The unique thing about drums when it comes to making music is that there are so many different elements that change the sound you create when you play them. The size, shape and composition of the drum will all alter the sound that it creates. Whether you beat on the drum with your hands or another instrument like a drum stick will also have an effect. Playing the drums is creative and unique, and can present a wide variety of different sounds in the process. In the past, individuals only played a single drum at a time and it was required for musical bands to have numerous drummers to get the most out of their sound. These days, however, drum kits are much more popular that involve a single drummer playing multiple drums all at once within a single set up. Here is a brief look at some of the most popular types of drums as well as what sets each apart from the others in the world of drumming for music -
Bass Drums -
Bass drums are large drums that produce notes with low definite or indefinite pitches. There are basically three different general classifications when it comes to bass drums. The first bass drum is the concert bass drum, the second bass drum is the kick drum, and the third is the pitched bass drum. The type that is most often see or heart when it comes to concert band music or orchestral music is the concert bass drum. The kick drum is a bass drum that is struck with a beater that is attacked to a medal, and these bass drums are most commonly seen in standard drum kits. The third type of bass drum, the pitched bass drum, is most commonly used in drum corps as well as marching bands. These particular bass drums are tuned to produce a very specific pitch, and they are usually coupled in groups of between three and five drums and all played together. In an entire orchestral ensemble, the bass drum is the largest drum.
Snare Drums -
Snare drums are a type of drum that have strands of snares that are crafted from metal wire, metal cable, guy cords or plastic cables that are curled and stretched across the drumhead, most typically at the bottom of the drum. Pipe and tabor and some other snare drum types often even have a second set of snares on the internal bottom side of the top head in order to make a sound that is brighter in nature. The Brazilian Caixa for example commonly has snares on the top of the upper drum head as well. The snare drum is considered to be one of the most important drums that is present in a modern day drum kit. The snare drum originated in Ethiopia and has become widely accepted across the world.
African Drums -
Djembes are African drums that are also known as djimbe, jenbe, jembe, yembe and even sanbanyi. These are skin-covered hand drums that are crafted in the shape of a large goblet. The Djembe African drum is designed to be played with the bare hands rather than struck by a drum stick or another similar instrument. The name Djembe is purported to come from the saying "Anke dje, anke be", which has a literal translation of "Everyone, gather together", essentially defining the drum's purpose in no uncertain terms. The Djembe African drum is part of the membranophone family of musical instruments because it has a frame or a shell that is covered by a drumhead or a membrane crafted from one of many products, though the most common covering is rawhide. This type of drum also offers metal rings, rope and skin in certain circumstances. Djembe African drums can be found in a wide variety of sizes ranging from 5 inches to 18 inches, but the most common version of this drum is about 12 inches with a 24 inch diameter. The rounded shape of the drum with its extended tube forms a device that is known as a Helmholtz resonator, which is why this particular drum has such a unique deep bass note to it. The primary notes that are used in this type of drumming are bass, slap and tone, though other tones can be produced by players with more advanced understanding of the drumming style. Some people consider the Djembe to be a female drum, and the Ashiko to be a male drum.
Bongo Drums -
Finally we have bongo drums. Bongo drums, or bongos for short, are a percussion instrument that is comprised of two smaller drums attached to one another. These drums each have a different size. The larger drum is referred to as a Hembra, which means female in Spanish. The smaller drum in the bongo set is referred to as a Macho, which is Spanish for male. Bongos came to South America from Africa during the slave trade. The history of drumming with bongos can be traced back as far as Cuban Music styles like Cangui and Son. These styles were developed in the Oriente Province on the east side of Coba. It is believed that the bongo drums evolved significantly over time and that their design concept and sound was actually derived from the Abakua drum trio. These drums are still a fundamental part of music in many countries including the countries of origin.
Each different type of drum has a unique origin, a unique size and shape, unique materials behind its composition, and most of all, a completely unique sound produced. Many modern drum kits are derived from drums with histories coming from around the world. Drumming is used not only in making music but also communication which is why it is vital to produce so many different sounds with them. Anyone who is interested in creating music with a musical instrument drawn from many cultures all over the globe will benefit from learning how to play the drums, regardless if it is a modern day drum set, or ancient bongos and congas that get their interest.
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Originally posted 2008-10-27 17:36:19. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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