How To Tune A Snare Drum EASY & QUICK (Original 2011 Video)

[@domagojcondric2272]

You sir, are the main reason why I'm the happiest person today. I went to the studio and tweeked the snare drum exactly like you did in this video. The result was the most perfect tone I hadn't been able to get for the past 2 years and it was only 16 mins 4 secs away. Every time I heard the snare 'crack' in the mix, I would unconsciously smile from ear to ear. Thank you! This world would be a better place if there were more people like you.

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

That’s SUPER nice of ya, man. Thanks a bunch 🙂👊🏽

[@clintkleyn6107]

Thats a humble musician who can hang with the best,He is an un selfish person handing out all this sound advice.

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

+Clint Kleyn Hey, thanks man. :)

[@halseyballistic]

Clint Kleyn I definitely agree with your words. I stumbled across Mr Brown's KZbin channel and enjoy listening to the advice and wisdom he is sharing. Awesome detail and easy to understand.

[@DamienThornes]

"Sound advice" figuratively and literally!

[@monicajordan35]

@@RobBeatdownBrown can you tell me if you can use one drum key because I only have one drum key please sir

[@michaelfabian2401]

Rob, I bet I've came back and watched this video 20+ times man. I love everything you talk about with the drums! Do you understand how much of an impact you are having with us drummers? You are the man! You make everything so simple to understand and give us all advice and techniques anyone, while making an effort can do! Just wanted to say THANKS again bro!

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

Michael Fabian 20+ times, eh? So YOU'RE responsible for my recent spike in views. lol Thanks for the comment, dude. Glad you've been finding the videos helpful :)

[@endurofoxz9kixass22xwatchd6]

Rob Brown dudecool your zzTopps 0n tuning, collapsed snare batterhead. take a tile gun >>> hi-power hairdryer

[@nodad8763]

Finally a person who actually makes sense, keep up the good work.

[@huhkuntz5106]

I know your not selling anything because your method is elegant, uncomplicated and it works!! Thank you Rob Brown!! Some people are meant to teach, some to play, but you can do both, lucky fella!!

[@CentaurMidwife]

So i commented on another video when I noticed how your voice was causing the snare to buzz. I think your method of tuning is literally putting it in line with your voice as a drummer and musician. Deep shit, I know. Mind blown. Great instruction, sir. Just started got my first kit since spending two plus years on Cajon getting my mind around becoming a percussionist so I'm glad I stumbled upon your videos to get me going in the right direction. DIY for life. Thanks.

[@robertsypherd8534]

Great tutorial! Thanks! What made my snare drum sound really good was turning it over to tighten up the bottom head and discovering all of the pencils my 2 year old pushed into the snare through the air vent hole.

[@arborvitian]

Your tuning stuff is just the real deal man. No rocket science, no BS, just fast results and just the sound you want.

[@gaetanclybouw]

ROB BROWN = HERO! I've tuned 2 drum kits in less than half an hour with your method. You're right tuning is way easier than people think Ö Thanks so much !

[@SlipperySocks]

I believe that you had the greatest ear on tuning snare. And your tom tuning method beats all other Big Dump Heads on youtube. Really appreciate your video Rob.

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

cao minh "Big Dump Heads"...LOL

[@leodyer13]

Rob, I have played drums forever and have always struggled with tuning; spending a ridiculous amount of time tuning. My kit sounds better because of the videos you have shared. I showed my bass player the methods, and he insisted that he try, and the drum he tuned was perfect. The way your videos break everything down allows more time to play and much less rocket science. Cheers to you my friend, and thanks so much for sharing.

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

***** You're welcome, dude. Thanks for sharing!

[@ryan29550]

"Just keep turning until common sense tells you to stop" -Rob Brown. Damn that is some amazing advice

[@Big_C_4205]

Ryan Moen 🤣

[@danielwait839]

Please refer to the "common sense" video

[@thomaswalz3515]

I'm a guitar player... the first drummer that turned my head carefully tuned his snare listening to the overtones in front of each lug... he had such a good ear, he'd tell me my guitar was out of tune, and he was right 100% of the time. He got MS, can't play anymore. His snare sound had that pop you describe, with a touch of garbage can ring... I've been hooked on a good snare sound since. I've played with scores of drummers who don't tune at all... maddening... so many drummers don't tune. Anyway... having been fascinated with drums, I finally was gifted with a mid-quality snare... I now feel like a 1st class spaz, just trying the basic rudiments... oh well.. every journey begins with the first step. My favorite drummer, Wally Ingram, playing with David Lindley... what a crazy kit... but his playing is so musical... so inspired... check him out please.

[@hasuhonmi]

Your the man! Thanks for this. - 20 years of bad snare sound :-D

[@gangelini]

I came upon your videos recently and have been learning a lot from you. I'm an older drummer (66) and I like your style of teaching. You're generous with your knowledge and never inject any ego into your lessons. Thank you very much and continued success man.

[@ΓιωργοςΔημητριου-ι5χ]

Nice tunning method.It always works.I've tried it in any snare,any studio,no matter what heads or the price of the snare.Every snare sounds well and if it's expensive it souns perfect!Rescenly i had a gig and couldn't bring my snare so i played with a very cheap snare(not more than 100 euros).I playen with the second band of the day.I tunned it i half a minute.When i finished tha gig the drummer of the firt band asked me what i did and the same snare he played sounded grrat when i played.I told him to see this video.Thank you very much Rob!

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

Γιωργος Δημητριου That's way cool, man. And you're welcome :)

[@cobbman11]

I've probably watched a dozen hours of drum tuning guides over the years and Rob Brown always nails it like no one else can.

[@madden1247]

Do you know how much this helped? It took one of those crappy snares that come with the set you buy to sounding professional and expensive. You helped leaps and bounds thanks so much man!

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

You're welcome, dude. Thanks for sharing :)

[@bpenny92]

Rob Brown thanks for snaring :P

[@drumfanatik316]

This REALLY WORKS people!!! This is by far the best & easiest way to tune your snre drum and I've been playing & tuning for over 20 yrs!!! It seriously only took me 5 mins. to do this and it even eliminated some of the buzz from when I hit my toms, BONUS!!! Be sure to use 2 keys though, that is really the key because that will give you even tension all the way around!!! This truly made my snare sound so much better!!!

[@Mnelissen1968]

This is probably the BEST instructional video I ever saw in my whole drummers life....and I'm a professional session and studio drummer for 20 Years now.....Rob Brown...You Rock man.....Insane snare sound....and yes even I use the same tune ratio.....no rocket science just common sense.....and I use always my 14x6,5 Pearl Brass Reference snare and with the same method the sound is insane........!!!! Cool man....again and again...very cool.....

[@davidpeavy8544]

My snares have never had the balance of pop, TONE, and snare sensitivity they do now. From mid-level snares to my old faithful '67 Ludwig, they never made me smile like this. The Pearl Steve Ferrone is the sound in my head all these years! Thanks so much!!

[@robertocalderonabogado1427]

I was kind of frustrated with my brand new SJC Alpha snare drum (getting an annoying ringing sound), but after watching the video and tweaking the lugs for a while, I can now sleep in peace. Great advice from Rob Brown; a true professional. Greetings from Ecuador.

[@ChromaBandOfficial]

Works like a charm..tuned a whole set in a rehearsal studio in 20 minutes total and I loved it!Thanks man!

[@oldelectronics70]

Rob where have you been on my life...just kidding. Thank you so much for this excellent video. I'm in my mid 40's and got started this year with the drums. This is kind a of one of my dreams in my life. It's been almost 6 months down the road, I bought my very inexpensive drum kit and at the beginning I didn't know how each of the drum pieces were supposed to sound. In my journey I have learned this is something really up to you liking and playing stile. One of the first things I did was to immerse myself into learning how to tune the drums. You have no idea how many videos I have watched before I found yours. I have to say that only after watching your video I was finally able to tune my inexpensive snare drum, getting the tone and "season" that I like. From all the videos that I have watched yours IS THE BEST. Thank you so much again..

[@natecope4520]

Listen to this man, he is a genius. I followed all his tutorials and within 20 mins, my kit sounded like a totally different set. Amazing!

[@drumfanatik316]

Dude, this was without a doubt the most informative & simple way I have ever heard on tuning a snare drum!!! And I've been playing for 20+ years!!! Every other instructional video is so technical that you lose interest or have forgotten what they're telling you!!! Thanks for posting this!! Can't wait to try it on my Ludwig Black Magic!!!!

[@productofbelgium]

I knew i was right.Most drummer say : 'don't tighten your snare reso head tight!' , but i always say 'crank it up dude' :-) .And you are doing such a great job man ! We should pay or donate on your account for helping the drummers !

[@pjlogan386]

Many thanks Rob , I used your method before. Viewed it again,so simple, went home and tuned my 3snare drums in 15 mins , thanks again Rob. Your the MAN.

[@knowlt007]

Honesty I've tried all the snare drum tuning techniques and THIS by far has gotten my the best results! Thank you! Using two drum keys is the way to go!!

[@JoselitoAcfalle]

Been drumming for 18 years and only now have I got the perfect snare sound. Thank you so much!

[@robbief7947]

God Bless You, Rob Brown! I've been messing with various tuning methods for years, and your technique--so simple, so common sense--worked right out of the box! Showed up at a gig with a backline kit, grabbed a couple of keys, and was literally ready to go in three minutes. Thank you!

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

+Robbie F That's good stuff, right there. Glad the videos helped 🙂

[@gary1961]

I just tuned my six-piece Mapex kit in less than 20 minutes and it sounds 'like a pro.' The difference with a real tight bottom snare skin is amazing. My son has had a session on it too and he really noticed the difference. Great work. Many thanks from England.

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

Nice, dude! I really think drums sound their best when them suckas are left wiiiiiiide open. At least that's how I like mine. At best, I might cut a MoonGel in half and stick it on the snare if it's ringing too much in the mic. Other than that, I don't use any muffling on any of my drums unless I'm in the studio and the recording calls for it. Glad it helped, man :) Greetings from Toronto, Canada.

[@47Robbi]

Rob Brown Hey Rob Thanks for all the help, I like your style quick and easy, get it done. Here is my problem. I'm a left handed drummer (left hand crossed over to the hi-hat) I'm trying to get my right hand strong and confident. Can you help me out.

[@joelboudreaux2920]

Mr.Rob Brown you are one talented musician an you do understand drums more than anyone I ve ever heard. I have been playing drums most of my life I started when I was 6 yrs old an I m now 65 . I always tried to get a snap or a strong pop sound from my snare I play a 14 by 6 tama metal snare an always had a slight ring or echo sound. I tried muffles pinstripe heads tape even drum dials which are a little expensive to draw the heads down evenly but your method is actually the best an quickest method my snare has never sounded this good

[@peroujuana]

Even if I'm french, I've understood all what you said and I'm so happy to FINALLY have a method to tune my snare !!! Everything you've said is clear and precise and that's what I needed. Thanks a lot !

[@tomislavtomc9584]

This tuning method is awsome !!! I tried it out today and it really works ! I tuned the snare drum in no time, without any fine tuning and it sounds amazing !! Thank you very much for this video, you are the man ! :D

[@TheHudson601]

Did this at my rehearsal last night. Worked fantastic and I'll do this with all my snares. This dude explains it right.........thanks

[@FakeMessiah94]

Everyone one of your tuning video's is brilliant, had instant results following the steps in each one. Absolute life saver haha

[@dizzytoledo]

Thank you so much Rob for all your tuning techniques. They have not only made a big difference in my sound but my playing. U Da Man!

[@trungtin135]

Thanks man! Finally there is someone who doesn't make it like science. simple and quick. but super good. I like your sound man!

[@davidcarbonnel6396]

THANK YOU SO MUCH ROB! I have been drumming self taught for over 20 years, I have just tried your technique this morning, IT JUST WORKS, I got a great clean sound in under 2 minutes. I could just FEEL the drum you know, I intuitively knew where I wanted to take it just by hand, then a small adjustment at the end, and VOILA PERFECT!! Thanks dude, all your videos are great, you are my N°1 go to guy. (Also shout out to the 80/20 drummer, rdavidr and Creative Sound Lab!)

[@tommychong3651]

Thank you for posting your videos on here. Your the only one that made this quick and simple. I watched multiple videos and I never got it right, I watched yours, it was much easier and sounds how i want it.

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

Tommy Chong Wicked. Glad it helped you out, man.

[@DouglasRoss1]

2Keys.... Brilliant! ........ and to go by feel. After just now trying this with both of my snares; they sound great, better than ever! Something I've struggled with for years. Thank you.

[@agcccggrr]

Wow, I wish I had Rob as my teacher when I was a kid many many moons ago. I'm thoroughly enjoying your videos and learning a lot. A great teacher and performer. That is rare!

[@stephaniecrabbe7562]

great info for beginners so we don't get discouraged by hour long videos of fluff. Thank you so much. subscribed

[@mcbo]

Man.... Thanks for your vids!!! I recently bought my new Paiste PST 7 set because of your video review and now I'm finally tunning my 12" snare and getting the sound I was looking for!!! THANK YOU!!! KEEP THE VIDS COMING!!!!

[@gitardiva]

Not a drummer, but I've always wondered about tuning snares. Thanks for making it so simple to understand that even I could do it. :)

[@johnny5.56]

I always tuned my snare evenly and never quite got the sound i wanted but man, did this work magic, thanks man, love your videos, keep it up!!!

[@Gitarzan66]

Your videos have been very helpful to me as I learn how to set up my sons kit. It sounded like crap when I got it for him at Xmas. The stock cymbals actually had wrinkles in them. The first thing I did was got a set of Zildjian ZBT's and Evans clear heads all the way around including an EMAD for the floor tom. I put a Pure Sound pro 24 steel on the snare. I added a Gibraltar No leg hi hat and a double tom stand for the off set look. Last I added a couple boom cymbal stands. I've been working at the tuning per your instruction and the difference is night and day. It sounds killer compared to before. I just wanted to thank you.

[@salvatordxpts95]

thankyou so much rob, man i will use this skill for life i just watched your video right now and i just tuned my snare drum about 5 minutes ago and it sounds awesome i did everything you said in the video and my snare has never sounded any better. best luck for you in the future man, keep drumming and again thankyou so much :)

[@drumtavo]

HEY MAN ! THANKS A LOT ! I watched the video & the next day tried this and the results were unbelievable !! I have a $800 snare and I wasn't totally happy with it but after trying your system! I just feel like I'm flying every time I play it haha!!! CHEERS DUDE !!

[@robertfaubion1311]

Thanks Rob! Your tom tuning video was great and so I figured I'd try your snare tuning method. My snare finally sounds exactly the way I want and it only took a few minutes! Thanks for all the time you spend producing videos. They are much appreciated and your teaching style is A1!

[@djdb72]

I have always had ppl compliment me on my snare sound but this trick made my snare sound incredible. Thanks been playing for a long time and I will tune this way forever now thanks for this vid and my sensitone thanks you

[@amadeushack3167]

Once again THANK YOU ROB!!! That was simply AMAZING!!! I did it EXACTLY how you demonstrated and my Yamaha Steel snare sounds INCREDIBLE!!!!

[@crearte1]

Simply the best snare drum tuning video here at youtube, thanks a million man.

[@studiofunkify]

Nice job Rob. I've been playing and tuning for many years and everyone has their method. Most players you see on here have turn it into a science class, but you simplify the process with your method....very cool. Nice groovin' too!

[@slipcapking9864]

I honestly thought this was a goof at first -"Tune a snare in 2 mins" with 16 mins+on the camera timer. Really glad it wasn't. Anywho, I play,but it's been a while.I never thought of hittin up youtube for tutorials and tricks.Yours was the first I saw and I have to say that your tuning technique is on point. You know how it gets-jammin-drummin&drinkin' for hours and all these snapcrackpiggitypop sounds play in your head? I could never find 'em-but thanks to you, my wife's missingme again :)

[@colourfulwithaU]

Just did this in the middle of the night. First thing in the morning we'll see how well it really worked. I cranked that bottom head really tight, because you said it makes the wires more sensitive, and I love me some sensitive wires. Especially for them tight, quiet little pocket funk grooves...

[@JYKelly]

Rob- I just tuned my entire drum kit (Pearl Masters BRX) using your method and it's nothing short of a revelation. You have boiled something that has become this huge complicated thing down to it's simplest parameters. Cheers!

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

Darch Yeeeah, man. Cool stuff! Thanks for checkin' out the videos and I'm glad they were able to help you out. :)

[@lolodrums]

Best easy explanation on youtube on how to tune a snare drum........thanks ROB , you are an amazing player too!

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

Thanks! Glad it helped you out :)

[@brohamilton7512]

These are the first drum tuning vids (toms, bass drum, snare) that gave me a practical, sensible base to start from..little tweaks here and there after arriving at your basic sound..incredible. Now, if I could play drums like you it would matter a helluva lot more : ) (right on)

[@voluntarybutlertv]

Wish I'd seen this video 10 years back!! Such a simple and great method. Been using it for a year now - but just re-watched. Thanks & great videos

[@garrypurchaseartist7313]

Just wanna say man, i love the way you simplify things, remove all the bullshit and just keep it real. It's been a massive help to me. My kit thanks you.

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

That's completely up to you, man. You're probably going to want something slightly more in the medium to med high range to cut over all them guitars so again, start with the bottom and tune it right up nice and tight, then go around the top maybe 1 1/2 to 2 full turns and play it. Then just make your adjustments from there. 'Course I don't know what size your snare is. Anything 6 to 8" deep might require an extra turn to two of the top rods to tighten it up.

[@1996rulez]

AWESOME tuning video! Works like a charm and is completely fool proof! Easy to do and now my snare sounds professional. My band loves it!

[@LittleSwung]

Hi Rob, I have just tried your method and it works for me amazingly!! I was a really bad tuner man and now my snare sounds pretty well, thank you very much indeed from Spain!!

[@rhythmantic]

That was a very practical and clear method for tuning, Makes a lot of sense, especially with the illustration of the untuned top head to put across the concept. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@BHAKTIBROPHY]

You're a fabulous teacher! Thank you. I really love your style of playing, too!

[@stevenbrija4785]

Wow this is the one thing I needed for my snare. I just needed to know which head gets tuned higher. Now my crappy snare finally sounds good! Thanks!

[@Takes680]

You are a genius i have been trying to get my 80s tama swingstar kit to sound good finally my snare sounds like a snappy beast and the ringing when i hit toms has stopped u r a tuning god thank you thank you thank you fan forever

[@igorcarl]

Your series on how to tune the drums is very helpful. I am a guitar player and managed to tune my son's drums very quickly using your method. Thank you very much!

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

@bobbydinamita 'Ghost' notes or 'grace' notes as some people call them are the softer, quieter notes that we play inside of the louder main strokes within a groove or fill or whatever to sort of fill in the spaces.

[@paulh3479]

Great video. Just recently purchased a drum set, first time I'd played in 15+ years. Your method worked well for me, thanks.

[@robesquivel9580]

Thanks, Rob: thank you for taking the "mystery" out of tuning your snare. Always CLEAR AND SOUND ADVICE. Greetings from Eski in Acapulco.

[@TheCardsharp]

This is an amazing tip! I've been playing the drums for years but ironically I haven't mastered the art of tuning. I used your tips, and although it didn't take me two minutes my snare sounds 95% exactly what I've been expecting from a snare. Thank you for this tip; you rock!

[@OffTheRecordBandOTR]

Picked up a used but very good condition Pearl Masters Maple snare, 14x5.5. Put new heads and snares on it. Have been trying to get it sounding "phull" and "phat". Have tried other folks tuning suggestions but no luck getting that sound I am looking for!!!! UNTIL!!!!! I watched your video and thought how can this guy get his snare sounding like that with such a simple process, then I tried it, HOLY COW! I found that sound I was looking for and don't have snare buzz or overwhelming overtones!!!! It sounds great!!!! This process is great and so simple even a caveman can do it!!!!!! LOL! Thanks for the help!!!!! I also subscribed to your channel!

[@SuperPhantom6]

Got my son’s first pearl snare drum tuned very quickly. Thank you, amazing video!

[@stevelacey8663]

Good tuning can make all the difference in the world. Something I always struggled with. Great video. Very informative. Very helpful.

[@kurtabel898]

Thanks a lot for this demo man, I've watched tens of videos on tuning snares but haven't been able to get it right until I watched this. Very well done! thanks heaps!

[@wikuslombard6373]

As always. Straight from the horses mouth. No frills. It works!!! Thanks Rob

[@KSDrumful]

Wow...Rob Brown's videos are probably the most helpful drum vids I've seen on YT. (Not to mention his performance vids; he is a monster player, too!) Thanks so much for sharing all of this knowledge.

[@dannymart5582]

Thanks bro u are the best , i loss like 11 years try to tunning a snare thank u so much and God bless u

[@emscar_]

I really wish that I saw this video a long time ago. You are honestly a genius on tuning. This is a great video!

[@barrylwinn]

looks like you're getting fantastic action off the top head - even when it's extremely loose. beautiful.. thanks Rob.

[@chapoteao194]

OMG MY DRUMS ARE CHEAP AND THEY SOUND INCREDIBLE WITH YOUR TECHNIQUE!!! REGARDS ALL THE WAY FROM PUERTO RICO!!!

[@Pilldickle]

Thanks a ton! What a great method. Of course I spent 2 hours looking around my house for a second drum key... But the tuning was a 2 minute job.

[@fulegutten]

Thanks Rob! Actually made my day as a drummer a whole lot easier. Appreciate you for taking time to teach us this great method. Peace

[@UTTERKAOS1994]

Dude, thank you so much! Using this and your tom tuning method made my kit sound awesome. All the other tuning methods are so freaking complicated and most of them don't even work.

[@whiskeyrock73]

thank you so much for your vids Mr. Brown. I was dreading having to retune my set cause i was taught a much more complicated method, but i watched your vids and had my 6 peice ready to go in about 30 mins. Thanks!!!

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

+John M. Wicked, man. Glad to hear it 🙂Thanks for watchin

[@1010TheRocker]

Best instructional video I have ever seen, hands down.

[@KinProductions]

I love you so much right now. I've been so frustrated with my snare for so long now.. . . . I'll be honest, I wasn't sure if I should stretch my bottom head too much, mostly because I broke one before doing it.

[@austynmoffat]

dude this is amazing i could never tune a snare and my snare sounds perfect when I tuned it and it sounded perfect I screamed so loud my neighbors could here me! so exitied bro! THANKS SO MUCH!

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

Depends on what's causing it. Could be annoying to trace the problem. If its on the kit, one of your toms could be triggering it. If so, you'll have to try and isolate the culprit and tune it up or down a bit. If it's off the set and buzzing, might either need a bit of muffling on the top head, or a slight re-tuning. Excessive buzz is set off by a frequency on either your toms or right in the drum shell. If not fixed by a re-tune or muffing, try repositioning or replacing the wires.

[@CliveRobertKennedy]

bass drum was so good, i ended up watching them all... great stuff Rob

[@plaanett]

thank you very much for your easy to fallow demonstration. i have finally tuned my cheap pearl snare. Going to buy a better head as well. But it now sounds so nice that i don't need to rush to get a new snare head

[@je36]

yeah! been watching a lot of drum tuning tutorials and i have tried them all, your's is the best way around! thanks!

[@kaseywarner1419]

Wow! You're technique really brightened up the sensitivity that I was looking for in my snare! Thank you very much Rob Brown for sharing your tips and knowledge with the drumming community. Keep on jamming you sound great!

[@Grmo19]

This helped a lot. My tuning still needs a lot of work, but I've got a much better sense of what to do now. I liked the part you mentioned about sensing the tension, and not using a method. It's a lot easier to get a feeling for the drum when you pay attention to how it feels, I think. Thanks for making this :D

[@oh_rhythm]

I love your straight up no BS approach. I find myself frustrated every time I try and tune my drums. Thanks!

[@mickgill7960]

Rob,Thanks for telling the emperor (Us Drummers) that we are not wearing any clothes!I think we all have fallen in to the Tuning mystical trap,and needsed someone like yourself to give us a reality check!Once again thanksMickEngland

[@drummerchamp1]

Man, I really needed this! Finally, I can get the sound I'm looking for! I am trying this tomorrow!