Re: Snare Tuning 101
It really depends on the sound you are going for. If you're going for a Rise Against kind of sound, good attack, good volume, tight, not a ton of sustain or snare sound I can help.
The top head is going to set the actual note for the snare. Most people crank it down pretty tight for rock, and particularly for heavier stuff. Be careful, because cranking it literally as tight as it can go can "choke" the snare. This means that you deaden the sound.
The bottom head should be tuned pretty tight as well, although usually most people keep the bottom head slightly looser than the top head. If the bottom head is too loose the snares won't work properly. The Drum Tuning Bible online talks about leaving the resonant (bottom) head pretty loose, but I have found that doesn't work that well for rock.
As for the snare themselves, you'll also want those pretty tight to give a nice tight, articulate sound.
It kind of sounds lame that you are just tuning the thing pretty tight, but for a tight, fast, strong sound that's what you need.
Looser tunings are more for a jazz, lighter rock, etc...
Jesse
1986 Tama Crestar - Lacquered Piano White
2016 Roland TD-25K
2015 Tama Starclassic B/B - Indigo Blue Sparkle
Bookmarks