5 WAYS OF TUNING DRUMS LIKE A PRO

[@drumqtips]

DOWNLOAD DRUMLESS PLAY ALONG TRACKS HERE: Qsdigitaldownloads.sellfy.store/ SIGN UP FOR A GROUP LESSON WITH ME HERE: www.quincydavisjazz.com/projects-6 LESSON TIME STAMPS 00:00 - Playing Intro 00:37 - Lesson Intro 02:03 - #1 way to tune your drums like a pro 03:13 - Group Lessons 03:39 - #2 way to tune your drums like a pro 05:42 - #3 way to tune your drums like a pro 09:58 - 3rd Inning stretch (playing interlude) 10:21 - Watch me tune my tom tom 18:47 - #5 way to tune your drums like a pro 22:33 - Gracias!

[@skdasdrums]

This was great! Would love to see a video on bass drum tuning, damping, beater choice, etc...

[@drumqtips]

Good idea! I’ll add it to the list. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@alexeyberlind215]

I'd love to see that too!

[@ChrisTaylor-wh6ei]

That would make a great video

[@kevinwinard7140]

Yeah, I wondering what heads you have on your bass drum as well as muffling techniques for “The Jazz”. 😃

[@Hoprgras]

OMG! Even though I use a tunebot, nobody can explain tuning drums better than this! You've clarified I've been doing things the right way.

[@drumqtips]

Happy to help!

[@robertomagalhaes3235]

That was great; my suggestion is for a “to be continued” bass drum chapter 😀✌🏼all the best!

[@drumqtips]

Great suggestion! Thanks for watching Roberto👊🏾

[@markscountlessbarks]

@@drumqtips I concur! Maybe address the varied muffling techniques, or lack of muffling in Jazz bass drums and how to get a good sound muffled or open? Thank you Q!

[@stenduginski2306]

@@drumqtips I completely agree with the above question, I can always get great jazz sounds out of my toms and snare but its hard for me to get a good jazz bass drum sound!

[@baseballtunes6545]

This is a very informative lesson!!! Thanks for demystifying the phenomenon of tuning with a reasonable explanation and overview. You always keep things so straight forward and simple…Happy New Year!

[@drumqtips]

Right on my man. Cheers and happy new year!

[@ryanl3260]

I'm just diving into drumming and your comments about tuning the toms and snare to a pentatonic scale pretty much blew my mind. Nice tip!

[@drumqtips]

Glad it was helpful Ryan!

[@JoeBaldacci]

Really appreciate the expression that using a combination of brands is fine, and that one shouldn’t choose heads based on other drummers but on personal experience. Find myself telling students this (not just with drum heads) a lot.

[@drumqtips]

Absolutely Joe! Good on you for telling your students this.

[@JohnBogansky]

Hey Joe!

[@JoeBaldacci]

@@JohnBogansky heyooo

[@paulsanders6839]

Your videos just feel great to watch and are so enjoyable. What I love about this is that it gives permission to just listen and be yourself, trust your ears and intuition. I've been using a drum dial for a while and can honestly say it doesn't sound any better than when I tune by ear, though its a nice starting point.

[@mickeyf3730]

I agree with you. I think the drum dial helps me to train my ear to learn different pitches. Once I develop a better ear, I think that I can then tune more freely to different pitches.

[@tomcarr4630]

Thanks, Q! Always interesting to get different insights on tuning. (Thought of you over the weekend, Heard the Jeff Hamilton Trio in Austin. As usual, a phenomenal performance!)

[@drumqtips]

Geoff is the man for sure! I saw him in Dallas right before he went down to Austin. He never disappoints :-)

[@hawkrider88]

@@drumqtips Not only do his drums (and cymbals) sound great....his taste, timing and chops are incredible. He was here in Atlanta a few weeks ago....inspirational for sure.

[@charlestea3642]

Great info & video man!, you're such a phenomenal player! For the music I am currently playing, I use REMO CS coated on the snare, Evans G2 on the toms and Aquarian Super Kick II clear on the bass, great sounds. I wish you and your family perfect health, peace , love, happiness & prosperity!! Cheers from an old Las Vegas drummer!

[@drumqtips]

Right on Charles!

[@TheRealWillGeronimo]

This is important, thanks for doing this. I think a lot of us think there is science to tuning, I know I did for a long time that is until I met Paul Wertico and he said basically the same things you’re talking about. You want the drums to work together in a musical way. Just like you I check the lugs but it’s not the most important thing I’m doing. If it sounds and works well with the other drums then they’re in tune. Usually tune to the melody of the first call bugle horn when the horses are ready to race! Thank you Quincy…

[@patrickberkery8854]

I love the freedom of your tuning. Your kit *always* sounds great. I've been lug obsessed for too too long.

[@drumqtips]

I appreciate that Patrick!

[@mikeanscombe9883]

Another easy to understand lesson, with some interesting ideas - thank you, Quincy!😎

[@drumqtips]

Glad you enjoyed it Mikey!

[@russellesimonetta9071]

I always tuned equal on both sides but that worked great on my late 60,s slingerlands. Some jazzers say tune the reso head a half tone under the batter! That increases the articulation!

[@tatesherman8273]

This is very helpful, especially as I just invested in a new kit and am still figuring out the tuning. Looking forward to my UNT audition in a few weeks.

[@drumqtips]

Glad it was helpful Tate! See you very soon.

[@paranoidpony6861]

Good luck on that audition!

[@poyrazaldemir6401]

Great and useful information. Thanks for the video. The drums sound great.

[@drumqtips]

Thanks for watching Poyraz!

[@alvaroribeiro8416]

Content very rich in information for us drummers! Congratulations, keep on 👏👏👏

[@joewar-booker5485]

Thank you very much for your fantastic advice that you leave open to personal experience and the particular taste of each one. They are always of great help to me. A nice incentive to continue this. Very grateful to be able to access these videos, I have a very pleasant time watching them.👈🏽 Kind regards Quincy

[@drumqtips]

Always a pleasure brother Joe!

[@TheSPACEDIEVEST1]

I love your approach.

[@drumqtips]

I appreciate that!

[@gabriel1953]

10 points !!! Dron Buenos Aires , Argentina

[@AntonNemahai]

Very important information! Thank you!

[@drumqtips]

You bet Anton!

[@cyprianpakua1451]

Thanks for next great video, It’s really helpful

[@drumqtips]

Glad you liked it Cyprian!

[@artsquillante3392]

Thanks for all of your videos Mr. Davis. Can you tell us what heads you use on your bass drum?

[@Nassoud60]

Amazing work work thank you very much 👍👍

[@cajonosaurus]

Hey quincy luv ur vids, that starclassic kicks ass!!!!!!!.

[@skiphoffenflaven8004]

Got new heads today and tuned the pitches to what you have yours tuned. I can dig it. Thanky!

[@drumqtips]

Oh nice! Glad you like them.

[@paranoidpony6861]

My uncle Mike told me that there's only one tuning for drums, but watching videos like this one have taught me different, a lot of it is just fitting the music you're doing. You don't always have to be C, G, D.

[@drumqtips]

Absolutely!

[@peterevans366]

Really good lesson and insight into your approach... Appreciated 👍

[@drumqtips]

Glad it was helpful Pete!

[@ICE9-x33]

I use a tone generator and tune my Toms and snare to the same note and my kick to the 1 in the key I pick. Then I tune my resos to 4ths. I usually tune in C but C# also sounds great. The whole kit sounds “connected” when I tune this way and I can reproduce the exact same sound everytime I go to tune. As much as going by ear is an important part of tuning, the uniform nature of using a tone generator I prefer. On top of that, my ear tuning has improved by using a generator. I just use an aux thru a guitar amp, set it next to my drum and tune normally as the tone plays. The only important thing to know is to not use anything other than the 1st, 4th or 5th in whatever key you choose as to not make the kit minor sounding or else it’ll clash with the music. C, C# and D I’ve found sound the best with drum kits. I go: 14” Snare: (IV F#) 185hz / 246.9Hz 12” Tom: (IV F#) 92.5Hz / 123.5Hz 18” Floor: (IV F#) 92.5Hz / 123.5Hz 20” Kick: (I C#) 69.3Hz / 103.8Hz I use an app called ToneGeneratorEX on iOS(Because it has the decimals in Hz which other generators don’t have, also can save preset tones).

[@drumqtips]

That's awesome. I've never heard of that app but I will definitely check it out. Thanks for sharing Elliott!!

[@ocho611]

i like my floor toms to ring w the bass drum, too. i keep my floors tuned high and tight, with a 26 kick. when you whomp that bass drum, especially with a single hit, placed in a nice breath-y spot and you get a nice overtone from the floors-- man, there's just no other way to replicate that sound.

[@drumqtips]

Great minds "tune" alike:) Thanks for sharing!

[@carrouseltheband]

This was awesome, thank you for the many gems here

[@drumqtips]

My pleasure!

[@ItsNotAXylophone]

I needed this in my life.

[@drumqtips]

I need YOU in my life bro Drew:)

[@archisalcedo7045]

How to tune the bass drum like, for example Bill Stewart? Can you share to us different bass drum tuning techniques?. Nice work Quincy!

[@davidsherley2652]

Great video Quincy - pragmatic and down to earth! Wish I had Tama Star Classics; after years of inspiration from Simon Phillips, they’re my favorite (I have a mix of Yamaha birch & maple customs)!

[@drumqtips]

Yamaha ain't too shabby David:)

[@davidsherley2652]

@@drumqtips agreed; but they’re not in the same league as Tama Star Classics.

[@ChrisTaylor-wh6ei]

Great lesson and great lessons 🙂 I have a question about tuning to notes. What octave are you turning each drum to? I’m guessing: B=E2 HT=G3 FT=B3 S=A3. Any help would be appreciated. Cheers

[@ChrisTaylor-wh6ei]

FT=B2

[@drumqtips]

That’s correct Chris. But I try not to be too rigid about it.

[@ChrisTaylor-wh6ei]

@@drumqtips it’s the first time I’ve tuned to notes and it really helped me find the right ballpark. I then tweaked the hole kit as one by ear and got some great results. Thanks again for the lesson ✌️❤️

[@ryank5115]

Great helpful thoughts thanks

[@drumqtips]

You’re most welcome Ryan!

[@1234papasof]

Best drum tuning lesson ever !!! What about drumhead lifetime?

[@drumqtips]

I appreciate that! I use heads until that start to sound dead.

[@bilhamcobbly2957]

I’ve been experimenting with a more Tony Williams sound,Where he would have the reso heads lower than the top.Much lower.The projected sound comes from the top head.

[@drumqtips]

That sounds very interesting. Maybe I’ll try that at some point to see how it affects the drum’s sound. Thanks for sharing!

[@agardnerist]

Thank you for this tuning video!! I really enjoyed your performances at JEN this past weekend, especially the Roy Hargrove tribute!! You all played beautifully!! Thank you!!

[@drumqtips]

I appreciate that Albutt! That was a special night for sure.

[@schrodinger6596]

Excellent video!

[@drumqtips]

Thank you very much!

[@larrylagoon6405]

great lessons ,, can i ask,what year are the drums,they sound great

[@michaelmonday4452]

I have played guitar for 37 years . I take great pride in being able to play almost any guitar . No matter the quality or price of a guitar . Though practice amps have improved . A cheap guitar is the the same . I make it work on my Les Paul or my Squire start . My point is I try hard to make my 12 inch wuhan china sound great with my cheap drums ( Wow I can not even think of the name brand of my drums ) . My long winded point is that you can not buy sounding good . And it feels better to make junk ROCK or better yet to make it groove .

[@Drumstmd]

Thanks for this very informative video! Can you share what you’re using on your rack tom to prevent snare/tom rash? Brand? Thank you!

[@drumqtips]

It's a tom protector but I don't remember where I got it unfortunately.

[@ivanbamford]

Thanks Q-Tip! Super interesting to hear your approach. Does your rack tom ever make the snare ring too much? Sometimes I tune the drums and am all happy then turn the snare on and am like "no" and adjust the rack tom again to try and limit the snare ring.

[@drumqtips]

Sometimes the tom makes the snare ring or vice versa, but I don't mind the sympathetic ringing between the tom and snare. Thanks Eyevin!

[@grooverto1]

Awesome lesson! I just have one question about point 5. Is the resonant drumhead pitch important when we are talking about adjust the drum to a specific note? Thanks!!!!

[@drumqtips]

Yes I think it is. The resonant head controls the tone of the drum and will determine the general range that you're able to tune the top head. Thanks Roberto!

[@Jazzrob891]

Thank you Quincy! ...what is the note of the resonant head of the snare drum? how do you do if you want to have less "snare wire sound"? ....and..to install an heavier resonant?...

[@drumqtips]

I’m not sure I can distinguish a note from that head actually. I generally tune my snare side head fairly tight and the top head not nearly as tight. I find it helps the drum project and sing with clarity. Thanks for the question.

[@TimSuliman]

I noticed your toms have cast hoops that make them drier, or less sustained. Is this better for jazz in general? Thanks for all the great lessons.

[@drumqtips]

It's all a matter of preference honestly. With my Yamaha drums, I didn't like the way die cast hoops sounded on them so I replaced them with triple-flanged hoops. Thanks for watching Tim!

[@makkrohero59]

May I ask what resonant head you usually use on the bass drum?

[@drumqtips]

I just kept the resonant head that came with the kit.

[@johnryan3374]

Great video. The heads you use will make a world of difference as well. Get the right heads for the type of music that you play. And, don't obsess over exact pitches... it's nearly impossible to tune drums that way. Just do what works best for you.

[@drumqtips]

Absolutely John!

[@mysticalgerald]

Tama Rocks.

[@drumqtips]

AGREED!!

[@Joethedrummer]

Very handy. Thanks.

[@drumqtips]

You're very welcome Joey!

[@rodneymcintyre8544]

How do you tune your snare though? The top vs bottom?

[@drumqtips]

Good question! Not sure why I didn’t talk about that. I usually tune my snare with the bottom head really tight, creating more residence and allowing me to not have to tune the top so tight while still attaining a crisp feel. Hope that helps!

[@rodneymcintyre8544]

@@drumqtips thank you so much

[@friedpicklezzz]

It’s confusing me a bit that some tune the resonant head for pitch, and others the top. I’m not sure what’s right and if it even matters. I’m also not sure what a good ratio between top and bottom is in pitch.

[@drumqtips]

In the end, just toy with your drums to get them to sound their best no matter how you have to tune them👍🏾

[@thibodaux3424]

Great video Q! I've experimented with intervals of 3rds or 5ths in the past but I've always felt like it made the sound too confined to certain types of music or tunes. Or it interferes with the key of a tune sometimes. Have you had similar experiences?

[@drumqtips]

I have experienced that Neal so I either tune up or down slightly to avoid the clash. But it only really applies to modal tunes or ballads. Thanks for watching!

[@jmfs3497]

Nice drum key. Is that the TDK10?

[@drumqtips]

I honestly don't know what the drum key is. lol!

[@Aleul]

Thanks for making this tuning video! All my questions answered and I liked that not really scientific approach!

[@drumqtips]

Glad it was helpful Alexey!

[@blinkbeatbox4582]

the video i was waiting for..

[@drumqtips]

Thanks for being patient my friend :-)

[@ritabrooks9059]

Hi Quincy!! I've been watching your band live at Smalls!! Amazing! Also, what size are your floor toms? It looks like a 16 & 18? Or is it 14 & 16? Thanks for all you do! Rita

[@drumqtips]

Hey Ms. Rita:) My floor tom is 16"X14". Love it!

[@InnocentAbyssinianCat-eb7ge]

If there is to be a comprehensive video on tuning it would have to be in a series of different environments/rooms or even outdoors does the room have reflective sound or not much an empty room or a room full of people plus tuning up with other musicians

[@patxilebrancon5393]

great!

[@wijayabandara9882]

LIKE IT SO MUCH

[@drumqtips]

I appreciate that so much Wijaya!!

[@Tagger0325]

Like it .. tune to music /room . No one way . You're a pro .

[@drummermikeclark]

Snares tight or some gravel?

[@drumqtips]

On the tighter side.

[@embarakasnerekete2749]

k hi Quincy thank you/ I want to take lessons from you when I go to usa in a couple weeks. I ve wrote to you before. please give me a answer, thank you. I am in Brasil now

[@louisdimov8956]

WHEN U BECOME PRO!! THE TECH WILL TUNE YOUR CONCERT TOUR KIT!!!!!!

[@drumqtips]

That's when you know you've made it!! Lol

[@kk-bi9il]

はじめまして

[@drumqtips]

初めまして。このビデオ見てくれて有難うございます。

[@raynoobkac]

High tuned toms always sound way better than low tuned ones,low tuning on toms sounds like crap,at least in my opinion,also your toms sound very good but i think they would sound even better if they were tuned even much higher than they already are

[@drumqtips]

These drums definitely sound good tune up. YOu can hear that in my videos on bebop phrases. Thanks Karlo!

[@NintenDub]

Tuning videos suck. I have a pearl export kit and I've reheaded it and I've never,ever,never in 15 yrs if owning it,have gotten all 3 Tom's to agree and sing in unison despite seeing video of it done online. Most of these videos have great drunsets where they're just quality and they just tune right up. But the explanation is the dumb part. "We want q good roundness of the drums,we want them to sound good"; yea no shit. And than it's all about just making small adjustments. I get it. I just can't make my drums sound the way I want them to. So Im Gunna spend 15-2500 so I never have to deal with this shit again

[@drumqtips]

I agree with you. That’s why I didn’t want to do a tuning video. But as I say in the video, having good drums makes a big difference in how well we can tune drums. Anyway, thanks for your candor.

[@rhabdob3895]

The best way is to pay a guy to do it.

[@drumqtips]

Ha! That's when you know you've made it:)

[@motorcaster57]

I don't know man!!!!

[@drumqtips]

If you don't know, then I don't know either:)

[@NintenDub]

How to tune drums: throw out your shitty druns,and buy real drums.problem solved

[@drumqtips]

🤣🤣🤣

[@dimisle]

Sorry Bro… Kit doesnt Sound well… to high… 🤷🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️

[@drumqtips]

You're welcome to your opinion. Thanks for watching anyway.

[@ericdye8950]

Awesome