The
snare drum (accompanied by the bass drum) is responsible for the beat
in most Western music, including metal, rock and roll, and jazz. The
design of the drum includes snares made out of coiled metal (sometimes
gut) that are fastened onto the bottom rim of the drum. When the head
of the drum is hit, the snares rattle – making a ‘chk’
sound.
The snare drum also offers versatility. Three distinctly different
sounds can be produced on a snare depending on where you hit it: the
rim, the head, or the shell. Combining any of those two also offers
another dimension of the drum. For example, a ‘rimshot’
is produced by simultaneously hitting the head with one stick and
the rim with another (or in some settings with the same stick).
A snare drum can be made out of different materials, including metal,
wood, and acrylic. Standard rock snares are 14” diameter, but
orchestral drums tend to be a little wider. Modern snares are built
with a release lever that loosens the snare itself when it’s
not in use.
Marching snares are built very deep to get a full, thick sound –
sometimes reaching an entire foot deep. A common debate in the marching
snare world is about head materials: Kevlar vs. Mylar. There are now
hybrids being made that combine the best of both of these materials.
But in the recent past, Kevlar was seen as positive for its ability
to stay in tune, while Mylar was less expensive, required more upkeep,
but produced the superior sound.
Some marching snare drummers even use a combination of the two: Kevlar
on the bottom head and Mylar on the top.
A piccolo snare is a small, high-pitched snare usually about 3 inches
deep. There are even smaller ones made that are used for sound effects
and the like.
In music, a snare drum usually connotes a brighter sound, which is
why they are such a popular instrument in marching music. When coupled
with a bass, they create an excellent dynamic (of highs and lows)
that’s very popular in dance music and rock and roll. Orchestral
music emphasizes snares as well, for example, the theme song of 20th
Century Fox.
Snare drums can be played alone (as in the case of a marching snare
drum) or as part of a collection of sounds that make up a drum kit.
Snare drums can be purchased alone or as part of a kit. A kit might
include the drum, heads, sticks, cases, and stands, which is ideal
if you want to own all your equipment.
Innovative backpack cases also exist if you need to carry your snare
on your back. Practice pads are available in the exact diameter of
any drum. These are perfect for the perfectionist and/or beginning
drummer who needs to hit something all the time. It’s simply
a piece of rubber that can sit on any surface and act as the surface
of a drum, without making the noise of a drum.