Tuning Toms for Drummers

There are MANY different tunings one can choose. Many drummers find that a tighter bottom head (about one fourth or one fifth above the note of the top head) works well.

1. Tap the drum shell and see if you can hear any clear notes (do this without drum heads on).
2. Tune the bottom head to the main (fundamental) note of the shell using the 'opposites' tuning method shown in diagram below, and make sure it is evenly tensioned all around.

3.  

   
   
   Tuning Using the 'Opposites Method'
   (click image to enlarge)

   
   
4. Then tension the top head, ensuring even tension all-around.  When the top head is struck you should hear a full resonant sound.

Don't be afraid of a bit of ring but fine tune out any unwanted tones or rings.  Some drummers detune the tuning rod nearest them by one quarter to one half turn to achieve a downward pitch bend when the drum is struck.

For live, acoustic playing situations DO NOT tune the heads too slack.  The drums may sound 'big' when you stand over them but sound like a lot of clicks when you are away from the kit.

HOWEVER, if you are MIKING-UP, this is less of a problem, and the low tuning can be used to achieve a 'big, fat' tom sound.

PLEASE NOTE:

• Some drummers tune their top and bottom heads to the same tension to produce a 'bigger' sound
• Some drummers tune their top head higher than their bottom head
• Some drummers use no bottom head at all to give more 'attack' and less sustain.

HELPFUL HINT:  Bearing the above in mind, 'try it and see' so that YOU can choose the sound that YOU like best.

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