Tuning Toms To Exact Notes - Is It Necessary?

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

*Let me just say for the record that I DO NOT condone trollin’ of any sort ✋🏾😑 But I kinda had fun doing this one 😏 Enjoy the video!*

[@Tekkerue]

Drums don't care about your tuning, change my mind. 😏😂

[@dtsdigitalden5023]

It's an OCD thing. COVID had me doing some repainting, ergo removing light switch covers. Putting them back, I turned all the screws vertically. Just a little touch nobody (but me) would notice. It's a difference that doesn't make a difference. I hear you brother, and I also "get" tuning drums to a particular chord. Cymbals too; I'm always amazed when cymbals match the key of the song! Does it need it? Nah. It's the playing that matters anyway.

[@spinadude]

@Rob Brown 6'28'' Laughed my ass off!!

[@jantorsteinklaussen6158]

I totally agree with you. But I have to say I wish you would tune your rack toms just a tad higher, but that's just me. Btw Still wondering about how you hooked up the ninth mic to the mixer, if you don't mind 👍👍👍

[@dlgirley]

Did not see that coming. I'm going to remake this video using power tools.😁😅😂😁😂😅😂

[@chrisogle001]

Greatest intro of all time.

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

Teeheehee 😏

[@naterace7]

😂😂

[@tahditon9408]

I’ve watch the intro about 20 times already. It’s simply hilarious! 😆👌

[@chrisogle001]

Tahdit On // I commented on this a couple days ago and was back last night watching it again. Lol!

[@GediSpock]

Sometimes I type LOL. But don’t actually laugh. I really did laugh out loud at that intro. Like a kid with a fart joke. 👊😂

[@Tekkerue]

Rob Brown: "I think tuning your toms to specific notes is kinda stupid." Terry Bozzio: * *TRIGGERED* * 😂😂

[@Johnbobon]

I'll bet his tech agrees with uncle beatdown. 😄

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

Stage manager: "We're 2 1/2 hours behind schedule. What the 🤬is the hold up? Keyboardist: "Bozzio's tuning all his 10's"

[@Tekkerue]

@@RobBeatdownBrown do re me fa sol la *_ti_* Terry Bozzio: "nope, still a bit sharp." Stage manager: "I quit." 🤬🤬

[@josephcollura1220]

I’m fifty years old and I’ve been playing drums most of my life. This is one of the best channels on KZbin. I really enjoy Rob’s playing, teaching, input, and enthusiasm. Another quality video. Thank you.

[@finglasvillage]

I’m 50 years old and I just started playing a year ago. This lad is the only one I tune my drums too so ya your right?? I spent nearly 48 hrs solid trying to tune my drums on KZbin, then I found this lad, ffs 48 hrs I was bolloxed and me drums sounded like arse.

[@pyromaestro]

I'm 39 (not a drummer) bought my 10yr old son a gently used Ludwig element kit & put new batter heads on it & spent days going from video to video getting conflicting info on this subject, downloaded tuning apps & drove myself mad just wanting the kit to b right so it would be good for him to learn on & exciting to play. Found this channel from recommendations on Reddit & within an hour had everything sorted & sounding great, the snare was my biggest hurdle but now it's good just a touch of unwanted ring that a single moongel took care of. If not for this channel I'd still be pulling my hair out & my son wouldn't be enjoying his new kit. 🙏

[@ldcsam1]

Rob, that intro just about killed me. I was laughing so hard , I missed the first 2 mins. of the video. I have a D.W. kit and I've never tuned it to the notes on the inside of the shell. I got a new Gretsch USA Custom kit last weekend. No notes on the inside of the shell, just the gray sealer. I've been tuning my drums using the finger in the middle of the head, and tightening the tension rods until the wrinkles are gone. like you show in a previous video. Works great every time. Thanks Rob for all your great videos!!!

[@marniewalinga]

The note on the inside of a DW shell is there to tune the resonant head to that note for the best shell resonance. So its not about tuning the note of the drum to the note thats on the inside of the shell.

[@toebee1952]

Sadly doesn't work with thicker coated heads like Aquarian texture coated, because you don't see the wrinkles.

[@shanefitzgerald517]

I absolutely lost it when he hit the tom and it was a piano hahahahaha

[@VeradoSil]

I could see he was goofing but I didn't know what was coming good joke!

[@firstpitstop]

"I don't care what your grandmom told you, SHE WAS WRONG! " Lol You craked me up with that one... 🤣

[@SkillensMusic]

“Nobody cares!” - My all time favorite reason of them all!! Love it! It is absolutely the truth!! I love the dig on DW too. Having toured the factory and talked to John Good and a few of the folks who build them, the purpose of that stamp is so you know the primary pitch of the drum shell without anything added. You know when your tuning a Tom and you hit that “sweet spot” where the shell just comes alive and sings? You are near that core note and the frequencies are just working better than the rest of the range. That so called “sweet spot” and the core note of the shell are somewhat related. But that’s all there is to it. As you said; there’s a range. And it is absolutely true that nobody cares!! Lol... Keep it focused on rhythm!!

[@MikeBritton138]

Nobaady

[@queenpurple8433]

I care though

[@DG-sf9ei]

Agreed, get em tuned in the sweet spot so they all sound good amongst another and play. Nothing will improve your sound more than working on yourself and with others, instead of an object.

[@sbiegs3885]

That sweet spot depends on the natural frequency of the room too.

[@UnderdogOfficial_tv]

always like to come and check some of your videos, common sense and experience and loads of good tips. good job Rob!

[@DreadPirateBob]

We just picked up a secondhand kit for our kid and this playlist has really helped me immensely. Thank you.

[@bradanderson1442]

I've been tuning my drums the way I learned from you for a long time, and my kit sounds badass always.. Thanks for the vid man... Hope all is groovy..

[@Samos12]

I 100% agree with you. The only thing that confuses me, is... Why does my set sound so good when they are tuned to set frequencies (220 Hz, 330 Hz) and intervals (4ths, 5ths, etc)? I totally agree with your logic, but for an ordinary person like me, tuning to tensions/pitches with a drum tuner, really does make it generally easier to get a consistent sound...

[@jster1963]

It goes back to what you said in another video. "It's not the drums that sound good. It's me." 100% true! I could sit on your set and still sound like an amateur, because that's exactly what I am. And you could sit on my set and sound like a professional, because that's what you are. Great video and thank you very much...

[@EWDrums]

I started watching and was like, WTH...? when you hit the drum, I died laughing!! I watched it a couple more times!!

[@creativeroom365]

He said: “Never sacrifice your snare drum for the sound of your toms.” 🤯 I’ve spent more than two weeks trying to figure out why my snare drum is buzzing every time I hit the toms. I’ve been looking everywhere until I got into this video wow. I hope this knowledge will help me to fix the issue when I get into my studio.

[@dadsderps]

Dude, I SO ENJOYED your take on that whole thing! Not only were you SPOT ON, but very entertaining as well. I got the biggest kick out of some of your analogies. There was absolutely NOTHING for anyone to get angry about in this video, (well, maybe my Grandma, lol) Thank you for the enjoyable take on this much debated subject. I'm in your camp with this all the way! 🥁

[@drumpoet3]

Couldn't agree more, Rob! Always love your videos.

[@clubsndrumz]

Rob - My first introduction to you was your video, "TUNE YOUR TOMS QUICK & EASY!! - TOM TUNING 2018 WORKSHOP". More than removing my frustration as a new drummer not knowing how to to tune my kit and the science lesson a well meaning drummer friend extended, it gave me lasting confidence to tune all my drums and the ability to relate to the excellent points you make here. Great job.

[@jwebby85]

100% correct. Especially about the "Nobody Cares". Tune according to what you like to hear, and in the way that's going to get you there the fastest. i recently changed the heads on the church kit last week for service recording. Took me about 20 minutes to remove all 3 old heads, place the new heads, give them a little stretch, and tune them up to my desired pitches. 20 minutes to reskin the entire kit (minus the kick drum. That one is still sounding amazing) and my sound guy, who also happens to do sound semi-professionally and does recordings all the time, said "The drums sound amazing. I can't wait to record them". Tuning drums is not rocket science. Make sure you're getting a clear tone, and simply your 10 inch tom should be a higher pitch than your 12 and 16.

[@brucejohnston3199]

Just love your presentations Rob. Wether or not we all totally agree they are honest, challenging and refreshing. One of the most humorous presenters ever - that's a compliment as humour adds colour to the subject matter and makes it easier to understand.

[@robbiegrier]

OMG THAT INTRO WAS PERFECT

[@tommyzcat]

Mr. Brown, this is the 3rd or 4th video I've seen of yours (1st one was during Covid lockdown when you reviewed "silent" practice heads and cymbals) and your videos always have positive and relative impact on common drum/drumming issues. Thank you sir!

[@raybennett8399]

Well said I had a moment of insanity I was thinking of buying a tuning toolbut I thought to myself I'm just tuning for my room not for a gig.I found your tutorials for tuning snare Tom Tom's floor Tom's and kick drums are absolutely what I needed. Thank you for the video.

[@willcooperband]

BRUH I LOST IT WHEN YOU HIT THE TOM ANDA PIANO TRIGGERD LMAO

[@tipofelice]

Mr. Rob Brown, you’re a very reasonable man and I like what you play and the sound you get. I’m glad you’re on KZbin. Thanks!

[@ryekani1]

Thanks, Rob. You’re a seasoned musician and an amazing educator; experienced, knowledgeable and FUN to be taught with. 🎉

[@craigjohnchronicles2504]

The piano note when you struck the drum was so perfect.

[@cDisturbed.]

I love how straight to the point you are lol legend 💚

[@jimmysparks1090]

Dude....you kill me! I've been playing for a very long time and am super appreciative of the instruction. That said, I tune in as much for the belly laughs I get. Grandma was wrong.

[@alexandersullivan4346]

That's a relief! Thanks for all the logic Rob

[@GordonBagshaw-GBEnglishClass]

I 100% agree with your points. but you would totally rock Mary Had A Little Lamb, just saying. My first book on drums in high school. Basic for the Untuned Percussion. The only "drum" instrument that I can think of that is tuned is the timpani/kettle drum, but that makes sense because they really resonate and hold the note.

[@jmdrummer7]

Great video, totally agree with all 10 points. I always thought tuning to a certain note was overkill and doesn't guarantee a good sounding drum. Glad somebody finally said it!

[@therev9866]

Thats what I like about your videos. You dont make a rocket science out of everything when it can be done much more the simpler way with the same endproduct. Just like your drum tuning videos, nice and simple with the result the most are looking for not like other complicated videos that make you wanna just leave haha.

[@curtisg7924]

Man you got it all going on. It's a pleasure watching your vids loaded with a wealth of knowledge and experience and topped off with a heavy layer of common sense.

[@garyrice2987]

Thanks!

[@jonathanbormann5077]

This is great. I've always done it by ear, use the "crinkle" method and then dial it in from there. Always gotten compliments since I started doing it that way. I try to keep the intervals between toms appropriate but again, it's all by ear

[@DoruDiaconu]

Simply, great! I am so relaxed now. And the intro is hilarious! All the best!

[@andyracksthecams]

This is why I chose you as my go to KZbin drum guy. You talk sense and lots of it, humour too and you are just way too cool. Great Video. 👍

[@videocast3655]

Im glad I listened till the end. this tuning farce goes all the way back to around 1975 give or take a few years, when a drum store salesman advised me to tune my drums in thirds starting with the bass drum at "G". I used a piano to acomplish this task and when I showed up at my next gig, not one other guy in the band noticed any difference in the drum sounds. so # 11 Rob, if you dont tell anybody, they absolutely wont know. lol good video..

[@barrybebenek8691]

Agree with ya brother. It just doesn’t matter. Early in my playing ‘life’, I tuned to notes for a few years. Man it takes a long time. Then realized that a drum shell has a resonant-sweet spot. THAT is where that thing will sing, regardless of note. (Which can be quite a large range). Make them sound good from one tom to the next, and in turn your kit will sound kick-ass on its own. 🇨🇦👍🏼

[@abheceshabemuskk3531]

This

[@markmitchell4451]

Rob, you killed me with this video dude!😂😂..... I know nothing of notes or scales but i can tell high from low!.... served me pretty well so far!... keep it up dude, absolute gold!🙌

[@MrConfo]

Thanks for this relevant approach that demistify drum tuning, it really helps to turn the keys without mind complications and more than everything, it goes straight to the point. I'm sure this kind of mindset is also a huge source of freedom and happinness when playing, which certainly makes us sound better or at least feel true authentic good vibes, kind of essence of drumming. Your snare sounds so good.

[@edwinruizstudio]

You are the best. Good comedy and learning channel.

[@NittiGriti]

Answered every beginner question I've ever had in two videos

[@markfinney7387]

I love your easy, quick and very practical method of tuning toms as it averts great frustration and needless agony hahaha love your channel man you are the best!

[@patrickfarley8036]

This was dead on! After years of tuning experimentation early on in drumming, at some point I found drums had sweet spots and just about any kit will sound good if you find the sweet spot of the lowest tom and tune the rest of the kit to "First Call" (the trumpet call that lines up horses before a horse race.) all the drums will just sound great! I never play more than a 2 up 2 down kit, usually 1 up 2 down so, with my snares off I tune my snare to the highest tone but when playing with 2 floor and 2 rack I tune them to First Call and the bass and snare to something that just feels right! This way, as you say, you're tuning the drums not to a specific key but to themselves instead. This has worked for me for over 40 years of drumming.

[@JamieDrumz]

Another superb video! Couldn’t agree more. Once I started using your tuning method I’ve never looked back

[@TheFlightsimNerd]

Thanks for all of your videos and hard work, rob. Hope you're healthy and safe.

[@tomtom1484]

Mr. Brown, you have the best videos 😂 especially when your techniques really work! Thank you!

[@derrickfulton7116]

I do use a tunebot and tune to a specific resonance on each tom and a set interval. I do this to eliminate competing frequencies and minimize sympathetic snare buzz and to have systematic way to keep the interval range between Tom's consistent. It is kind of pain staking, but I like the tone I get. I completely agree that it is silly to think that it is melodic or that it has to be a set note. You are absolutely right about range within each tom and I liked the fact that you lead with the snare and work around that, not the the other way around. Love your videos.

[@eddiekidd1760]

Yes this helps isolate different frequencies, but I have found that it has never worked, "in studio"...

[@Viciousverb]

Hey man just wanted to say that I’ve recently started watching your videos and I really enjoy them. They’re really helpful. And you seem real you know? Keep them coming.

[@geraldm7435]

I totally agree! And really laughed out loud in several spots in this video... totally loved the tuning intro to the video! 🤣😂😅😆🤣

[@idig63]

I thumbs-up'd this video 20 seconds in. Lol! Rob, BRILLIANT explanation re tom tuning being a complete waste of time. Just listening and watching you play at master level tells me instinctually to follow whatever you recommend. In all reality, none of us here will ever be half as good as you, at best. If you tell me to eat lima beans, im gonna eat lima beans. Thank you brother Rob for setting this topic straight.

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

Thanks, man. And don't eat lima beans 👋🏽😐

[@persianskeptic4814]

I always have a clear idea of what toms should sound like compared to eachother based on thousands of records and live shows that I heard and I just tune until I reach those notes.

[@johnrhodes747]

Rob is right, the sound of your drums are personal and unique to you, don't try and be some one else. Rock on Rob 🥁

[@Brewkowsky07]

Great video! Tuning by ear is the best way to do things. You'll learn a lot that way. I do own a Drum Dial and a Tune Bot, but they normally sit dormant in a box. Both can be tools to help you along the way, but should be used as tools. I find it helpful most times to tune by ear, and then check tensions with a Drum Dial and use that to fine tune anything that might be off.

[@jaimehernandez5883]

Rob Brown: “Drums are not a melodic instrument.” Terry Bozzio: “Hold my beer!”

[@horseoftroja]

I had a 32 year break from playing drums but got into playing again with the band a use to play with back then (Horse of Troja) I had forgetting most of my drumming skills so I had to start all over again. Like tuning my drums. And then I found you👍 And my life gets so much easier 🤗 So big thank you for all of your great videos. I'm very greatful to have found your videos. Have a great week 😎

[@JohnJohnson-rc6ci]

Good on you Rob. I totally agree with your views here. There are literally too many variables to tune a drum kit to specific notes, without getting into specific issues. Surely thinking people do have some kind of clues on this point. Shalom.

[@sonofelohim9857]

Love how you do it Rob!....... You flow with what you know and pass it down to the rest of us so it stays fun and pleasing...... Thanks my brother......😄👍🏾🙏🏾👏🏾👌🏾

[@turuntashtheboo7681]

You are 1000% right about this!Nothing else to say!Except as you said NOBODY CARES!As allways great video!Thanks, bro!

[@johnjuan6698]

The guys at Sounds Like A Drum would be frothing at the mouth if ever they see this video 😂. Nice explanation Rob!

[@rustybuckets07]

I used to obsess about tuning until I watched your 'wrinkly head/not wrinkly head' tuning vid a couple years back.You lifted a heavy weight off my shoulders back then and I never looked back or worried anymore about it.

[@tahditon9408]

💯% agree. I’ve been tuning my drums on Rob Brown way after saw your tuning video few years ago

[@stixxnstonerz3450]

Being self taught, I was always intimidated about knowing how to properly tune. I have bought tunebots, torque keys, and drum dials. But once i saw Rob Brown's first tuning video, I tried it and never looked back. Next time Rob, pull out the thermometer to see if the drums are feeling well too. Lol

[@jonlindsey8877]

Rob: I think you nailed it!! In my opinion, you're exactly right on all issues!

[@delbert9357]

Best advice in the world and great video. #1 you have to be in time even a non musical person will detect that. #2 Snare get a great one people here it!! #3 Cymbals get great ones people here them!! Great video Rob thanks man.

[@electriceye1734]

Love the intro...you comedic sense of timing is also on point

[@rudyv6100]

I have two different kits, different makes and I use coated heads on the older kit and clears on the new one ...I use your tuning method...simple and easy...when the drum sounds good to my ear , that’s where I leave it..I couldn’t tell you what note it’s tuned to...I don’t care...lol...thank you for making it easy to tune ANY drum...I’ve been hitting them since 1968 and never too old or too late to learn new ways

[@kevinaguilar4487]

You Entertain,,, AND,, Educate,,,, I cracked up at the intro to this!

[@simonedisarro]

You're great! Very interesting contents as always and a couple of laughters here and there...really high standards Rob. Best Drum Channel

[@bigwally8602]

Rob, the single best reason, that sums it up succinctly, that you said is: “Drums are not a melodic instrument, regardless of the fact that you may want to change the tone of a Tom to fit the style of music being played”. Thank you.

[@ppernett1]

Excellent info, I agree. Sounding good is what matters.

[@quadrums3895]

I totally totally totally agree with you Rob! You´ve said (with better words) what I´ve always thought about this topic. Loved this vid!

[@why67152]

#1 did it for me! just subscribed!! 63 here and could not agree more! STILL way rockin!!!

[@gilbertrodriguez5087]

Your drums sound amazing

[@RichieGeno88]

Buddy Rich once said, “You don't tune drums. You tension them.”

[@josteinv.jordet257]

Not only once bud😁

[@aliceborealis]

I am a guitar player who decided a few years ago to try playing drums. So the first thing I wanted to know was, 'how do I tune my drums?' Looking on KZbin, there were countless methods and theories about the subject. I think I tried most of them, but at the end of the day, I think you're right- tune your drums so they sound good to you. Also, I appreciate the tip about not making an adjustment at the snare if you have resonance between it and another drum. That makes sense, and what you said about not tuning to a specific note makes sense too!

[@dosanchoas]

glad SOMEONE said it!!! life-long drummer here, & i've found whole "tuning thing" (including snare) kinda random/hap hazard -dependent on MANY factors!! for most part, i'm HOPING sounds good (& once it does, DON'T "F..." WITH IT!!)

[@gallendrums]

awesome intro,,knocked me for a loop drummer humor

[@yohansegev]

@RobBrown : I think you've made a good point ( in fact at least 10 ) ... however aren't there certain "golden ratios" between the three basic toms in reggae for example? It would be good to know how to find those ratios quickly... Greetings!

[@sixtieskid062]

Gotta agree with you here,Rob. As you said in one of your previous videos, "It ain't rocket science". Keep up the videos.And yes, I have subscribed. :)

[@Andrew3154]

Yeah, DW puts notes value on their shells.That is the resonant frequency of the shell. But as soon as you add hardware, and heads, all bets are off. You are completely correct. Just set them where you like them.

[@Ross_On_Drums]

Laughed out loud at that intro 😆 Did not expect that note. I’ve used a tuning device which I’ll not name here and while it worked great, who’s got time to do that before every gig? I couldn’t be bothered with that every week. The “wrinkle method” is my go-to for tuning the drums quickly and I’ve never had anyone say to me after a show that the drums didn’t sound like they were in the proper notes. Keep doing what you’re doing Rob 👌

[@NWShotStoppa]

“......it hits, it dips and it’s out.....” 👋👋 superb vid Rob, lots of great points. Thank you.

[@forrestcadiz5433]

Your last reason was perfect. I used similar response when ask if I tune my toms to specific note. I was a CB keek back in the day and like using CB codes to reply to questions the were dubious at best. When ask if I tuned to exact note I would respond " that's a big 10/28 on that good buddy" which translate..." obviously you've mistaken me for someone who gives a s..t"😉🎼🎶😎

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

It’ll always be a ridiculous idea to me, man. Regardless of who’s tryin to sell it

[@FreeRPGer]

Well, seeing as I got a new 2nd kit I'm *not* used to yet (a Tama), I've been tampering with the *toms'* tunings, as I've been more used to my '86 Ludwig. I used a Drumdial for the 10" & 12" rack toms, but then with the two floor toms (14" & 16") -- which I was having problems tuning with he rest of the kit -- I did the "just beyond wrinkles thing," & let me tell ya, not only are they in tune with themselves now, but they're in tune with the rest of the kit. I just may have to try that with the 10 & 12 now. Big time saver. Thanks!

[@Herbster41]

Watched your tuning tutorials and now I tune exactly how you instructed. I remember you saying "Don't overthink it." And now I don''t, and I don't worry about it.

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

And I'm sure your kit sounds just fine

[@Herbster41]

@@RobBeatdownBrown They do! And now all I have to do is play! :-)

[@Mudge07]

It’s what divides many drummers from percussionists (leaving aside , marimba , glockespiel and xylophone et al). As you said the tolerance of each drum allows you to find ‘your sound’ whereas the orchestral or ‘line players have to match with either multiple instruments to exactly fit in, or multiple players to match each other; which reinforces their harmony and volume.

[@ocho611]

"i think it's pretty stupid --but i'm gonna be respectful"

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

🤷🏾‍♂️😏

[@AardvaarkTonto]

I think it the Beatles' "Can't Do That" there is a cowbell tuned for the first verse but on the key change you do notice the cowbell doesn't. Toms usually end up playing some sort of five tone scale or part.

[@MrGenedancingmachine]

I remember reading about Levon Helm tuning his toms to the buzz of the fluorescent light in the studio

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

In order to maintain my faith in humanity, I'm gonna choose to believe that was a joke

[@Johnbobon]

@@RobBeatdownBrown 😄

[@MrGenedancingmachine]

Rob Brown no joke, tears of rage was the song

[@alanjamesh.zamorano1677]

Nice intro Rob. Always excellent tips.

[@Batmite61]

Love your honest, no nonsense tutorials. Helpped me alot

[@somethingoutdoors1412]

Mary had a little lamb. Lol straight up broke my side on that. 🤣

[@kaim.8462]

Rob, you made my day with that beginning 😃 great, thanks for that

[@SteelRecordsProducer]

Bro I died when you hit that piano note. Seriously spewed my beer. Hahahahaha. Great channel man b

[@richone10]

ABSOLUTELY HILARIOUS !! You're the best 😂😂🤣🤣

[@overlandteahouse1273]

Nice work here. I spent a number of years playing with my D Dubs and spent hours on pitch...like lots of hours man! Finally I realized that I was trying to create the interval of the conga players (generally a 5th) which I loved so much..got that (kinda?) but ditched the whole 'let's pitch an instrument that is not meant to be pitched". Got good at tuning tho...real good. No words in the studio at all about changing up my kit. We do have "pitched percussion" as a subgroup in percussion. That alone gives you cred.

[@dennislester9395]

Good video, Rob! I would say the Interval between drums does matter. If two toms are only a half step apart they will sound "the same". I've been taught that the smallest interval between any combination of toms should be a Minor Third. Start with the Floor Tom and works UP from there. The wider, the better. Rock on, Bro.