A drum kit is made up of drum shells, assorted cymbals, and metal hardware to keep everything in place. The pieces work together to create a unique poly-percussion instrument for a single player. When researching potential drum kits to buy, you’re going to hear or read about a few different types of kits. If you don’t know the key parts of a drum kit, it will be tough to pick the right one for your style.
So which kit is right for you? What does a 5-piece kit mean? By the end of this article, you will be able to choose or build your drum kit confidently.
No matter how many bells and whistles a drummer adds to their drum kit set-up, every standard kit employs a three-part foundation: kick drum, snare drum, and a hi hat. Kits come in several different sizes and styles, and we will look into the additional parts later on.
Three Main Parts of a Drum Kit
Kick Drum
The kick drum is the largest of all the drums and is commonly called the “bass drum” because of its low bass tone. The kick drum is played by using your foot which depresses a kick-pedal attached to the rim or hoop of the drum, and strikes the batter head. Sometimes, the drum’s front head (the resonant head) will have a hole in it, which can alter the drum’s tone. The shell’s material affects the warmth or brightness of the tone; for example, wooden models will sound warmer than plastic or metal versions. Kick drums are often the largest drum in your kit to make the lowest or “boom” pitches. Kicks are available in a wide range of sizes, the most common being 20′′ or 22′′ in diameter.
Snare Drum
The snare drum is one of the most essential drums on the kit. The snare forms the unit’s centerpiece. The most common size for a snare drum is 14′′ in diameter and 6′′ in- depth, but is available in a wide range of other sizes. Consisting of a wooden or metal shell, the snare employs a mechanism of wires suspended under the resonant head to produce the classic snare “snap!” The wires are tensioned by a throw-off, otherwise known as a snare strainer. This allows you to adjust the tension on the snares and alter the sound of the drum. Imagine a military drum or marching band, and you may think of a snare drum. It’s loud enough to cut through the band and assertive enough to direct the song’s rhythm.
Hi Hat
The hi hat is the pair of metal cymbals, typically 14′′ in diameter but are available in a range of other sizes. They are sandwiched against each other using a foot-operated pedal. They are probably the most dynamic element of the drum kit due to the wide range of sounds produced. Play them tightly closed for piercing staccato jabs or open for sustained orchestral crashes, with the ability to play every tinny tone or swish in between.
A standard drum kit usually includes a few additional pieces for sonic variety. Lets start with the most common drum set: the 5-piece kit.
5-Piece Drum Kit
It’s important to note the word “piece” only refers to drums and does not include cymbals and hardware. A 5-piece kit consists of five drums. It may seem counter-intuitive, but you could be using a dozen cymbals and that still wouldn’t change how many “pieces” make up your kit.
As we now know, the kick drum and snare drum are always at the core of a drum kit. Additionally, there can be two tom drums called the “tom-toms” or “tom one, tom two”. These get their nickname for being smaller drums (high and mid-tones) and are often mounted to the kick drum or attached with a clamp to a stand. The floor tom completes the 5-piece kit, with a pitch lower than the two toms. Tom shell sizes can vary, but are most often found on a standard rock kit in 12′′, 13′′ and 16” diameters.
Cymbals
Ride Cymbal
In addition to hi-hat cymbals, a ride cymbal is a prominent part of the drum kit set-up. The ride cymbal sits on a metal stand, usually above the floor tom. It is usually the largest of all the cymbals, measuring in at around 20″ in diameter. In most cases, the ride will be made from a copper and zinc alloy and have a bell-shaped middle, which can be struck with a drum stick to produce a bright tone. Alternatively, you can hit the edge for seemingly endless sustain and volume.
Crash Cymbal
The crash cymbal is designed to be struck hard and used for accents and loud dramatic tension — unlike the ride cymbal. Standard crash cymbals are around 16″ in diameter, making them size-wise somewhere between the ride and hi-hat. For a greater sonic palette, drummers will often place different-sized cymbals, such as splashes or China cymbals, around the kit.
Other Bits and Parts
Additional percussion units will add a world of musical flavors to your kit. Try a cowbell for Latin tinge or an attached tambourine to the high-hat for a garage or psychedelic taste. Electronic drum pads are a ubiquitous addition to the modern live drummer’s kit. A host of alternative sounds and samples can be right there next to you behind the kit.
A drummer also needs a throne. No, not that exactly, but a seat in order to work all four limbs. The drummer’s chair or stool is often called the drum throne. You’ll want a throne that is comfortable, ergonomic, and adjustable for the right height. For long practices, a quality drum throne is essential.
Remember, the fun part is starting. This article offers all the foundation you’ll need, whether you’re looking for a beginner drum kit or want to expand your current setup.
