How to Play Different Tones on a Bucket

There are many non-traditional objects that can be played when you do not have a drum handy, or when you are just looking for a more unique sound. One of the most common of these unique "instruments" are simple household buckets. While you may not think you could achieve very many sounds by playing a bucket, you can actually produce sounds very similar to a drumset. If you get really good at bucket playing you could even have a busking career. After all, it's a lot easier to tote around a couple of buckets on the streets than an entire drumset.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Drumsticks or rods
• Bucket

1. Place the bucket upside down and play the center of the bottom of the bucket. This will produce a sound somewhat similar to a snare drum.

2. Play the rim of the bucket, with the bucket still upside down. This will produce a more high-pitched sound, somewhat similar to a hi-hat.

3. Press the bottom of the bucket in, if you are able, and play it that way to get a sound deeper than the snare type sound. This will be like a tom-tom. You may want to get another bucket and do this to it, so that you can play both the snare sound and the tom-tom sound together.

4. Flip the bucket right side up and strike the edge of it. This will produce a sound similar to that produced when playing a rimshot.

5. Lift the lip of the bucket off the ground, with the bucket flipped upside down, and strike the center of the bottom of the bucket with your drumstick. This will create your bass sound.

Tips & Warnings

• You may want to set up a series of buckets in front of you so that you can play these various sounds together. This will be like a drumset, only made from buckets.
• Be aware that busking (playing for money in public places) is not legal in all areas. Check local laws before you take it to the streets.

Resources

• Video Tutorial From Expert Village