Topmusicanswers
Drum Tuning Basics
- You'll tune the batter (top) drumhead first (the drumhead that you hit). ...
- Tighten each rod a 1/4 turn with a drum key. ...
- Continue to tighten each rod. ...
- Check the pitch of each rod once you're close to the sound you want. ...
- Check your sound!
- What should I tune my drums to?
- How can I get better at tuning drums?
- Should drums be tuned to a key?
- How often should you tune a drum?
What should I tune my drums to?
A good pitch relationship for the drum heads is to tune the lug pitch of the bottom head a perfect fifth higher than the top head (1.5 times higher in frequency, see Appendix).
How can I get better at tuning drums?
How to tune your drums step by step
- Decide if you're starting with a new drum head or tuning your old one. ...
- Center your drum head. ...
- Use a drum key to tighten each tension rod in a diagonal pattern. ...
- Stretch the head and remove wrinkles as you go along. ...
- Tune your bottom (resonant) drum head.
Should drums be tuned to a key?
If the song was in A major he might actually tune the snare so the ring (or any ring there might be) is in tune with the key of the song. ... If you're not talking about the tone of your drums and are wondering about tuning them so they are even, then yes that is important all of the time.
How often should you tune a drum?
Professional touring musicians tune their drums often, at least twice a week, so the drums they play can sound their best for every performance. In the drum corps world, drummers sometimes play for 10 or more hours a day, and it's not uncommon to tune a drum twice in the same day.
