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How to Play Percussion Instruments

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Updated: February 21, 2018

One of the rewarding aspects of being a percussionist is that you can develop a core
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set of techniques and then apply that knowledge to a wide array of different
instruments. For example, virtually the same techniques and sensibilities are used to Learn to Play the Concert Snare Drum
Learn to Play the Concert Bass Drum
play the bass drum, the snare drum, the timpani, and all kinds of mallet percussion
Learn to Play the Timpani
instruments. The guide below will cover some of the key aspects of playing each of
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these major instruments. Learning how to play percussion instruments like these will
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allow you to excel in any symphonic or orchestral setting.

Method
Learn to Play the Concert Snare Drum
1

1 Grip the sticks properly. For playing the concert snare drum, the accepted grip is the matched grip. Pinch
each stick between your thumb and pointer finger about a third up from the butt. Wrap the other 3 fingers
loosely around the butt for control.

2 Keep your stroke style closed rather than open. When learning elementary strokes or playing marching
percussion, the tendency is that rolls, flams, and drags are played in an "open" style, meaning that each
stroke is distinct. When playing concert snare drum, however, strive to close your multi-stroke rudiments as
much as possible. This style of playing is more lyrical and blends better with orchestral or symphonic music.

3 Play confidently yet softly. Because the snare drum's sound is such a tight, percussive "crack," it projects
well even when played softly and can easily overwhelm fellow musicians if played loudly. For this reason,
listen to fellow musicians and play at a slightly lower dynamic level than you think you need to. You can produce
a softer sound from the snare drum by playing near the edge of the head.

Method
Learn to Play the Concert Bass Drum
2

1 Prepare a range of different mallets. Unlike the snare drum, the concert bass drum requires a range of
mallet densities for different passages and styles of music. At the least, keep 1 soft bass drum mallet and 1
medium-hard mallet.

2 Get into the proper playing position. Ideally, the bass drum should be slanted so that the head is at
about a 45 degree angle to the ground. Hold the mallet with your dominant hand and place your other palm
gently onto the head of the drum. Strike the head just off-center with the mallet and vary the pressure with your
other hand to muffle the drum as needed.

3 Pull the sound from the drum. When playing a concert bass drum it is important that the sound properly
resonates and fulfills its roll in a piece of music properly. In order to convey the low-pitched sound of the
drum to the audience try striking the drum in a "scooping" motion as if you are pulling the sound from the drum.

4 Follow through on each stroke. Because the bass drum's head is loosely tensioned and does not provide
much rebound, the tendency is to strike it and leave the mallet against or near the head. Instead, make a
 conscious effort to follow through on each stroke just as you would on a snare drum or tom, returning the mallet
to its playing position as quickly as possible.

Method
Learn to Play the Timpani
3

1 Grip the mallets properly. The timpani is alone among percussion instruments in that the standard grip is
the French grip. This grip is similar to the matched grip, except that the palms are at right angles to the
floor. Studying and using this grip will facilitate quick and graceful changes between each drum with minimal
arm movement.

2 Develop an ear for tuning. Perhaps even more important than playing the correct rhythms on timpani is
tuning the drums correctly. Timpani heads are tightened and slackened using foot pedals, and you will
need to be able to retune drums silently during a piece of music. This can be done by quietly humming into the
drum head - when the drum is tuned to the pitch you are humming, you will hear it resonate back.

3 Use only open-style, single-stroke rudiments. A major error in novice timpani technique is playing
closed-style buzz rolls (like you would on a concert snare drum) or playing double-stroke rolls or "diddles."
All rolls and ruffs played on the timpani should be single-stroke, where you alternate your left and right hands
evenly.

4 NEVER strike a the drum in its center. You want a timpani to resonate. If you strike the center you will
simply hear a thud in contrast to the full sound the timpani is known to produce. It may seem unimportant
but the timpani is an integral part to many classical pieces and needs to be heard.

Method
Learn to Play Mallet Percussion Instruments
4

1 Develop a rear-fulcrum grip. The proper grip for mallet percussion instruments like the marimba, the
xylophone, and the glockenspiel is a variation on the matched grip. Instead of pinching the mallet between
your thumb and forefinger to create the fulcrum, squeeze the butt of the mallet gently with your ring finger and
pinky. Your other 3 fingers are then wrapped loosely around the mallet to provide extra control.

2 Use the appropriate mallet for each instrument. Each mallet percussion instrument requires a different
type of mallet to sounds its best and remain undamaged. The marimba is played with soft yarn mallets, the
vibraphone with hard yarn mallets, the xylophone with rubber or plastic mallets, and the glockenspiel with plastic
or brass mallets.

3 Blend with the section you are accompanying. Unlike other percussion instruments, whose parts are
not duplicated in the rest of the ensemble, mallet percussion parts often duplicate passages that are being
played by wind or string instruments. For this reason, it is important to listen carefully to the ensemble and try to
blend well with the other instruments playing your part.

Community Q&A

Question

I have elementary band percussion tryouts TOMORROW. My heart is set on percussion. What do I do?

Community Answer

Tap rhythms constantly, such as quarter notes and eighth notes, to improve your sense of rhythm. You should have
no difficulty getting into percussion since it is elementary band and they won't be expecting much. Source: I'm a high
school sophomore percussionist that has been in band since 6th grade.
 Question

I have a middle school tryout tomorrow, but I don't have a percussion instrument and many people are trying
out. What should I do to make it in?

Community Answer

Make sure you know how to read basic sheet music (treble and bass clef) and can count. Counting is crucial for
percussion. If you have your music, practice by counting and clapping with your hands, and saying the note names
aloud. Remember, the people at the tryout are looking for students that are serious, hardworking, and most
importantly, teachable. Be confident and you'll do great!

Question

How are percussion instruments used?

Community Answer

Some would say they keep the tempo of the band, and keep everybody in time. However, percussionists can also
introduce themes, be soloists, or do anything else that another instrument can.

Tips

If your percussion part calls for playing numerous different instruments like the triangle and the tambourine, make
sure that these instruments are nearby and that you can pick them up noiselessly during the piece.
Percussion is all about tempo. Make sure to practice with a metronome to keep time consistently.
Make sure to have a proper grip on the mallet, you don't want to squeeze it too tight but you also don't want it to go
flying across the room while you're practicing a piece.
For in-depth technique development and exercises for each percussion instrument, purchase method books
specifically covering that instrument.
Different instruments require various mallets, sticks, and beaters. Be sure to use the correct tools on your
instrument or you could risk damaging it.

Things You'll Need

Snare drum sticks

Bass drum mallets

Timpani mallets

Marimba mallets