Drums

Drums

The drum is a member of the percussion group of musical instruments. In the Hornbostel-Sachs classification system, it is a membranophone. Drums consist 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. There is usually a resonance head on the underside of the drum, typically tuned to a slightly lower pitch than the top drumhead.

History

Drums have been used since ancient times for various purposes, including communication, ritual, and entertainment. The earliest evidence of drums dates back to 6000 BCE in China, where drums were used in religious ceremonies. In Africa, drums have been integral to cultural and spiritual life, often used in ceremonies and storytelling.

Types of Drums

Snare Drum

The snare drum is a small drum with a sharp staccato sound, used in orchestras, bands, and drum kits. It has a set of wires, called snares, held under tension against the lower skin. The snare drum is a central component of the drum kit.

Bass Drum

The bass drum is a large drum that produces a low, deep sound. It is used in various musical genres, from classical to rock. In a drum kit, the bass drum is played with a foot pedal.

Tom-Tom

Tom-toms are cylindrical drums without snares. They are used in drum kits and are often tuned to different pitches to create melodic patterns.

Conga

The conga is a tall, narrow, single-headed drum from Cuba. It is played with the fingers and palms and is a staple in Latin music.

Djembe

The djembe is a rope-tuned skin-covered goblet drum played with bare hands, originally from West Africa. It is known for its wide range of tones.

Construction

Drums are made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and synthetic materials. The drumhead is typically made from animal skin or synthetic materials. The shell can be made from wood, metal, or acrylic.

Playing Techniques

Drummers use various techniques to produce different sounds. These include striking the drumhead with sticks, brushes, or hands, and using different parts of the hand or stick to create varied tones. Techniques such as rim shots, rolls, and flams add to the expressive capability of the drum.

Cultural Significance

Drums play a significant role in many cultures around the world. In Africa, drums are often used in rituals and ceremonies. In Native American cultures, drums are used in spiritual ceremonies and dances. In modern music, drums are a key component of many genres, including rock, jazz, and pop.

Notable Drummers

Some of the most famous drummers include Buddy Rich, known for his virtuosity and speed, John Bonham of Led Zeppelin, and Neil Peart of Rush.

See Also

• Percussion instrument
• Drum kit
• Music

References

• "The Drum Book: A History of the Rock Drum Kit" by Geoff Nicholls
• "Drumming at the Edge of Magic" by Mickey Hart

External Links

• Drummerworld
• Vic Firth