Bass drum
Introduction
The bass drum is a large percussion instrument that produces a note of low definite or indefinite pitch. Bass drums are percussion instruments and vary in size and are used in several musical genres. Three major types of bass drums can be distinguished. The type usually seen or heard in orchestral, ensemble or concert band music is the orchestral, or concert bass drum (in Italian: gran cassa, gran tamburo). It is the largest drum of the orchestra.
History
The bass drum is derived from the drums used in the military and orchestral music settings of the 19th century. The design of the modern bass drum is inspired by the original Turkish drums that were brought to Europe in the 18th century. The Turkish drums were used to support the trumpet-and-drum ensembles of the time and were often quite large.
Design and Structure
A bass drum is typically cylindrical with the diameter much greater than the height. There is normally a struck head at both ends of the cylinder. The heads may be made of calf skin or plastic and there is normally a means of adjusting the tension either by threaded taps or by strings. Bass drums are built in a variety of sizes, but size does not dictate the volume produced by the drum. The pitch and the sound of the drum are determined by several factors, including the type and construction of the drum shell, the type of drum heads it has, and the tension of these drumheads.
Playing Techniques
Bass drums can be played in a number of ways. Depending on the music setting, they can be struck with a drum stick, mallet, or even a bare hand. Some genres of music, particularly heavy metal and punk rock, require the drummer to play rapid sequences of bass drum notes, which can be achieved using several different techniques, such as the heel-toe technique or the swivel technique.
Types of Bass Drums
There are several types of bass drums, each with its own unique sound and application. These include the concert bass drum, the kick drum, the marching bass drum, and the pitched bass drum. Each of these drums has a specific role in the type of music it is used in, and each requires a different technique to play.
Concert Bass Drum
The concert bass drum is a large drum that is used in orchestral or concert band music. It is typically struck with a large, soft mallet, and is used to create a deep, resonant sound.
Kick Drum
The kick drum, also known as the bass drum in a drum kit, is used in many different genres of music, from rock and pop to jazz and blues. It is typically played with a foot pedal and is used to provide the basic rhythm in most styles of music.
Marching Bass Drum
The marching bass drum is used in marching bands and other similar ensembles. It is typically worn on a harness and played with two mallets.
Pitched Bass Drum
The pitched bass drum is a relatively new addition to the percussion family. It is similar in appearance to the concert bass drum, but has a set of tuned strings inside that give it a definite pitch when struck.
Use in Various Genres
The bass drum is used in a variety of musical genres, from classical to popular music. In a symphony orchestra, the bass drum is used to accentuate climaxes and to provide a solid rhythm. In popular music, the bass drum is often used to keep time, and in jazz ensembles, it is used to keep the swing.