How to Tune Tom Toms
Of the five drums in a standard kit, three are tom toms. They are usually tuned differently to give the drummer some variety in tone. As they are used so regularly during a song it is common to have to re-tune them after playing or transporting. This can seem like a chore as there is no strict tuning system like there are for stringed instruments, but tuning the tom toms gives you a good opportunity to find interesting tones and develop a personal style.
Instructions
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1
Locate the screws heads around the top rim of the drum. These are often called tension rods or lugs and changing their tension alters the tone of the drum.
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2
Loosen or tighten the lugs. Start with one and go across to the one opposite it on a diagonal and tighten it, then move on to the next and go across to the opposite one, until you've worked your way around the drum and changed each lug. This process ensures not over-tightening lugs or or leaving any loose. Loosening the lugs will deepen the tone while tightening them will make it higher.
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3
Tap the drum skin with the drum stick while adjusting until you find a tone you want.
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4
Repeat Steps 1 to 3 for other tom toms.
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5
Go back over the drums once you're done to make sure they are in the correct tone. Make any needed adjustments.
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Tips & Warnings
Be gentle when tightening or loosening the lugs as this can cause the rim and skin of the drum to warp.
