How to set a basic snare

1. What is the primary purpose of a snare drum?

A) To produce a low, resonant tone.
B) To solely keep time.
C) To replace the bass drum.
D) To provide a sharp, crisp backbeat.

2. What is the first step in setting up a snare drum?

A) Position the snare stand.
B) Place the snare on the floor.
C) Tighten the snare wires.
D) Tune the batter head.

3. What part of the snare drum rests on the stand?

A) The batter head.
B) The throw-off lever.
C) The snare wires.
D) The drum's bottom hoop/shell.

4. What is the 'batter head' also known as?

A) The bottom head.
B) The snare head.
C) The top head.
D) The resonant head.

5. What is the 'snare head' also known as?

A) The impact head.
B) The batter head.
C) The resonant head.
D) The top head.

6. What is the purpose of tuning the snare drum?

A) To prevent damage to the drum.
B) To make it easier to carry.
C) To achieve the desired tone and resonance.
D) To make it louder.

7. Which head is usually tuned higher, the batter or resonant?

A) Depends on the weather.
B) Batter head.
C) They are always tuned the same.
D) Resonant head.

8. What tool is used to tighten or loosen the tension rods?

A) A drum key.
B) A wrench.
C) A screwdriver.
D) Pliers.

9. When tuning, what pattern is generally recommended for tightening tension rods?

A) Clockwise pattern.
B) Star pattern.
C) Random pattern.
D) Counter-clockwise pattern.

10. What does 'even tension' refer to when tuning?

A) Each tension rod being tightened the same amount.
B) The resonant head being tighter than the batter head.
C) Only tightening the rods on one side.
D) Using different types of tension rods.

11. What is the function of the snare wires?

A) To dampen the sound of the drum.
B) To create a buzzing sound when the drum is struck.
C) To hold the drum together.
D) To protect the resonant head.

12. What part engages and disengages the snare wires?

A) The tension rods.
B) The snare bed.
C) The throw-off lever.
D) The butt plate.

13. What is the 'snare bed'?

A) The metal frame holding the snare wires.
B) The space between the batter head and resonant head.
C) The area on the batter head you strike.
D) Indentations in the shell where the snare wires sit.

14. What happens if the snare wires are too loose?

A) They will buzz excessively.
B) They will choke the sound.
C) They will break.
D) They will make a ringing sound.

15. What happens if the snare wires are too tight?

A) They will choke the drum's resonance.
B) They will increase the drum's volume.
C) They will buzz excessively.
D) They will break.

16. What is the purpose of a dampening ring?

A) To adjust the snare wire tension.
B) To make the drum louder.
C) To protect the batter head.
D) To control overtones and sustain.

17. Where is a dampening ring typically placed?

A) Underneath the snare wires.
B) Around the drum shell.
C) On the batter head.
D) On the resonant head.

18. What is a common material used for snare drum shells?

A) Wood or Metal.
B) Glass.
C) Plastic only.
D) Rubber.

19. Which is NOT a common wood used for snare drums?

A) Maple.
B) Mahogany.
C) Pine.
D) Birch.

20. What is the role of the butt plate?

A) Dampens the resonant head.
B) Secures the snare wires on one side.
C) Tensions the batter head.
D) Attaches the drum to the stand.

21. How does the depth of the snare drum affect its sound?

A) Shallower drums always have more sustain.
B) Depth has no effect on sound.
C) Deeper drums generally have more resonance.
D) Deeper drums are always higher pitched.

22. What is 'cross sticking'?

A) Hitting the snare wires directly.
B) Using two drumsticks simultaneously.
C) Striking the rim with the shoulder of the stick.
D) Placing a stick across the snare drum.

23. What does 'ghost note' refer to?

A) A note played on the rim.
B) A note that is intentionally missed.
C) A very quiet, subtle note.
D) A loud, accented note.

24. Why is it important to protect a snare drum during transport?

A) To prevent damage to the shell, heads, and hardware.
B) To prevent it from getting stolen.
C) To maintain its tuning.
D) To keep it clean.

25. What is a snare drum case used for?

A) Protecting the drum during transport and storage.
B) Amplifying the drum's sound.
C) Dampening the drum's vibrations.
D) Replacing the drum stand.

26. What can be used to clean a snare drum shell?

A) A soft cloth and drum cleaner.
B) Abrasive cleaner.
C) Steel wool.
D) Water only.

27. How often should you replace snare drum heads?

A) Every year.
B) Only when they break.
C) Every month.
D) When they become worn or lose their tone.

28. What does 'rimshot' mean?

A) Striking the rim and head simultaneously.
B) Striking the head near the rim.
C) Muffling the drum with your hand.
D) Striking only the rim.

29. What is a 'flam'?

A) A single, loud note.
B) Two notes played very close together.
C) A silent beat.
D) A type of drum fill.

30. Besides a drum key, what else might be useful to have in your snare drum setup kit?

A) Cooking oil and a sponge.
B) A vacuum cleaner and polishing cloth.
C) Duct tape, extra snare wires, dampening gel.
D) A hammer and nails.

Created with That Quiz — where test making and test taking are made easy for math and other subject areas.