Types of Drums

Drums are percussive instruments built by stretchingsome drums are stationary, such as the Djembe
a membrane across an opening in a vessel. The mostfrom Mali.
common property of various types of drums is theirBesides the categorization of various drums into
pitch. Drums are the one of the oldest and the mosttypes of drums one should be aware that not all
omnipresent instruments. Even with the various typesdrums are specifically tuned. The drums develop their
of drums present, the most common aspect is thetone due to body shape or head size. Pulling a cord
origin of sound. Sound in a drum originates from theor shifting a peg to stretch the head can adjust the
vibration caused when you strike the membrane,pitch of a drum.
called the head, with another object. Drumheads canThe western world of rock music listeners is more
be made from the skin of a goat, cow, antelope, orfamiliar with non-pitched drums, such as a bass or
sheep, or even a synthetic material. The types ofsnare drum in a drum set. These can be used in
drums that exist vary as markedly as the peoplecombination with any harmony or key.
who use them for communication, ritual, orWe can also differentiate drums in a drum kit as
entertainment all over the world.types of drum. A drum kit consists of a collection of
The common way of classifying drums into differentvarious types of drums and cymbals. It can also be
types of drums is by their shape. Most drums fall intoaccompanied by various percussion instruments such
the following categoriescylindrical, barrel, conga,as cowbell, wood block, chimes or tambourines
waisted, goblet, or bowl.arranged in a suitable manner for the convenience of
A frame drum, with its squat hoop, and a long drum,the drummer.
which is thin and tall, are both the cylindrical variety. ADiffering music styles implement the components of
barrel such as a Tabla, goblet such as a Djembe, anda drum kit in different manners. Ride cymbals and
bowl such as a Nakari, are named for their shapes sohi-hats are usually preferred more in a jazz set-up,
they are easily recognized. The conga tapers at itswhereas a bass drum and snare drum is preferred
bottom, and the waisted drum tapers in the middle,more for rock music.
as with a Changko's cinched waist.With the on-set of technology another type of drum
A further classification on the types of drum is madethat gained popularity is the electronic drum kit. It
on the basis of which side the drum might have awas in 1980 that electronic drums were introduced.
head. A drum may have a head at either end of theToday they can be easily used as an easy
body or only on one. Drums like congas and bowlsreplacement for other various types of drums in
have one head, but frame drums have two. Someacoustic settings.
drums can be carried while walking or dancing while