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 provide a sharp, crisp backbeat.
C) To solely keep time.
D) To replace the bass drum.

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

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

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

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

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

A) The resonant head.
B) The top head.
C) The snare head.
D) The bottom 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 make it easier to carry.
B) To make it louder.
C) To prevent damage to the drum.
D) To achieve the desired tone and resonance.

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 screwdriver.
C) A wrench.
D) Pliers.

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

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

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

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

11. What is the function of the snare wires?

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

12. What part engages and disengages the snare wires?

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

13. What is the 'snare bed'?

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

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

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

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

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

16. What is the purpose of a dampening ring?

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

17. Where is a dampening ring typically placed?

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

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

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

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

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

20. What is the role of the butt plate?

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

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

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

22. What is 'cross sticking'?

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

23. What does 'ghost note' refer to?

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

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

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

25. What is a snare drum case used for?

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

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

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

27. How often should you replace snare drum heads?

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

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 silent beat.
B) A type of drum fill.
C) A single, loud note.
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) Cooking oil and a sponge.
B) A hammer and nails.
C) A vacuum cleaner and polishing cloth.
D) Duct tape, extra snare wires, dampening gel.

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