How to Tune a Drum Set With a Tuner

Tuning a drum set is important to achieve good sound.

Drum tuning is a task many drummers possibly dread, but most will agree that it is essential to achieving good sound. Tuning a drum set can take several hours -- some drummers even recommend spending three hours for each drum in your set, an amount of time that will decrease the more you learn about how to tune a drum set. Tuning can be more accurate with the use of a tuner.

Things You'll Need

• Drum set
• Tuner
• Drum key
• Pen and paper

Instructions

1. Adjust the drum so the drum head is flat. Place the tuner on the drum so the base of the tuner is flat on the drum head and is about ¾ of an inch from the edge of the drum. The tuner should be next to the tuning lug.

2. On a piece of paper, write the number to which the large needle of the tuner points. Copy all the readings after placing the tuner by each tuning lug of the drum. Tune each lug with the drum key to the lug with the highest reading.

3. Move the tuner to each lug and tune each one until they all reach identical readings.

4. Adjust the tuning higher or lower, depending on how you want your drum to be tuned.

5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 for the top and bottom heads of all your drums. See References for a list of ideal tension samples.

Tips & Warnings

• Replace any drum heads that are worn out. Old drum heads will not tune well.

• Do not place your hand on the drum while taking a reading from the tuner, as the pressure from your hands can change the tuning.

References

• Drum Dial: Instructions for Use
• Drum Tuner: Tension Meter
• Prof. Sound: Drum Tuning Bible