How to Tune the Drums

If you are interested in learning to play the drums, it is important to know how to tune them. The goal of tuning drums is to create the right amount of tension to produce the most resonated sound. When tuning, start with the snare drum, and then move onto the others.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Drum key

1. Turn off the snares. They are located off the snare head.

2. Loosen the lugs on both the top and the bottom heads.

3. Set the rim onto the head, using both of your hands. Apply pressure all around the rim, like putting a lid on a coffee can.

4. Tighten each lug on the top head. Tighten in quarter turns using a drum key. Use a cross pattern to tighten the lugs in turn so that each is put on evenly. Tighten one lug, and then tighten the lug opposite. Continue tightening each opposite lug. Tune the top head as you go by tapping next to each lug making sure each sounds the same as the next.

5. Tighten each lug on the bottom head. Do this the same way as your tightened the lugs on the top head. Mute the top head with your hand. Tune the bottom by gently tapping near each lug as you did to the top head.

6. Constrict the snares after turning them on again. Tighten them slowly against the snare head. Tap gently on the drum as you tighten to get the right exact sound for your personal tastes.

7. Tune to the venue. A turned snare sounds much different at 15 feet than at 40 feet. Consider the size and acoustics of the venue before tuning.