Info about Drum Loops
Brief History of Drums Around the World
Drums are handheld or free standing musical instruments of the percussion variety. They are, in all likelihood, the very earliest type of musical instrument and have remained very much the same for millennia. Drums are comprised of a single membrane of various material, referred to as the drum skin, stretched tightly over a shell. The vibrations of the tightly stretched drum skin, when struck with the hands or a drumstick, produce the distinctive sounds.
The construction of the drums is universally similar in some ways, and yet astoundingly varied in others. The drum shell will invariably feature a circular space to stretch the drum head over, but the shell's remaining body can be completely different. In western music, the most often-used shape is cylindrical. The drumhead is held onto the shell by a rim, pinned with a number of tension rods with are screwed in. Prior to the design of these tension rods, drum skins were attached with a system of ropes.
Drums can actually make many different sounds. There are numerous factors which can indicate what type of sounds are produced. These factors can include the shape and structure of the drum shell, the tension in the drumheads, and the overall quality of the instrument's craftsmanship. There are different types of drums for different types of music. For instance, a jazz musician might like a drum set that sounds soft yet crisp. A rock drummer, on the other hand, would most likely prefer a deep, loud tone. The type of shell is a big factor that affects the tone of the drum. The vibrations caused by striking the drum skin resonate inside the shell. Therefore, the shell can cause the pitch to be raised or lowered by being increased or decreased in size.
The usage of drums is widely varied. They are normally played by hand, or with drum sticks. They are a staple in many religious ceremonies around the world and are often extremely symbolic in nature. Drums are typically employed to help set the mood in various ceremonies whether it is of a somber tone or for a joyous occasion. They are also commonly employed in musical therapy, due to the ease with which they can be played. They have also been used within the military to encourage soldiers, set a pace for marching, and making important announcements.
There are many different types of drums in different areas of the world. In many parts of Africa, instruments such as the ashiko, djembe, and kpanlogo are traditionally played for communication and ceremonies. Other areas of the world also have their own indigenous instruments, such as the Cuban bongos, bata, and timbales, the Middle Eastern chenda and nagara, and the Japanese taiko.
Virtually all of these instruments are still in existence today. They can even be obtained and played by aspiring drummers. Whether the drummer is interested in modern-day rock and roll or traditional folk music from faraway, drums hold special interest for musicians everywhere.