ABOUT THE INSTRUMENT

• The basic four- or five-piece drumset consists of
the following drums (and cymbals):

>• Snare Drum: Usually 14" in diameter.

>• Bass Drum: Sized from 18" to 26" in
diameter, with either one or two heads.
It is operated by the right foot.

>• Small (rack) Tom-Toms: Sized from 10"
to 15" in diameter, with either one or two
heads.

> Large Tom-Tom: Sized from 14" to 16" in
diameter, with either one or two heads.

> Ride Cymbal: Sized from 19" to 22" in
diameter.

>• Crash Cymbal: Sized from 16" to 18" in
diameter.

> Hi-Hat Cymbals: Usually 14" or 15" in
diameter. It is operated by the left foot.

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Although reasonably standardized, the basic
four- or five-piece drumset may vary depending
on the requirements of musical style and
personal preference.

• The drumset enables one percussionist to

provide a wide variety of percussion sounds,
arranged so that a single player can strike at
least four instruments at the same time. It also
allows the percussionist to play complicated
rhythms which would be impossible if assigned
to multiple players.

• The instrument is primarily played with
drumsticks and wire/nylon brushes, although a
variety of other mallets may be employed.

• The drumset is most often used in the pop, jazz
and commercial idioms. From time to time,
however, the instrument has found its way into
orchestral and concert band music.

SCORING TIPS

• Notational practices for the drumset vary;
however, the following is a widely accepted form
of notation for the drumset: