Let’s explore different types of snare drums and the techniques you can use to get the best sound from your snare.

Note: snare drum notes are usually written on the second space from the top of the staff (or, less commonly on the middle line). Sometimes, a snare part may be written on a single line.

How to Play Snare Drum for Beginners

As a beginner, you should focus on accuracy and evenness of notes, as well as tempo and dynamic control. Get used to playing with a metronome right away; you will use this tool for the life of your playing. (There are many free metronome apps, so there’s no excuse not to have one).

Here are some exercises to get you going in the right direction.

Note: play these exercises with a right-hand lead.

How to Play Marching Snare Drum

To prepare to play marching snare drum, do your research on websites and forums, and find videos of marching band performances that will inspire you to get in the shed.

If you want to play snare in a marching band, you have to acquire precision and the ability to listen closely and sync with the drummers around you.

You will also likely be required to work on the visual components of a performance (in addition to matching stick heights with your section), so you need to have your timing down.

Know your rudiments inside and out; they’re your bread and butter when it comes to playing snare in a marching band.

Make sure to practice these exercises which will help you master snare drum basics.

How to Play Snare Drum With Traditional Grip

Traditional grip was initially used to allow a snare drummer’s left hand to comfortably clear the rim of a side-slung drum. This grip is still commonly used in marching drum lines and in jazz settings.

Turn your left hand to the side, as if you’re reaching out to shake someone’s hand. Place the stick in the opening between your thumb and index finger (which will be your fulcrum), and rest the front end on the cuticle of your ring finger.

Your fingers will provide support and control, and your wrist will turn in a rotary motion to initiate the stroke. Your right hand will use the matched grip position.

Check out this article and infographic for a more in-depth look at how to hold drum sticks.

How to Play Rudiments

The rudiments are kind of like a drummer’s vocabulary. They’re used extensively in marching literature and rudimental solos/etudes. They may be used in drum set playing as well, to create some compelling and challenging grooves and fills.

The Percussive Arts Society recognizes 40 rudiments, although there are many more, including hybrids.

No matter what type of music you want to play, it’s important that you learn drum rudiments, and practice them consistently.

How to Play Snare Drum Rolls

Pretty much any snare drum roll can be applied to the whole kit, however, the buzz/press roll is most characteristic to the snare. This roll requires some patience to master, as you have to work to make it sound smooth and seamless.

This video demonstrates the multiple bounce/buzz roll as well as six other essential drum rudiments.

For these roll skeletons, strive for even stick heights, unless you’re using accents or flams. Here again, you will refer to the rudiments; they’re the foundation of all drum rolls.

This roll skeleton chart will help you interpret multiple bounce rolls. The rolls termed, “written” represent the norm for notation that you will encounter in literature. Those termed, “played” demonstrate the number of strokes needed to execute the fills—and those numbers vary according to tempo.

Experiment with the surface of the drum. You will have more “deadness” toward the center of the drum, but you will get plenty of volume. You can play close to the rim for quieter passages (and play over the snares to best activate them).

How to Play Snare Drum Fast

Most new drummers want to be able to play fast right away, but this requires a lot of work. Fast playing is the result of plenty of repetition. It’s important to strive for accuracy first, so make sure you practice with your metronome!

Try these drum exercises to improve your speed and control.

Remember, when it comes to drums: accuracy + repetition + gradual increase in tempo = precision and speed.

Enjoy the process and be consistent and diligent; you will reap the rewards of articulate, nuanced, and powerful technique.

Whether you want to learn how to play snare drum to join a marching band or you just want to improve your skills on your kit, we hope these tips and exercises will help.

Next week we’ll be looking at three simple ways to improve your drumming