A Brief Guide Into The Different Types Of Drums
Hand Drum
It is as it says – the hand drum also known as handpan doesn’t require the use of sticks, mallets, hammers, or any other type of beater. You only get to use your own bare hands to create music.
Conga
The conga drum belongs to the percussion instruments category that also goes by the name, Tumbadora. It originated from Cuba and is a tall, narrow, and single-headed drum.
In the past, most people would only play a single conga – but now, it’s a lot more common to play two or three congas together.
It’s able to play all sorts of sounds from the open tone – a clear, resonant tone with a distinct pitch, the bass tone – producing a low muted sound, to the slap tone – a loud and distinct ‘popping’ sound.
Bongo
Some drums come on their own but for the bongo, you’re going to have to work with a pair.
The bongos have Afro-Cuban originality and comprise different sizes of open-bottomed drums. In Spanish, the smaller bongo is known as the macho (male) while the bigger bongo is known as hembra (female).
Together, the duo produces high-pitched sounds as compared to conga drums. You may have seen Bongo in a band or during a concert or orchestra performance.
Frame Drum
A frame drum is described as a type of drum with a drumhead width larger than its depth. Typically the single drumhead comprises rawhide or man-made materials.
It’s known to be the first skin drum to have been created; earning its title of being one of the most ancient musical instruments around!
Bodhran
Known as the iconic Irish drum – this drum ranges from 25 to 65 cm in diameter. Meanwhile, its sides range from 9-20 cm deep, and also features a goatskin head.
A Bodhran is made from a round wooden frame, embellished with synthetic or animal skin stretched out across the top. There’s a special type of stick known as a ‘tipper’ that is able to rhythmically beat the skin.
It makes a ‘dull’ and ‘hollow’ sound and is mostly used in Irish music.
Dayereh
Take one look at Dayereh and you’ll think that it’s only cut out for classical music; however, that is not true at all! It’s also suitable for popular music as well.
It’s a type of medium-sized hand drum with jingles. It originates from Iran and is made by attaching a skin cover onto a wooden ring using cloth ties and glue.
Unlike a Bodhran, a Dayereh produces loud, rapid, and sharp sounds by striking the edges and hitting the center of the drum. Its sounds are phenomenal and it stands out as a solo instrument.
Djembe
If you’re interested in taking up African drumming, you must have heard of the Djembe at least once in your lifetime.
Djembe is one of the drums that originated from Africa with a skin-covered goblet that you play using a rope tune. For you to play this unique instrument – all you need are your bare hands.
These days, Western music has been making use of this instrument and is seen in many modern artists such as Paul Simon. Despite its size, it is versatile and can produce loud sounds – starting from low, medium to a high pitch by using three basic sounds – bass, tone, and slap, respectively.
Ashiko
Ashiko also belongs to the African drum family which takes the form of a tapered cylinder. It generally has a goatskin hide and is made of hardwood material.
It is also considered a ‘talking drum’ as its long ropes fixed on the head to the drum make it possible for the drummer to change the pitch of the drum by playing with the ropes.
The sounds produced by an Ashiko are similar to a Djembe but some percussionists have said that it has more ‘middle tones’ in comparison to the Djembe.
Taiko Drums
Taiko is the general definition of Japanese percussion instruments which consists of wadaiko and kumi-daiko.
The shape of the Taiko is similar to a barrel covered with animal skin on both ends and played by hitting a pair of mallets in a rhythmic pattern.
Taiko is often played in the Japanese ceremonial such as during harvest season.
Acoustic Drums
An acoustic drum is a collection of different drums put together to produce varied tunes. The acoustic drums have to be the most popular variant available today when it comes to drum lessons in Singapore.
As shocking as it sounds – the entire set of drums; consisting of the snare, bass drum, toms, floor, cymbals, and hi-hats; needs only one player to control. It may sound a tad tough, but once you’ve got a hold of it during your drum lessons – you’re going to rock the stage!
Electronic Drums
An electronic drum set is the modern version of the traditional acoustic drum which uses digital technology to produce and deliver the sounds.
An electronic drum set also consists of a snare, bass drum, toms, floor, cymbals, and hi-hats but in the shape of a cushion pad connected to a trigger function and delivers the signal to the sound engine to produce each drum sound.
The electronic drum kit has become more popular in Singapore nowadays, due to its portability, features, and affordable price range.
