Tuning tom toms often baffles many drummers. It could be because, for the most part, drummers do not tune them to specific notes. There are, of course, some exceptions - like the awe-inspiring Terry Bozzio, who tunes the thirty-one toms on his enormous kit both chromatically and diatonically. The other aspect that can make tuning toms a bit more complex than tuning a snare drum or bass drum is that toms produce many more overtones. These additional overtones can sometimes make it difficult to hear the true pitch of the drum.
So then how are we supposed to tune our toms if we are not tuning them to specific notes and we have to deal with the complexity of their overtones? I would like to present some basic tuning tips that can help any drummer attain the desired tone and sound from their toms.
Don't Tune Your Toms While They Are Set Up
Most drummers understand the basic rule of tuning - tap along the perimeter of the drum near each tension rod, choose a pitch, and tune each tension rod to attain the same pitch all the way around. The error many drummers make, however, is that they try to tune the toms while they are set up. The problem with this method is that you are hearing both heads resonating fully as you tap, and can't accurately hear the specific pitch that you're trying to attain.
The first step that I always suggest when tuning your toms is to take them off of their stands or mounts and place them on a soft surface (like a drum throne), one at a time. This goes for floor toms as well. When you do this, you are now only hearing one head at a time, which makes it much simpler to discern the true pitch of your toms/drum.
Relationship Between the Heads
Unless you are using a single headed concert tom, your toms consist of two heads. The relationship between the two heads plays a significant role in their sound. Generally, the bottom or resonant head should be tuned slightly higher than the batter side or the head that you strike. The batter head gives you the desired pitch and the bottom head helps the drum to sustain that pitch. If the bottom head is tuned too low, you may get a funny pitch bend that descends. Alternately, if the resonant head is tuned too high you'll get the opposite effect with a pitch bending upward.
When evaluating the relationship between the heads, I like to place the drum on its side on a soft surface (like a drum throne) to protect the finish. Then, I mute one head with one hand while striking the opposite head with my other hand. By muting one head while tapping the other, I can clearly hear the pitch of each head since I'm only focusing on one head at a time. If I determine that the relationship between the two heads is off, but I know that the drum is in tune in terms of equal tension on all of the rods, I can quickly raise or lower the pitch of both heads by systematically turning each tension rod an equal number of turns either clockwise or counterclockwise.
I hope these basic guidelines help you tune your toms more consistently and efficiently. Just remember to be patient and take your time. Your tuning skills will get better over time to the point where it becomes second nature.
Good luck!
About the Author:
Victor Salazar is with Vic's Drum Shop, an internationally renowned drum and percussion retailer in Chicago, IL. The vast knowledge of drum gear that he's accumulated over his 40 year career has made Vic a valuable resource. Vic's Drum Shop is a top shopping destination for beginning drummers,drumming hobbyists, professional drummers, and many of the world's premier drum superstars.
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