Drum Types

There are probably as many drums as humans on earth. However, drummers only need to know 4 types of drums.

Dimension Laws

Before reviewing the four basic drum types, it is important to have into account the simple rule of dimensions and its effects on the drums sound. There are two aspects to have in mind when talking about drums dimensions:

With a smaller diameter a higher pitch, with a bigger diameter a lower pitch.
With a deeper drum, the drum will have a longer and round sound. While with a shorter drum the sound will have a cutting sound with greater attack.

Snare Drum

The snare drum is part of the very basics of any drum kit. It can be considered as the most important drum in the whole set. When you hear any drums being played, is very likely that the snare is the first sound you recognize. Its sound is unique, especially because of all drums in the set, this one has a rattle of metal wires in its resonant head, creating something special when you hit it.

The Wires

The wires are a fundamental part of the snare, without them the drum would be just like any other. They are responsible for creating that sound different from other drums. They work with simple physics. If the wires are closer to the drum head, the sound has less sustain and more control. On the other hand, if the wires are a little loose, the sound will have a longer sustain and less control.

Bass Drum

Just like the snare, the bass drum is part of the essence of a drum kit. It is the bigger drum. So it produces a low, deep sound. There could be many sizes that you can choose from, but the most common ones are between 22" to 26" in diameter. Usually, it is the only drum that is played with the foot, opening a million possibilities.

The Pedal

The bass or kick drums is the only one played with the foot or feet in a standard drum set. So the pedal becomes that essential part the makes these drums so unique. It allows playing with different techniques and feelings, depending on which kind of pedal you have, you will have a specific approach when playing the bass drums (speed, power, precision, resonance).

Floor Toms

The Floor Toms are the third most common drums found at the drum kit. It is not as big as the bass drum nor similar to the snare drum, it doesn't have metal wires and it is not played with the feet.

They are usually elevated from the floor some inches. It is mainly used to support the performance of awesome fills. Likewise, there is a great number of floor toms that vary in dimensions, but basically, they offer a middle to low sound. Although they are not essential for the drum kit, they are a great addition, especially when you get creative. So yeah, is better to have at least one.

Rack Toms

Rack toms, mounted toms, tom-tom; However you want to call them, are the floor toms small version. Yeah, the name says it all. In comparison to the floor toms, they are way smaller and are supported on the bass drum (usually). They are also perfect for fills and creativity, you can do a lot of things with them. Also, because they are smaller, their sound will have a higher pitch than the floor toms, usually with a middle-end sound.

If you want to exploit your potential, try buying at least one rack tom, start playing, and you'll create amazing sounds. Take into account that you can have million of toms of any kind, unlike bass drum and snare drums, but that doesn't mean that you have more possibilities. Just remember that your drumming and creativity will not improve with a million rack toms, it all depends on your practice and skills.