Snare drum

Definition

This instrument belongs to the percussion family and is played with sticks or brushes. It can act as two different instruments – a side drum and a snare drum.

The snare drum has a set of curled, metal wires stretched across the bottom skin of the drum. These are called the snares.

Using the lever on the side, the snares can either be right up against the bottom skin of the drum – which makes it a snare drum and has a 'rattly' sound – or moved away from the bottom skin – which makes it a side drum with a 'dry' sound where no rattles can be heard.

Examples

Lots of snare drum techniques used in this clip.

A snare drum roll can be seen and heard here.

Related concepts

• Percussion (N3 & N4 Tech)