3 Tips for Reso Head Snare Drum Tuning | How To Tune Drums | Stephen Taylor Drum Lessons

► Start Your FREE StephensDrumShed Drum School Trial Here: bit.ly/2TpkJmJ
_______________ 3 Tips for Reso Head Snare Drum Tuning | How To Tune Drums | Stephen Taylor Drum Lessons -- Drum tuning...how to tune toms, how you can get better snare drum tuning, does the bottom drum head matter...I mean, seriously, there's SO MUCH to learn when it comes to tuning drums.
In this quick drum lesson, I give you my top tips for better bottom head snare drum tuning.
Leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts!
___
FREE drum lesson series "Creating A Drum Fill Vocabulary": www.stephensdr...
FREE download "30 Days to Better Doubles": www.stephensdru...
FREE practice lesson series "Transforming Your Practice Time": www.theartofpr...
Instagram: / stephensdrumshed
Facebook: / stephen.taylor.drum.le...
Twitter: / drummeretc
Cymbal Setup From Left To Right:
All Zildjian
Hats:
16" EFX Crash on top
16" K Light Top Hat on bottom
18" Kerope Crash
22" K Custom Dark Complex Ride
22" Renaissance Ride
Drums:
Tama Starclassic Bubinga with Tiger Wood finish
Sticks:
Vic Firth 5A
Drumheads:
Aquarian
Classic Clear on toms and snare resonant
Response 2 on toms batter
Hi-Velocity on snare batter
Regularor (Ebony) on kick resonant
Super Kick 10 on kick batter
Alclair In Ear Monitors

[@gl87greenlantern]

I haven't played in over 8 yrs and now my oldest is in jazz band playing the drums. We bought him his own drum set and these vids have helped tuning the heads and giving me tips to get better at my own drumming and his. Thanks, keep it up

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

I love that you're involved with helping you kids...so great! And glad the vids have helped my friend.

[@gl87greenlantern]

@@StephenTaylorDrums oh yes most definitely. He's seen pictures of me playing and stories from his mom and he says I inspired him to want to play. Seeing him practice and going to his concerts definitely inspired me to start playing again. It's a win win 😄

[@boomerguy9935]

Your tips are always spot on! I'm usually the dullest pencil in the box but in this regard, I lucked out. For some reason, I've always done these three tips for at least the last 50-plus years simply because it seemed to be the logical thing to do. Now you've made me feel smarter. Thank you. The one thing you do in all of your videos that I really appreciate is that you do not talk down to the viewers. You have always shared valuable information. I appreciate this.

[@gmoney1592]

These are great tips. Very useful. And helpful. And when it comes to drum tuning especially the snare I need all the help I can get . Thanks for showing these to us .

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Thanks Gary...glad they helped!

[@MyToasterIsMoist]

Thanks dude! A few years ago I started using triggers since I still didn't have that much in terms of a solid recording space - ended up using them as a crutch instead of learning how to make my snare sound sexy the way it deserved. Now I'm reaaaaaaally preferring the sound of a natural snare in the mix, so these lil tip videos are fantastic!

[@ad.ke.7224]

Nice tips. For a fat snare sound I often tune the reso head slightly lower than the batter head. This will kill instantly some overtones and keeps your batter head thight. The stick response will decrease a little because of the looser reso head but not as much like loosening heavily the batter head. You have to adjust the snare tension for optimal results but don't screw them to thight. This would choke out the tone of the drum which you need for a fat sound.

[@jackhejduk356]

Absolutely

[@classixdrummer]

Thanks for the tips, Stephen. Especially the reso head theory. My first thought when you got the snare out of the way and then tapped it was, “Wow, he really likes a tight reso head.” Peter C.

[@patrickcrean5551]

I tune each side with the drum on the carpet to isolate them from one another as I tune the heads.

[@supacrispy]

Tabletop tight isn't always the answer. I recently upgraded my snare side head, two turns from finger tight and then tuned my batter to the tone i wanted. Blew my mind how great and responsive my snare sounds now

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Totally agree. No one size fits all with tuning

[@bonkeydollocks1879]

you come across as any good teacher does, no fancy bull but basic helpful instructions and generally want to help us, thank you I thought that was grest

[@blkrubber1]

great item to you on the road to a good start in getting all the lugs equal. not only that once you take it off with the style of the rods you can move them all say one turn to be facing the same way when tuning the drum to get everything equal again.

[@HamptonGuitars]

Personally, I tighten TH out of the bottom head, like you seem to do. I'm not a Buddy Rich fan, but I had seen long ago how he tuned a drum. His approach was the to tune every lug to different tension, so every spot on a drum was a different tone.

[@marcpompette7431]

I think I needed this...I just started playing so my vocab is weak. My snare makes a terrible ringing buzz sound since I changed out the batter head and messed around with the snares and reso tuning. Thing just sounds bad. Not sure where to really begin and I'm just making the problem worse the more I screw around with things. SOS!

[@wernermartinez1934]

thank you very much bendiciones ???

[@damianrjames]

No idea what I’m doing. This was helpful, thanks!

[@Johnny-cu4zi]

It all depends of what the drummer likes. I like my tuning phat and in between low and medium tuning just like Mer De Noms snare sound and my other sound of snare drum and overall kit sound I like is Thursday - Signals Over the Air song. Tucker Rule used an Ayotte wood hoop drum kit.

[@johnspeer3077]

Very helpful and makes a great difference

[@BeardedDrums]

Great vid as always. Very helpful for anyone wanting some tips and you laid it out very easy 👊💯

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Bearded Drums thanks so much!

[@BeardedDrums]

Stephen Taylor no prob, obviously you’ve always had great content but I’ve noticed you’ve def stepped it up lately. Keep on my friend 👊💯

[@bikesndrums]

These are excellent tips! Thanks!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

You bet

[@johnburkhalter3880]

I recently started experimenting with tuning the bottom head a bit lower than normal. It does reduce snare responsiveness so buzz rolls aren't as defined, but it gives a great fat sound that would be great in some situations.

[@unholyecho7914]

Thank you for this video! Growing up I always had some crisp snare tones but in the recent past, I’ve had some trouble dialing in the right sound. Figured I lost my tuning touch, and of course it was my poor reso tuning. This helped greatly!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Unholy Echo makes my day to hear it!

[@mhsandifer]

My tastes vary with each room I play in. I have 5 snares and i usually pick two in anticipation of type of music and room, and then adjust the primary from there. I done think I've ever went to secondary, but i don't play near as much anymore.

[@pdrumm3790]

Another helpful video as always thanks

[@bacobill]

Considering the DrumDial what tension or 'pressure ranges' do you use on your snare reso? And how different would that number be if using a 13" rather than a 14" snare? Thank you in advance Stephen and have a great new year.

[@MetalMeek]

I'd love to see a video about creating goals, making them specific, and then how you build the practice plan. Unless this already exists here somewhere. Then a link will do just fine. ;)

[@JFi96]

Hey man! I've got this metal snare, been dealing with this vibration coming from the way the resonant head vibrates the snare wires... I finally got some leighway after tuning the thing as high as I could, but now I don't have a nice sound... I replaced the head, replaced the snare wires.. But everytime I hit the snare, the reso head vibrates the snare wires in such a way that it sounds like jangling crap! you can't hear it as much while playing the rest of the kit.. but when the snare is the focus.. it shows... should I replace the reso head?... suggestions?

[@ricksukulele2752]

cool, thanks

[@andrewberghorn5598]

I came here just to find someone tuning their resonant head to hear the approximate pitch, stayed for the awesome tips. I removed my snares already because another guide recommended doing so but I won't be doing that again.

[@phillipwelch4190]

I've found that when a snare buzzes sympathetically from other drums or bass guitar, detune the snares on either side of the snare bed slightly , usually a quarter turn or less!

[@gaberomero127]

I think Jared Falk from Drumeo, on KZbin, as well said something similar to Tip #3

[@gcharocks]

For years I've always just cranked up the reso head, making the lugs feel like they have a similar tension, but could never figure out how to make them sound the same. Every time I hit it, it just sounds like a kick ball. I just can't hear any defining pitch like I would on any other drum.

[@davidperez5089]

I knew a guy who when starting out played the snare upsidedown. Said he prefered the sound!

[@nitroham3105]

David Perez some people play that way in Brazil, although that’s only playing snare as opposed to a snare in a kit

[@andthensome512]

I've found that in a home studio where you're recording drums in a small room with a low ceiling, like a basement, often times what sounds good to your ears as far as snares go, don't record well. Overtones are often exaggerated and i end up tuning the snare side head lower than I usually would.

[@remygaron8311]

Awesome tips thanks🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@sharethefootage1088]

I saw a video that said if you make your bottom head tight, it ruins its ability to ever be a viable head again at a lower tuning. As if it permanently stretches it. Anyone have an opinion on this?

[@jameskeefer8098]

Do you get a lot of bleed from your cymbals being so low? Any tips on how to minimize hat bleed into the snare mic? Great co tent man thanks for taking the time to teach us!

[@mun6832]

love it!! toms next stephen!?? ;)

[@domithedrumster]

I have a really hard time with the 4 lugs close to the snare bed, it's just if one of those is a bit off then the snare sounds miserable and as soon as you hit the sweet spot it sounds nice and full. but it's really hard for my ears to hear which one is higher than the others. on toms this is now less of a problem since I have practice now but the snare bottom side still gives me headaches haha

[@c.r.stafford4006]

Good tips. - Would you approach tuning the reso on a drum w/ wide snare beds (e.g., Ludwig Acrolite) differently? Do the 4 lugs closest to the wires need any special tuning b/c of the wider beds? - Thanks!

[@harrisonmyers1572]

Sometimes I’ll tune my snare side head looser than the batter head. It gives it a bit more sustain, which is sometimes a good thing. But lately I’ve been trying to get my snare drum to sound a lot more like Roger Taylor from Queen: thuddy and punchy. I never knew about loosening the snare wires when tuning the snare side head so I’ll try that out next time.

[@bige8975]

It's 3 a.m. and I'm working on my bottom snares been working on it for 4 hours have no clue what I'm doing in 10 year's old been drumming for almost 2 years

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Keep experimenting. You’ll figure it out

[@bige8975]

@@StephenTaylorDrums was gonna take it in to guitar center but used tape 👍

[@fnord23]

ST yoo ROCK! gem after gem after gem thank you Stephen Taylor! \m/\m/

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

fnord23 thanks so much my friend!

[@BrianTCarter]

Wait… There’s a bottom head on my snare?

[@harryluck6544]

Bahahahahahaha

[@chicharones9640]

What’s a great tip to know what kind of resonant head to buy? On my kit I have the tama kit heads and I have my eyes on a new head set, but what I don’t know is what kind of resonant head to buy.

[@domithedrumster]

I noticed that a thinner reso head works better for me. less interference with the top head but still has the snare buzz. then you are also more versatile by just tuning the top head differently and don't always have to deal with the corresponding tuning of the bottom head

[@miyahollands6136]

My snare sounds like it should be apart of a brass band, were I would like it to sound more dry, with a crack. Any suggestions for making it sound less brass band and more AC/DC?

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Ray Hollands detune that top head a bit. You may also want to try a double ply head.

[@miyahollands6136]

@@StephenTaylorDrums thanks! Will give it a go - cheers 😎

[@pushkinchakraborty665]

How I can change my snare bottom head?

[@roberthagmaier9603]

Always had trouble with the bottom snare head.I've been playing a while but tuning still isn't my strong point.I just don't get it.Its like one of those things I need hands on instruction on how to do it.

[@alexmcb0311]

Is there ever a time when the reso head is too tight and if so, how do would I know?

[@VW.907]

Hm!! Now that I think about it....maybe I dont like my snares too tight....just like that bass pedal spring、 that I watched on another one of your vids. Thanks pal!

[@briangardner5905]

My main "test" of a snare is tapping the snare very softly and I have always felt that action should STILL produce a good snare sound. I hate when I do this "Test" and the snare sounds more like a tom-tom than a snare. I just got a Gretsch mini snare (10") and I have tightened the bottom head just about as much as I can, but the snare still sounds a bit "tom-tom-ish". How much do you think the Gretch branded batter head that came with the drum might be a cheap version and part of the problem?

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

This is one of my go to's

[@briangardner5905]

@@StephenTaylorDrums So...what do you think - the Gretsch branded head is probably one to replace?

[@doublevizzion]

That 1 dislike needs to leave

[@godzilla964]

Isn't tightening the resonance head how to get the St. Anger sound?

[@freehaven1]

yes....but tighten it even more, bro

[@MrMrh1958]

Great advise as usual!👍 Is that an earthworks mic?

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Burton Bradstock it is indeed

[@2dollarcrew]

Do you tune the snare heads while both are on or one then the other?

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Timmy Fazini while both are on

[@ColdToiletSeats]

All great tips .. But get a drum dial if you're having problems tuning your drums ..best investment I made on my kit.. Thank me later 😁

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Those work great too but in the end I'm always a fan of the ear training side of things

[@jordanblue5630]

@@StephenTaylorDrums drum dial will always get you "in the ballpark" very quickly. then if you need to, tweak by ear.

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Jordan Blue absolutely, totally agree. The problem is, I don’t take the drum dial to gigs. So while I completely agree that drum dial is a useful tool (I have one) I also completely agree that we all need to learn to do this tuning thing by ear alone in the end.

[@ColdToiletSeats]

@@StephenTaylorDrums yea I can tune by ear .. But tuning a 8 piece kit can be a pain when I want perfect tone for each tom lol

[@PNW_Sportbike_Life]

ColdToiletSeats tune bot baby; tune bot

[@williamhempworth7428]

How come when the bottom snare skin is tight it makes it harder to play the batter snare skin

[@TempoDrift1480]

The best tip for bottom head tuning is to use a coated diplomat or a coated ambassador. People laugh when I say that but once they hear it, they'll never look back to a clear 3 mil. No it doesn't reduce sensitivity, no it doesn't turn it into a dull thump and no it doesn't reverse your genitals so you can be a woman but it does make the drum sound like a drum. I've never heard or played a 3mil that sounded good live. If you want a snare that doesn't sound like some beginner garage band shit, try a coated head on the bottom.

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Wizzle man, I gotta disagree with you. Respectfully of course. It’s all personal, so you’re def not wrong in any way. But for me, having tried coated on the bottom, it’s just not a sound I’m in to. But I’m glad you’ve made it work for you.

[@rodneyvandenoever]

my tip: for a fuller snare sound, tune to the same tone/note as top. It will still sound much higher and is then probably an octave higher.

[@roberthagmaier9603]

I'm not that good at tuning drums.I can play but tuning is hard for me to get good at for some reason.What does it mean when they say about the bottom snare head being table top tight?I don't get it.

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

That just means really tight. So it feels firm.

[@roberthagmaier9603]

Oh ok cool thanks for the info man.I kind of thought it might mean real tight but I wasn't shure.

[@roberthagmaier9603]

@@StephenTaylorDrums I like your videos to man keep them coming.

[@johnwilhelm9854]

Just for kicks I listened to your bottom head and checked for pitch. Sounds like an “E”

[@CraigShawCraigShaw]

Sometimes… just sometimes… your bottom head can be too cranked. And loosening it a bit can improve the sound.

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

I 100% agree man. And on some vintage drums, those actually ride better if you have that bottom head lower than the top. The longer I go in my career, tuning is just experimenting. Just like you're talking about. And sometimes, I don't know why what I do works. It just worked for that drum with that head for that sound lol

[@acemechanical275]

I just remove the snare strap from one side and let it hang. If you note where the strap was before you remove it, it takes about one minute.

[@drumken]

I have an issue here. Beside my great sounding Starphonic bubinga snare, I own a Starclassic Performer b/b snare. With the second one I could never tighten the bottom head enough. The rods get stuck on maximimum turns while the head is still loose. Any sugestions with that? Thanks.

[@ryanbates9668]

Get shorter lugs?

[@camdendebruin6667]

Best tip. Tight bottom, but not too tight. Don't want to choke it unless thats the sound you are going for. So generally ALMOST table top tight, but with a tiny bit of give

[@KarlstadDrums]

Agree, I have a tight bottom but never overly tight. If I want a more choked sound I usually just tighten the snare wire more or put som dampening like snareweight or tape instead of having the reso too tight

[@frodowatt4272]

I just mess with crap until it sounds good,Lol!

[@davidmcaninch4714]

All drummers have to tune their snare side heads as high as they can go *WITHOUT* breaking a tension rod. I’ve experience that, I *KNOW* what I’m talking about.

[@kindnick58]

Step 4: Bubinga or bust!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Nicholas Dentato you heard it here first

[@udomatthiasdrums5322]

Snap = Schmatz!!??

[@dudemanaric]

Thanks for tuning in lol

[@aaronhayman8558]

Useful info, but the soundtrack with the repetitive beats is too loud, distracting and seems unnecessary.

[@ludwig947]

Background music interferes. Turn it off, please!

[@rintakanashi3623]

huh i didnt think you would look a little like DANKO JONES

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

First time I’ve heard that one lol

[@jsgll...godgunsliberty1197]

Lot of talk let’s see and hear it

[@joetrudellmajesticrhythms7269]

I cant stand seeing people slip a stick under the snarewires, you just stretched them out. just take em off