By
eHow Arts & Entertainment Editor
Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Things You’ll Need:
Step1
Tune the snare drum by seating the head so that it's even on all sides with the rim sitting on it snugly. Finger tighten a lug on one of the tension points to the right. Return to a lug next to the first one and do the same. Continue this process around the drum.
Step2
Tighten the tension points with one-half turn to the right with your drum key in the same order as the previous step. Then do it again, but this time use one quarter turns.
Step3
Make fine adjustments at this point to get the sound you want. Normally you don't want the top head to have much give on a snare drum, although the bottom head usually has more give. Adjust the snare strainer as needed.
Step4
Clean a snare drum when necessary by loosening the tension rod (with a drum key) and removing the top head with a drum key. Wipe down the following: rim, tension rod, edge of the shell, rod casings. Put everything back together and repeat with the bottom head.
Step5
Replace dented and torn drumheads, as there's no way to repair them.
Step6
Inspect snare strainers, wires, rods, bolts and nuts. Replace frayed or broken parts. Apply lubricant to tension screws and other bolts and nuts. Wipe off excess oil with a lint-free cloth.
Step7
Remember to check your snare stand too. Occasionally rubber tips need replacing or lubricant added to threaded parts.