitch of the drum.

Types of Drums

Drums come in various shapes and sizes, and they are used in many different musical genres. Some common types of drums include:

• Snare drum: A small drum with a sharp, staccato sound, often used in marching bands and drum kits. It has a set of wires (snares) stretched across the bottom head.
• Bass drum: A large drum that produces a low, deep sound. It is commonly used in orchestras, marching bands, and rock music.
• Tom-tom drum: A cylindrical drum without snares, used in drum kits and various other musical settings.
• Bongo drum: A pair of small, open-bottomed hand drums of different sizes, played with the fingers and palms.
• Conga drum: A tall, narrow, single-headed drum from Cuba, played with the hands.

Playing Techniques

Drums can be played using a variety of techniques, depending on the type of drum and the style of music. Common techniques include:

• Striking with sticks: This is the most common method for playing drums in a drum kit. Different types of sticks can produce different sounds.
• Hand drumming: Used for drums like the conga and bongo, where the player uses their hands to strike the drumhead.
• Brushes: Used in jazz and other genres to create a softer sound.

Cultural Significance

Drums have significant cultural and historical importance in many societies. They are often used in ceremonial music, religious rituals, and military settings. In many cultures, drums are considered a means of communication and are used in storytelling and oral traditions.

Related pages

• Percussion instrument
• Drum kit
• Snare drum
• Bass drum
• Tom-tom drum
• Bongo drum
• Conga drum