Snare Drums

Snare Drums

Snare drums create the most recognisable sound in your percussion kit that adds a distinctive backbeat to your compositions. Many drummers experiment with different snare drums to achieve a new result each time or give a recording a different kind of mood. Learn about their features before purchasing one to get the instrument that best communicates your unique vision.

The snare drum diameter could be anything between 3 to 16 inches, while the most common options are 10 to 14 inches. Smaller snares are micro snares, while their larger counterparts bear the name of ballad snares. The smaller the diameter, the higher the pitch of the snare drum. A larger snare produces a deeper sound. Moreover, the depth also plays a role. Again, the more depth a snare has, the fuller its sound.

Each music style benefits from a certain type of snare drum. Smaller drums that produce higher pitch, are suitable for hip-hop and r&b music. Medium-sized drums that pack some more punch, are common in pop and rock music, while the largest drums generally feature in ballads that require a dramatic sound.

The shell of a snare drum influences its appearance but also impacts its sound. The shell could be from wood like mahogany, ash, bubinga, poplar and maple, or it might be metal. Brass snare drums and steel snare drums are only some examples of those varieties. More adventurous materials include titanium, glass, acrylic, and carbon fibre.

Once you have a snare drum in your kit, you need to set it up. You can use the classic, three-legged basket-style stand or opt for a suspension mount if you are using smaller snares. Auxiliary snare drums can even include L-arm-style mounting brackets in their package. Invest in a good quality mount; it makes the snare drum comfortable to play and display.