The 5 Parts of a Drum Kit Fully Explained for Beginners
A drum kit will have featured in just about every song you have ever heard in some way. But how much do you actually know about this instrument?
Most of us see a drum kit and can identify a drum from a cymbal, but that’s where our expertise ends. If you’re looking for a deeper dive into the components that make up a drum kit, then you are in the right place. We’ve broken it all down for you, right here!
1. Hi-Hats
Numerous cymbals are associated with any drum kit, but we’re focusing on the hi-hats first. They are two cymbals placed closely together on one platform, typically 14” in diameter.
The best hi-hats are great for producing a cutting, sharp sound that can add character to just about any song. They are frequently used in jazz but are valuable to any genre.
2. Cymbals
There are a variety of cymbals available to a drummer, and depending on their favourite genre, they may choose to play with just one or all of them. In addition to hi-hats, these include crash cymbals, ride cymbals, splash cymbals, china cymbals, and more!
They all produce their own distinctive sound and can completely change how a piece of music sounds, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles, even if you’re a beginner.
3. Bass Drum
Sometimes also referred to as the Kick Drum, this is the largest of the drums in any kit. It usually sits centrally in front of the player.
Sometimes the drum’s front head will feature a small hole for tuning, allowing the player to control how high or low the pitch should be. It isn’t uncommon for pillows or similar cushioning to be placed within a bass drum to control its volume better, as they can produce significant resonance.
4. Snare Drum
Arguably one of the most critical drums in the entire kit, your snare drum will be seated at the centre and is an enormously versatile drum: the snare.
Snares come in various sizes and can be crafted from numerous materials, though they are mostly made from wood and metal. Their sound is identifiable through its classic ‘buzz’ quality, which drummers can modify via the thumb-screws surrounding the shell.
5. Tom Toms
These drums — consisting of a high tom, a mid-tom, and a low/floor tom — mount to your drum kit via a clamp. Many drummers will use just three tom-toms for their kit, but some opt for many more.
The larger varieties (12”, 13”, 16”) are more often suitable for rock performances because they produce a lower and more powerful sound. Smaller versions (10”, 12”, 14”) can be used for fusion performances, meaning they can be appropriate for just about any genre.
Why Not Start a New Instrument Today?
Learning any new instrument can be an enriching experience, so why not challenge yourself to something different? Drumming can help with stress relief and improve confidence, so if you’re looking for a new hobby, you may have just found the perfect answer.
