← Drums · Start here · about 15 min

Meet the drum kit

The parts, how to sit, and how to protect your hearing.

What does a drummer do?

The drummer keeps the beat. Everyone else in the band listens to the drums to stay together.

A drum kit looks big, but you only need three sounds to play most music: the kick, the snare, and the hi-hat.

Kick drum: The big drum on the floor. You play it with your right foot on a pedal. It is the low thump.
Snare drum: The drum between your knees. It has a sharp, cracking sound. It is usually played on beats 2 and 4.
Hi-hat: Two cymbals on a stand. Your left foot closes them with a pedal. Your hands play it for a steady pulse.
Toms: Drums that sit above or beside the kit. They go from higher (rack toms) to lower (floor tom).
Crash and ride: Cymbals. A crash is a short, loud accent. A ride is a steady, ringing pulse.
Throne: The drummer's seat. Sit high enough that your thighs slope slightly down.
Sticks & practice pad: Wood sticks, and a quiet pad that lets you practice anywhere.

Throne height
Sit high enough that your thighs slope slightly down toward your knees. Your feet should rest comfortably on the pedals.
Balance
Sit tall near the front of the seat. Keep your back straight and relaxed.
Reach
The snare should be between your knees, at a comfortable height just above your thighs. Everything should be within easy reach.