About Taiko Drums

Taiko drums are Japanese percussion instruments that have been around since feudal Japan. They have been used for a number of purposes, and today represent traditional Japanese ceremonial and entertaining instruments. Taiko drums come in a wide range of sizes and can be played by one, or multiple musicians.

Identification

The main body of a taiko drum is made out of wood and shaped like a barrel. Some are more elongated than others. The top of the drum has a fabric top that is stretched tighter than most other drums and attached to the body with either nails or metal rings. The taiko is played with large drum sticks known as bachi. Usually two are held by each person playing a taiko drum.

History

Taiko drums have been used since Ancient Japan as a martial instrument as well as in courts as part of the traditional music known as Gagaku. Modern taiko drumming is said to have begun in 1951. The drums, however, remained the same. Taiko drums are used more for entertainment purposes since then, and today they are used in taiko drum ensembles that have roots in both jazz and traditional Japanese music.

Types

There are a couple different ways that taiko drums can be categorized. First, there are two main methods of constructing the drums. The first is byou-uchi daiko, where the head of the drum is nailed to the body. The second is tsukushime-daiko, where metal rings are used. The nagado-daiko is a type of byou-uchi daiko that has an elongated body that can be positioned to make different sounds. The shme-daiko is a type of tsukushime-daiko that needs to have its tension checked before each performance.

Size

The largest taiko drum, if not the largest drum in the world, is the odaiko. These are typically too large to be moved, often six to 10 feet in diameter. Because of this, they are kept in shrines and temples permanently. The nagado-daikos come in a wide range of sizes, from 12 to 36 inches in diameter. Other taiko drums fall in between these, and a taiko ensemble has a wide range of different sized drums.

Function

In feudal Japan, taiko drums were used in the military. They would be carried around by multiple people throughout the battlefield and would be played to intimidate the opposing army, keep a marching rhythm and to call out orders from leaders. The taiko drums were also important in religious ceremonies, and they are used in that way today as well. Modern taiko drums are usually put to use, however, in entertaining taiko drum ensembles that are forming around the world.