How to Replace and Tune a Snare Drum Head

Last Updated: December 23, 2021

Playing percussion is fun, exciting, and very rewarding. Listen to most any funk or rock record and you'll hear the drummer at the forefront. But, how does he sound so clear? How do they make their snare drum sound so crisp and clean? Outside of the often grandiose production and editing, the music starts from nothing but the barebones of the instrument. As with any string instrument you can name, drums need proper care and tuning as well. It's easier than you think, this article will show you how.

Steps

1
Place snare drum on a flat surface
2
Loosen (counterclockwise motion) the nuts and bolts around the rim of the head.

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3
Take rim and head off.
4
While there are dozens of head producing companies, be sure to get a snare head. Any other kind of head will cause the snare to not sound as it should.
- Most heads have size and information ("snare, tom, timpani head" etc.) on the back of the package. Examine the package for a minute to see if it is the proper head for your snare drum.
5
Place new head atop the drum and line up the nuts and bolts.
6
Begin to screw the bolts into the grooves provided on the side of the snare (not too tight but tight enough to adjust for proper tuning).
7
Tuning a drum must be completed in a very specific manner. As you see in the picture provided, the drum key is at what would be 12:00. To tune properly, go clockwise and across (12:00-6:00, 1:00-7:00, 2:00-8:00 etc.). The reason for this is so that all ends are evenly tightened so that the head is leveled physically and sonically.
8
Place snare on stand and play away!

Community Q&A

Question

What supplies do I need to change a snare drum?

Anna Chen

Community Answer

You would need a new drum head, a drum key, and a pair of snare drum sticks to test the tightness. Oh, you also need a snare drum.
Question

Should I use Evans or Remo heads?

Community Answer

I would say Remo. They last longer when they get tuned, and if you get real skin drum heads, they sound a lot better with Remo.