A Guide on Approaching the Concert Snare Drum

Tim Haigh

912/288/21

Introduction
The concert snare drum plays an important role in symphonic band and orchestra music. It is unique
because it provides a strong rhythm in the music composition at a relatively high pitch. This causes the
instrument and the performer to stand out in the ensemble. Approaching the snare drum in a
disciplined manner leads to success in ensemble performance.

Setting Up the Drum

1. Find or buy a two-headed snare drum with metallic wire
snares, along with a sturdy drum stand.
2. Set the base of the stand to a spread position to provide
balance for the instrument.
3. Set the grips of the stand to open farther than then the size
of the snare drum.
4. Tighten the screws of the stand to secure it in place.
5. Set the drum on the stand so that the snares do not line up
with the top grips.
6. Tighten the top of the stand to secure the drum.
Adjust the height of the stand so that the top of the drum is
level to the waist.
7.
Adjust the height of the stand so that the top of the drum is
level to the waist

Setting Drum on the Stand

https://www.dreamstime.com/
royalty-free-stock-images-snare-
drum-stand-image12420779
Increasing the Sound Quality
1. Tighten the lug nuts around the top and bottom
drumheads so that the pitch of the head is equal
around the rims.
2. Match the pitch of the top head between the
music notes Bb5 and B5 (experiment with
different tunings to find the best sounding
resonance.)
3. Tighten the snares to the bottom head until they
begin making firm contact.
4. Research well trusted stick types for concert
snare drums.
5. Select quality sticks that reflect the style of
playing (thin sticks with small beads for light
playing, and medium sticks for normal or heavy
playing.)

6. Tighten the lug nuts around the top and bottom drumheads so that the pitch of the head is equal
around the rims
7. Match the pitch of the top head between the music notes Bb5 and B5 (experiment with different
tunings to find the best sounding resonance)
8. Tighten the snares to the bottom head until they begin making firm contact
9. Research well trusted stick types for concert snare drums
10. Select quality sticks that reflect the style of playing (thin sticks with small beads for light playing, and
medium sticks for normal or heavy playing)
 Tightening the Lug Nuts
https://www.wikihow.com/Tune-a-Snare-Drum

Improving the Technique

1. Relax muscles in the back, shoulders, and
arms for smooth playing.
2. Pinch the stick 1/3 of the length from the
back of the stick using the thumb and the
index finger.
3. Adjust the thumb and index finger so that
they do not touch.
4. Wrap the back fingers gently on the stick to
provide additional support.
5. Turn wrists so the backs of the hands are
level to the floor and create a ‘v’ shape
between the sticks.
6. Blend the use of finger, wrist, and forearm
motion for each stroke on the drum (use
extra finger motion for quiet playing and
extra wrist motion for loud playing.)
7. Play along the snares to maintain a
consistent sound.
8. Place the beads of the stick one to two
inches closer to the front rim when playing.

9. Relax muscles in the back, shoulders, and arms for smooth playing
10. Pinch the stick 1/3 of the length from the back of the stick using the thumb and the index finger
11. Adjust the thumb and index finger so that they do not touch
12. Wrap the back fingers gently on the stick to provide additional support
13. Turn wrists so the backs of the hands are level to the floor and create a ‘v’ shape between the sticks
14. Blend the use of finger, wrist, and forearm motion for each stroke on the drum (use extra finger
motion for quiet playing and extra wrist motion for loud playing)
15. Play along the snares to maintain a consistent sound
16. Place the beads of the stick one to two inches closer to the front rim when playing

Grip to Hold the Drumstick Playing in the Center of the Drum

https://www.authenticdrummer.com/essential- https://www.bentomlinson
techniques-pt1-stick-grip-three-basic-rudiments/ percussion.com/percussiontalk/
2020/10/25/percussion-talk-debut-and-snare-
drum-fundamentals-part-1