Jewel Blogs

The drum was one of the first musical instruments invented by human beings. In today’s times, it has also become one of the most multifaceted and versatile instruments as well – starting from the tiny, high-pitched bongo and going up to the enormous Japanese war-drums. The drum is instrumental (pun not intended) in giving the music of every region an indigenous feel.

Africa and Indonesia have a wide range of hand drums, while the Tabla, Pakhawaj and Dholak of India, the Daf and Tombak of Iran all have distinctive sounds unique to themselves. Drums can be played using the fingers, fists, mallets, hammers or sticks, each according to its own convention. Some drums have only one membrane, while others – like the dholak – are two-headed.

In Western music, the snare drum has an interesting history. It was originally used for military communication, on the battlefield or during ceremonies. By the 18th and 19th century, it has gained enough popularity to receive a place in many important composers’ symphonies.

The drum is most important in music based on syncopation and rhythm – jazz being a potent example. In fact, the standard “drum kit” we see today was developed to overcome space constraints in the jazz-playing clubs. In the present, music in America and Europe is unthinkable without the presence of a drum kit, and drums will definitely retain that place of honor for a very long time to come.

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