Drum Tuning Help

[nfgrox312]

I play drums for my band, but I just kind of fell into it accidentally. I'm great at playing, but I can't tune worth anything. I never took lessons, so what are some of the best ways to work on getting good at tuning drums?

[lew_1987]

Use star patterns, like so:

http://www.drumsoloartist.com/Site/SiteImages/Drum_Tuning.jpg

This reduces over stretching, which will damage the drum and the head.


Other than that, I think it's just getting a good ear for it and figuring out how you want it to sound, which will come with time. There are more theory-based ways to do it, but this is probably the easiest way. Plus, you might just make your own sound, which is better.

[IAmAmazing]

It's easy. Get tuning key. Criss-cross each lugs.

[theMATEOlife]

go out and buy new heads for your drums.

when you come home, throw the new heads on (work on the drums one at a time). tighten the new head to a pitch higher than you want to have it actually tuned to. then with the drum on the floor, put the palm of one hand in the middle of the drum, palm of the other hand on top of that and press down. you'll hear a "cracking" sound. this is called seating the head. this is one of the most important things that many drummers don't do. basically it allows you to tune easier, because the head is conditioned to the drum, and it will prevent alot of the detuning issues you typically see in new heads. then, detune the head all the way down, and start from there with your tuning pattern. the chart above for star patterns is good to follow.

honestly that is the best and easiest way to get your drums sounding great and most of the time if you've bought a new or used kit, the heads haven't been seated properly.

[remoteCONTROL]

if you buy heads from guitar center, usually the drum departments (at least in seattle and tacoma) in the evening arent busy. if you ask nicely, they'll do it for you. drummers seem to love helping other drummers. ive only seen this done at guitar center but im sure any guy that knows whats good for his business would be down to at least get you started

[brandnew741]

I've heard good things about using the Drum Dial to help you out. Check Musicians Friend for it. Definitely handy to get accurate tunings.

[yourprivateeye]

i've read so much about tuning over the years but i think i can't do it too well but my drums sounds fine.

i just try and get every lug at an even tension, using the criss-cross method.
i'm way too cheap to go out and buy a drum dial or other machine.

[dietoseeyoufail]

Drumdial is your best friend
and new heads are too

resonant heads are just as important as batter heads

too much tape is stupid
all you need (if you HAVE to use it) is like one tiny strip


check out Remo Coated Emperors for your toms. amazing

also the EC2 heads from Evans are great.

Evans Genera HD Dry on snare is the way to go.

I love the Emad on kicks. especially if you're playing backyard shows

for the studio I'd recomment Powerstroke 3 heads for kick.