To learn how to play the snare drum, follow the written steps or watch the video below. Be sure to read the "Important Tips" section at the bottom of the page. This covers important concepts not covered in the video or not emphasized in the written steps.
Written Steps - How to Play the Snare Drum
Step 1
Stand with your waist about eight inches from the edge of the snare drum, and hold the sticks using the proper grip (covered in set-up).
Step 2
Hold the sticks slightly above and parallel to the drumhead. There should be about a 60 degree angle between the drumsticks.
Stand with your waist about eight inches from the edge of the snare drum, and hold the sticks using the proper grip (covered in set-up).
Step 2
Hold the sticks slightly above and parallel to the drumhead. There should be about a 60 degree angle between the drumsticks.
Step 3
Use your wrist to raise the drumstick up about 7 inches above the drum (depending on the desired strike). Drop the stick onto the head so that it bounces back up into the starting position. The drop should be slightly off center (depending on the desired sound).
Step 4
If another strike is immediately needed, instead of bouncing the stick back up to the starting position, allow it to bounce about 7 inches above the drum, and then repeat the strike described in step 3.
Use your wrist to raise the drumstick up about 7 inches above the drum (depending on the desired strike). Drop the stick onto the head so that it bounces back up into the starting position. The drop should be slightly off center (depending on the desired sound).
Step 4
If another strike is immediately needed, instead of bouncing the stick back up to the starting position, allow it to bounce about 7 inches above the drum, and then repeat the strike described in step 3.
Step 5
When you strike the drum, imagine that you are drawing the tone out of the drum to ensure the best tone possible.
When you strike the drum, imagine that you are drawing the tone out of the drum to ensure the best tone possible.
Video - How to Play the Snare Drum
Important Tips
- Imagine that you are drawing the tone out of the drum when you strike it.
- Strike the drum slightly off center (depending on desired tone).
- Make sure that you are dropping the stick and letting it bounce off, instead of hitting the drum.
It is nearly impossible to summarize how to play the snare drum. For more detailed lessons, a great source is the 16 part "How to Play Snare Drums for Beginners" series, which can be found at
http://percussion.wonderhowto.com/how-to/play-snare-drums-for-beginners-66899/.
http://percussion.wonderhowto.com/how-to/play-snare-drums-for-beginners-66899/.