Playing the side drum, also known as the snare drum, is an essential skill for drummers in various musical genres. It serves as the backbone of many types of percussion, from classical military bands to modern rock, pop, and jazz performances. Learning how to play the side drum requires not only technical expertise but also an understanding of rhythm, timing, and dynamics.
In this guide, we’ll cover the basics of side drum playing, including posture, grip, techniques, exercises, and tips to improve your performance. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced drummer, mastering the side drum is a key step in advancing your drumming abilities.
What is the Side Drum?
The side drum is a small, cylindrical drum typically mounted on a stand to the side of the player, which is why it’s called a “side” drum. It is known for its sharp, crisp sound due to the tensioned snare wires stretched across the bottom head. These wires, which make contact with the drumhead, create the characteristic “snare” effect when the drum is struck.
The side drum is most commonly used in marching bands, drumlines, orchestras, and contemporary music. It serves a variety of roles in different genres, from keeping time in a parade to adding accent and texture to a song.
Anatomy of the Side Drum
To better understand the side drum, it’s important to familiarize yourself with its parts:
Shell: The main body of the drum, typically made of wood, metal, or acrylic. The shell influences the sound and tone of the drum.
Drumheads: The top and bottom heads of the drum, usually made from synthetic material like Mylar, which can be tuned to produce different sounds.
Snare Wires: These are metal wires stretched across the bottom head. They produce the distinct rattling sound when the drum is struck.
Lugs: These are the metal pieces that hold the tension rods in place, allowing the drumhead to be tightened or loosened to adjust the pitch.
Rim: The metal hoop that secures the drumhead to the shell.
Tension Rods: These are used to tighten or loosen the drumhead to adjust its pitch and tension.
By understanding these components, you can better appreciate the mechanics of the side drum and learn to adjust them for optimal sound production.
Posture and Grip: Building a Strong Foundation
Proper Posture for Playing the Side Drum
Before picking up your drumsticks, it’s essential to establish a proper playing posture. Whether you’re sitting behind a drum set or standing while marching, your posture will significantly affect your technique and overall comfort.
Seated Position: Sit on a drum throne (drum stool) with your feet flat on the floor. Your legs should be slightly apart, and your thighs should be parallel to the ground. The height of the stool should allow your elbows to be bent at a 90-degree angle when holding the sticks.
Standing Position: If you’re playing the side drum in a marching band or drumline, stand with your back straight, shoulders relaxed, and feet shoulder-width apart. The drum should be positioned so that the snare side is facing toward your body, and you should hold the drumsticks at an angle that feels natural and comfortable.
The Right Drumstick Grip
Your grip on the drumsticks will play a pivotal role in your ability to control the side drum. There are two common grips used for side drum playing: the Traditional Grip and the Matched Grip.
Traditional Grip: This grip is typically used by drummers in marching bands and drumlines. In this grip, the left hand holds the drumstick with the thumb and first finger, while the other fingers curl around the stick. The right hand holds the stick in the conventional way, with the thumb and index finger controlling the stick, while the remaining fingers rest around it.
Matched Grip: As the name suggests, this grip uses the same technique for both hands. The thumb and index finger hold the stick, while the other fingers wrap around the stick. The matched grip is widely used in concert and contemporary drumming, offering more control and consistency between hands.
Hand and Arm Position
Your hands should be positioned above the snare drum, with the sticks angled slightly downward toward the drumhead. The wrists should remain relaxed, and the arms should be at a comfortable angle, not too high or low. The elbows should be slightly bent, ensuring smooth and controlled movements.
Techniques for Playing the Side Drum
Once you’ve established proper posture and grip, it’s time to focus on the techniques required to play the side drum effectively. The following techniques form the foundation for most side drum patterns:
1. Single Stroke Roll
The single stroke roll is a fundamental technique in drumming. It involves alternating strokes between the right and left hands, creating a continuous sound.
To perform the single stroke roll:
- Start by playing a single stroke with the right hand.
- Immediately follow with a stroke from the left hand.
- Repeat the pattern, alternating right and left strokes as evenly as possible.
When executed at a rapid pace, this technique produces a smooth, even roll that is used extensively in drumlines, solos, and military drumming.
2. Double Stroke Roll
The double stroke roll involves playing two consecutive strokes with each hand. It’s a bit more challenging than the single stroke roll but provides a fuller, richer sound.
To perform the double stroke roll:
- Start with two strokes from the right hand.
- Follow with two strokes from the left hand.
- Repeat the pattern, ensuring the second stroke of each hand is as controlled and smooth as the first.
The double stroke roll is often used in drum solos and orchestral drumming, offering a more intricate and dynamic sound than the single stroke roll.
3. Flam
A flam is a rudiment that involves playing two strokes, one of which is slightly delayed in timing to create a “flam” effect. The flam is used to add accents and depth to rhythms.
To perform a flam:
Begin by striking the drum with both hands, but the stroke from the weaker hand should come just before the stroke from the stronger hand.
The result is a slightly “off” sound that creates a fuller, more resonant effect.
Flams are often used in marching drumming, orchestral music, and jazz to create emphasis and texture.
4. Paradiddle
The paradiddle is a combination of single and double strokes, creating a unique rhythmic pattern. It consists of alternating four strokes in a pattern: right-left-right-right, left-right-left-left.
To perform the paradiddle:
- Start with a stroke from the right hand, followed by a stroke from the left hand.
- Follow with two more strokes, starting with the right hand, making sure the second right stroke is a double stroke.
- Repeat with the left hand to complete the paradiddle.
The paradiddle is versatile and used in many different styles of drumming, including rock, jazz, and marching music.
5. Buzz Roll
A buzz roll is a smooth, continuous roll made by playing rapid, double strokes with each hand. The buzz effect is created by allowing the stick to bounce repeatedly on the drumhead, producing a “buzzing” sound.
To perform a buzz roll:
- Use a relaxed grip, allowing the stick to bounce naturally on the drumhead.
- Play double strokes with both hands at a consistent speed, allowing each stroke to blend into the next for a seamless sound.
- The buzz roll is commonly used in orchestral drumming and is an excellent way to develop hand control and speed.
Exercises for Improving Side Drum Technique
Improving your side drum skills requires practice, repetition, and consistency. Here are some exercises to help you master the techniques mentioned above:
1. Basic Rudiments Practice
Practice each rudiment slowly at first, focusing on producing even strokes. As you gain confidence, increase the speed and intensity.
2. Speed and Control Drills
To improve your speed and control, practice your rudiments using a metronome. Start at a slower tempo and gradually increase the speed as your technique becomes more precise.
3. Accent Practice
Play the single stroke roll or double stroke roll, but emphasize certain strokes to create a dynamic rhythm. This will improve your control over accents and dynamics.
4. Stick Control Exercises
To develop stick control, practice playing with a light touch and gradually increase the force of your strokes. This will help you learn to adjust your playing to different musical contexts.
Tips for Playing the Side Drum
Relax Your Wrists: Tension in your wrists can slow you down and lead to poor technique. Keep your wrists relaxed for better control and smoother strokes.
Practice with a Metronome: A metronome helps you maintain steady timing and improve your rhythmic accuracy. Gradually increase the tempo to challenge yourself.
Focus on Dynamics: A key aspect of side drum playing is dynamic variation. Practice playing quietly (pianissimo) and loudly (fortissimo) to develop control over the volume of your strokes.
Experiment with Snare Tension: Adjusting the tension of the snare wires can dramatically affect the sound of the drum. Experiment with different tensions to find the tone that best suits your playing style.
Practice Regularly: Consistency is key to improvement. Dedicate time each day to practice the techniques and rudiments discussed in this guide.
Conclusion
Mastering the side drum is a journey that requires patience, practice, and dedication. By understanding the instrument, learning the fundamental techniques, and consistently practicing, you can develop your skills and become a proficient side drum player. The side drum is not only an essential component of many musical styles but also a powerful instrument that allows you to express yourself rhythmically. Whether you play in a drumline, orchestra, or any other musical setting, mastering the side drum will expand your drumming abilities and enrich your musical experience.
