The Different Types of Drums: From Traditional to Modern

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The Different Types of Drums: From Traditional to Modern

Types of drums

There are many types of drums, each with their own unique sound. From the African Djembe to the Balinese Bongo, these instruments play an important role in music all across the world. Each type of drum produces a different sound, and each has its own special place in history and culture.

People all across the globe enjoy the unique sounds that drums create, and they continue to be an important part of music culture. Whether you’re a musician yourself or just appreciate good music, it’s definitely worth learning a little bit about the different types of drums.

What are the four types of drums?

There are many different types of drums, but four of the most common types of drums you would often see people play in a drum set are the snare drum, the bass drum, the tom-tom drum, and the cymbal.

DW Drums warehouse drumset side view

The snare drum is a small, metal drum that is played with a drumstick. It has a thin, metal skin that is stretched over its top, and it is the most popular type of drum in the world.

The bass drum is a large, cylindrical drum that is played with a foot pedal. It has a thick, rubber skin that is stretched over its top, and it is used in marching bands and orchestras.

The tom-tom drum is a small, cylindrical drum that is played with a drumstick. It has a thick, rubber skin that is stretched over its top, and it is used in rock and pop music.

The cymbal is a small, metal disk that is played with a drumstick. It has a thin, metal skin that is stretched over its top, and it is used in orchestras and jazz bands.

What Are Different Drums Called?

Electronic Drums

Electronic Drum Kit

Electric drum sets are a type of drum set that use electronic amplifiers to produce the sound. They are different than a beat machine, they are often used in place of acoustic drums in recordings and live performances. There are a variety of different types of electric drums, which vary in terms of the number of pads, the types of sounds they can generate, and their size.

The pads on an electric drum set are typically made from rubber or silicone, which allows them to produce a variety of different sounds depending on how they are struck. For example, a pad may be hit with a drumstick to create the sound of a snare drum, or it may be tapped with your fingers to create the sound of a hi-hat.

Electric drums also come in different sizes, and can be either tabletop models or full-size sets that are similar in size to traditional acoustic drums. They are also often less expensive than acoustic drums, and the best part is that it allows you to adjust the volume of your playing which making them a popular choice for those who are just starting out playing the drums.

Types of Hand Drums

Hand drums are a type of drum that is played without a drumstick. They come in a variety of different shapes and sizes, and are made from a variety of different materials. Some of the most popular types of hand drums include the djembe, the conga, the bongo, the tabla and the cajon.

Djembe

The finished article.

Djembe drums are one of the most popular types of drums in the world. They originate from West Africa, and are typically made from wood, skin, and rope. Djembe drums produce a deep and mellow sound, which makes them perfect for accompanying spiritual ceremonies and music.

Conga

LP Classic Congas

The conga is a type of drum that has origins in Cuba. It is made from a single piece of wood, and typically has a cylindrical shape. The conga is played by striking it with the fingers, and is often used in Latin music.

Bongo

Bongo

The bongo is a traditional drum from Africa that is usually made from wood or animal skin. It has a long, cylindrical body with a single membrane head. The bongo is played with the hands, and is used to accompany singing or other instruments.

Cajon

playspace

The cajon is a type of drum that originated in Peru. It is made out of wood and has a snare wire that is attached to the front of the instrument. This wire gives the cajon its distinctive sound. The cajon is played by sitting on it and striking the front with your hands.

Tabla

tabla 1

The tabla is one of the most popular traditional drums in India. It is a double-headed drum that is usually played by two people. The tabla has a very distinct sound and is often used in classical Indian music.

Hang Drums

The Hang or Handpan drum seemed to be a favourite with Japanese street musicians

Hang drums are a relatively new type of percussion instrument that has become popular in recent years. They are unique in that they can be played both horizontally and vertically, and they have a very distinct sound.

Hang drums are made from two hemispherical shells that are attached to each other. The shells are typically made from steel, aluminium, or brass, and the skins are made from synthetic materials.

The hang drum was invented in 2001 by Swiss musician Felix Rohner and his partner Sabrina Schärer. They originally called it the “Percussion Plus” drum, but it later became known as the hang drum.

Hang drums can be played with either hands or sticks. They are most commonly played solo, but they can also be played in a group setting.

The sound of the hang drum is very unique and has been described as “ethereal”. It has been described as a cross between a bell and a drum, and it is often used to create ambient music.

Hang drums are becoming increasingly popular, and they can be found in music stores around the world. They are a great choice for anyone who wants to add a unique sound to their music collection.

How to get started playing drums yourself

2012 Watermelon Festival

If you’re looking to get started playing the drums, there are a few things you should know. First, there are many different types of drums, from traditional to modern. Second, learning how to play the drums takes time and practice. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

1. Find a drum tutorial online or in a book. There are many different types of drums, so it’s important to learn the basics of each one.

2. Start with a simple drum kit. A basic drum kit has four pieces: a bass drum, snare drum, hi-hat and tom-tom.

3. Practice, practice, practice! The more you practice, the better you’ll get.

4. Experiment with different techniques and sounds. There’s no right or wrong way to play the drums – it’s all about finding what works best for you.

5. Join a drum circle or take lessons from a professional drummer. Playing with other musicians can help improve your skills and give you new ideas.

With these tips in mind, you’re ready to start learning how to play the drums! Have fun and be patient – it takes time and practice to become a good drummer.

The benefits of learning to play drums

Luke playing my drumset

There are many benefits to learning to play drums. One of the most obvious is that it’s a great way to exercise and stay in shape. Playing drums also helps improve hand-eye coordination and can improve focus and concentration. Drumming is a great way to relieve stress and tension, and it can also help improve moods.

In addition, playing drums can help increase creativity and self-expression. And for those who are interested in music production, learning to play drums is a great way to acquire basic music production skills.

So if you’re looking for a fun and challenging way to stay in shape, relieve stress, and express yourself creatively, learning to play drums may be the perfect activity for you. Beside hiring a personal drums instructor, which is great way to start your journey, learning online could also be a great way to learn how to play drums.

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What’s Next?

Drums are an important part of any type of music, and it’s important to know the different types that exist. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional musician, understanding the different types of drums will help you create better sounding music.

In this article, we’ve explored some of the most popular types of drums and how they’re used in modern music. We hope you enjoyed learning about these interesting instruments!

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AUTHOR

Fabian is a drummer and sound engineer from Columbia. He's passionate about music, pop culture, coffee, internet, social media...basically he loves everything! He likes to think of himself as an internet enthusiast because of his passion for all things online.
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