How to set a basic snare

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11. What is the function of the snare wires?

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

12. What part engages and disengages the snare wires?

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

13. What is the 'snare bed'?

A) The space between the batter head and resonant head.
B) The metal frame holding the snare wires.
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 make a ringing sound.
B) They will buzz excessively.
C) They will choke the sound.
D) They will break.

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

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

16. What is the purpose of a dampening ring?

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

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

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

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

20. What is the role of the butt plate?

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

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

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

22. What is 'cross sticking'?

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

23. What does 'ghost note' refer to?

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

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

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

25. What is a snare drum case used for?

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

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

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

27. How often should you replace snare drum heads?

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

28. What does 'rimshot' mean?

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

29. What is a 'flam'?

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

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

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

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