How to Tune Drum Heads

When tuning the heads on your drums there are certain techniques to employ, certain orders to go in, and seemingly endless tones one can get out of the same drum simply by turning the lugs a bit. Anyone can slap the new head on and tighten the lugs until the drum makes a sound, but to get it correct is something else completely.

Instructions

1. Remove the old head from the drum. There is no special technique here.

2. Place the new head over the drum and put the lug ring on top of it.

3. Screw all the lugs on finger tight. You may want to clean the threads of each lug before you do this to ensure smooth turning.

4. Seat the head by placing your hand in the middle of it and pressing down hard. This prevents the drum from going out of tune quickly.

5. 

   Tighten the tuning lugs down in the order shown. Tighten to the desired pitch.

6. Tap the head about an inch inside of each lug with a stick or your finger. This should produce the same sound no matter which tuning lug you tap. Adjust as necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• If you see wrinkles in the head, it is too lose.

• Don't worry if you hear loud cracks as you tighten the tuning lugs--the head is just seating.

• Never play the "resonant head" side--this is the underside of the drum.