How to Tune a Snare Drum

Just like any other musical instrument, snare drums need tuning and regular maintenance to keep them in top shape. There is no need to have a professional tune your instrument. With guidance, you can do it yourself.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Batter head
• Resonance head
• Drum key
• Snare drum mount

1. Take the resonant and batter heads off of the drum. Check the drum for any loose parts and rattles. Place the drum on a padded surface, batter head down.
2. Replace the resonant head on the drum. Twist the nuts until they touch the metal rim of the drum. Untwist the nuts 1/4 twist.
3. Tighten the rods with a key, using a star pattern. Tighten each rod 1/2 turn, then repeat the pattern until each rod has been tightened two full turns.
4. Raise the drum fromk the padded surface and hit it. Listen for a distorted sound. Twist each lug 1/4 turn, then test the drum for distortion again. Repeat until any distortion disappears.
5. Put the drum back on the padded surface with the side you are tuning facing up. Tap the drum with a drum key 1-1/2 inches away from the first lug. Tap each lug in the same position. Tune the lugs up to the highest pitch.
6. Press firmly down in the center of the drum head about 1/2 inch to make sure the head is seated. Place the drum on it's mount and turn each lug about 1/4 turn, hitting the drum head between each turn. Continue to twist the lugs until there is no sound distortion.
7. Turn the drum over and place the batter head on the drum. Follow the same process to tune the batter head.