How to Play the Snare Drum

Learning to play the snare drum is a great way to become part of the marching band at your school. While different than other drums in the sound and range, the basic components are the same.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Hold the drum stick properly. Rest the stick between knuckle one and two of your index finger. Put your right thumb straight across from halfway between your first two knuckles. This is the front fulcrum. Wrap your bottom three fingers around the stick. Complete the bottom fulcrum by wrapping your pinky finger around the stick.
2. Stand with the correct body posture. Body posture is important when playing the marching snare drum. Your spine should be in a straight line all the way up to your neck. It is important to stand as tall as you can. This is important for both the marching aspects and the sound quality.
3. Place the stick at the correct height from the drum, which is dependant on the technique you are using. For example, the 12 inch rule (12 inches from the top of the drum) is used for audience purposes and for louder sounds. Maintain a 45-degree angle of the stick to the drum surface.
4. Learn the different strokes. One example is the cushion stroke which is done by playing eight solid strokes, but holding your wrist steady and not allowing the head of the stick to bounce back out of the drum between strokes and at the end. This makes a stronger sound.

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