Drums have been an essential part of human music for thousands of years. They create rhythm, add energy to songs, and can even tell stories. But just how many different types of drums are there? The answer might surprise you. From the thundering beats of a concert hall to the soft rhythms of a traditional ceremony, drums come in all shapes, sizes, and sounds.
Hand Drums
Frame Drums
Frame drums are some of the oldest types of drums. They have a simple design, with a circular or oval frame and a drumhead stretched across it. The frame is usually made of wood, and the drumhead can be made from animal skin, like goat or sheepskin, or synthetic materials.
One well-known frame drum is the tambourine. It has small metal jingles attached to the frame, which make a tinkling sound when the drum is shaken or hit. Another example is the djembe, which comes from West Africa. The djembe has a goblet-shaped frame and a single drumhead. Drummers play it with their hands, and it can produce a wide range of sounds, from deep bass tones to sharp slaps. Frame drums are often used in folk music, religious ceremonies, and world music.
Hand-Held Drums
There are also many drums that are held in the hand while being played. The bodhrán is a traditional Irish drum. It’s a round frame drum with a single drumhead. Players hold the bodhrán in one hand and use a short stick, called a tipper, to strike the drumhead. The bodhrán creates a soft, rhythmic sound that is perfect for Irish folk music.
The udu is a unique hand-held drum from Nigeria. It’s made from clay and has a small hole on the side. Players can cover and uncover this hole with their hand to change the sound. By hitting the drumhead and manipulating the hole, the udu can make sounds that mimic the human voice or the sounds of nature.
Percussion Drums
Bass Drums
The bass drum is one of the largest and deepest-sounding drums. In a drum set, the bass drum is usually played with a pedal. The drummer presses the pedal with their foot, which makes a beater hit the drumhead. Bass drums in a drum set are often around 20-24 inches in diameter and produce a low, booming sound. This sound gives the music a strong foundation and makes you feel the rhythm in your chest.
Marching bands also use bass drums, but these are often larger and louder. They can be carried by a drummer or mounted on a cart. Marching bass drums have a powerful sound that can be heard from far away, helping to keep the rhythm for the whole band as they move.
Snare Drums
Snare drums are known for their sharp, cracking sound. They have a set of thin wires or cables, called snares, stretched across the bottom drumhead. When the top drumhead is struck, the vibrations make the snares rattle, creating that distinctive sound.
There are different types of snare drums. Wood snare drums, like those made from maple or birch, can produce warm and balanced tones. Metal snare drums, such as steel or aluminum ones, often have a brighter and more cutting sound. Snare drums are used in almost every type of music, from rock and pop to jazz and orchestras. They add accents to the rhythm and are essential for creating exciting drum fills.
Tom-Tom Drums
Tom-tom drums, or toms for short, come in various sizes and produce different pitches. They usually don’t have snares like snare drums. Smaller toms, like tom-toms with a diameter of 8-10 inches, have a higher pitch. Larger toms, around 14-16 inches in diameter, produce lower tones.
In a drum set, toms are often mounted on stands or attached to the bass drum. Drummers use them to play melodies, create fills, and add variety to the rhythm. Toms can be played with drumsticks or mallets, and different playing techniques can create different sounds, from soft, mellow tones to sharp, powerful hits.
Traditional Drums
Taiko Drums
Taiko drums are an important part of Japanese culture. They come in many sizes, from small handheld drums to huge ones that require several people to play. Taiko drums have a barrel-shaped body and are usually made of wood, with a drumhead made from animal skin.
The sound of a taiko drum is powerful and can be very loud. In traditional Japanese festivals, taiko drummers perform in groups, creating complex rhythms that fill the air. Taiko drumming is not just about making noise; it’s a form of art that combines music, movement, and teamwork.
Dhol Drums
The dhol is a traditional drum from South Asia, especially popular in India and Pakistan. It has a cylindrical shape with two drumheads, one on each end. The drumheads are made from animal skin and are tightened with ropes.
Dhol drummers play the dhol while holding it across their body. They use two sticks, one in each hand, to hit the drumheads. The dhol produces a fast, energetic rhythm that is often heard in weddings, festivals, and street parades. The sound of the dhol can make people dance and adds a lot of excitement to any celebration.
Bongo Drums
Bongo drums originated in Cuba. They consist of two small, open-bottomed drums of different sizes that are joined together. The smaller drum is called the macho, and the larger one is the hembra. Bongo drums are usually made of wood, and the drumheads are made from animal skin or synthetic materials.
Bongo drummers play the drums with their hands, using different finger and palm techniques to create a variety of sounds. Bongo drums are often used in Latin music, jazz, and pop. Their bright, rhythmic sound adds a lively and exotic feel to the music.
Modern and Electronic Drums
Electronic Drums
Electronic drums have become very popular in recent years. Instead of traditional drumheads, they use pads that sense when they are hit. These pads are connected to a module, which can produce a wide range of drum sounds. You can choose from realistic drum sounds to electronic and synthetic sounds.
Electronic drums are great for practicing at home because they can be used with headphones, so they don’t make a lot of noise. They are also used in recording studios and live performances. Some electronic drums can even be connected to a computer, allowing drummers to record and edit their music easily.
Hybrid Drums
Hybrid drums combine the features of traditional acoustic drums and electronic drums. They have real drumheads and shells, but they also have sensors attached to them. These sensors can trigger electronic sounds, giving drummers the option to add electronic elements to their acoustic playing.
Hybrid drums are a good choice for drummers who want the feel of playing acoustic drums but also want the flexibility of electronic sounds. They can be used in a variety of music styles, from rock and pop to electronic dance music.
Conclusion
As we’ve seen, there are countless types of drums in the world. From the simple hand drums that have been used for centuries in traditional cultures to the high-tech electronic drums of today, each type of drum has its own unique sound, history, and use. Whether you’re a professional drummer, a music lover, or just curious, exploring the different types of drums can open up a whole new world of rhythm and sound. So the next time you hear the beat of a drum, take a moment to think about the amazing variety of drums that exist and the rich musical traditions they represent.
