How to Play the Lead on Steel Drums

Playing the lead with a steel drum can occur in several different situations. Whether you are leading a steel drum band or are just a piece of a larger ensemble such as an orchestra, knowing how the steel drum can work as a melodic, lead instrument is crucial to your success.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Steel drums
• Sticks for steel drums

1. Find the melody on your instrument. Many times, especially in steel drum bands, someone writes the lead part for you. However, if you are playing in a non-traditional ensemble and you are asked to play the lead, you may have to find it yourself.

2. Know the limitations of the drum. The steel drum has a limited range and cannot slot into any musical score. Find how your drum's range can best fit the situation.

3. Understand that the lead steel drummer usually has the highest notes. Become comfortable with that spectrum on your drum by practicing.

4. Be versatile while performing. The unique thing about steel drums is that you can switch from playing accompaniment to playing lead with ease. Be prepared to hold down a background role in a piece, then step to the forefront with a solo and then back again.

5. Discuss your instrument's best place with the conductor or group you might be working with. Know the sweet notes that provide the steel drum sound that most ensembles are looking for, and help explain to non-drummers how the group can achieve that place.

Tips & Warnings

• If a melody is written for another instrument, understand how that will sound for the steel drum and then play with it. Just because a series of notes sounds beautiful for violin doesn't mean the exact same melody will work with steel drums.
• Always be sure to play your drums with proper sticks and techniques. Playing too hard or without rubber-tipped sticks can lead to permanent damage.