Snare Drum

General info:

The snare drum is a widely used unpitched percussion instrument. It is often used in orchestras, marching bands, concert bands, drum corps and many other applications.

It is the center of the drum kit. The snare drum is almost always double-headed, with rattles (called snares) of gut, metal wire or synthetics stretched across one or both heads.

History:

The snare drum seems to have descended from a medieval drum called the Tabor, which was a drum with a single gut snare strung across the bottom. By the 15th century, the size of the snare drum increased and had a cylindrical shape. This simple drum with a simple snare became popular with the Swiss mercenary troops around the 15th-16th century. The drum was made deeper and carried along the side. Further developments appeared in the 17th century, with the use of screws to hold down the snares, giving a brighter sound than the rattle of a loose snare. During the 18th century, the snare drum underwent changes that would improve its characteristic sound. Metal snares appeared in the 20th century. Today the snare drum is used in pop music and modern orchestral music.

Range:

N/A

Role:

Historically, snare drums have been used in military and parading contexts to produce drum cadences. Today in popular music, especially with rock drum kits, the snare drum is typically used to play a backbeat pattern.

Foreign names:

Leinentrommel ---- German

Caisse claire ---- French

Tamburo rullante ---- Italian

Famous pieces: