How to Set Up a Snare Drum

Setting up a snare is a regular part of getting ready to use a drum set. The snare takes a little more special attention as it is one of the more complex drums in your collection. A few simple tips will help with getting it set up right.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Find a place for the snare. The snare drum generally goes to the right of the high hat and to the left of toms and other drums.

2. Open the tripod. This metal piece will hold the snare drum in place during play.

3. Check the snares. Turn the drum upside down and check that the snares, the thin chains across the bottom of the drum, are in good condition.

4. Turn the drum face up, with the snares on the bottom, and place it on the tripod. You should never hit the snare side of the drum.

5. Tighten the nut on the tripod to get the snare drum fixed in place and stationary.

6. Play a sample beat on the snare and listen to the sound. If it sounds too loose and rattles excessively, you might want to change the setting of the snares. Also make sure the snare line is horizontal in front of you so that you get a good consistent sound when hitting the drum head. Since you'll probably be using the snare quite a bit, it pays to check up on these details while setting up.