Those who are just starting with drums can be both excited and overwhelmed with so many different types of drums to choose from.
The right drum can make a big difference in your learning experience, helping you build essential skills and keep you motivated as you progress.
In this guide, we’ll provide with the top drum types perfect for beginners, each offering benefits that can shape your drumming style and technique.
We have no doubt this insight will help you make the decision much more easily.
1. Acoustic Drum Kit
An acoustic drum kit is the most common and traditional type of drum set, widely used across various genres of music.
It consists of multiple components, such as:
- Snare drum
- Bass drum
- Tom-toms
- Hi-hat
- Crash
- Ride cymbals
This kit offers a dynamic and authentic drumming experience, making it a perfect choice for beginners who want to immerse themselves in real drumming techniques.
- Multiple drums and cymbals (snare, bass, toms, hi-hat, crash, ride)
- Requires more space and sound control
- Offers a natural, acoustic sound
- Preferred for rock, jazz, and blues music
2. Snare Drum
The snare drum is often considered the heart of any drum kit, known for its sharp and distinctive cracking sound.
It plays a central role in maintaining rhythm and is essential for practicing fundamental drumming techniques.
Beginners who focus on mastering the snare can develop strong timing and rudimentary skills that translate into other drumming elements.
- Sharp, high-pitched sound
- Essential for rhythm-building and rudiments
- Usually included in drum kits
- Adjustable for different sound effects
3. Bass Drum
The bass drum is the largest drum in the kit, providing the low-end thump that drives the rhythm.
Played with a foot pedal, it serves as the foundation for most drum beats, keeping time and creating deep, resonant sounds that underpin the music.
Beginners will find it crucial to learn how to keep tempo and manage coordination between hands and feet.
- Low, booming sound
- Played with a foot pedal
- Provides rhythmic foundation
- Key in rock, pop, and marching music
4. Electronic Drum Kit
An electronic drum kit offers versatility that acoustic kits cannot match, especially for beginners with limited space or noise concerns.
These kits come with a variety of sounds and can be played quietly with headphones, making them ideal for practice in noise-sensitive environments.
They also provide the chance to experiment with different drum tones and styles without needing multiple setups.
- Quieter than acoustic kits
- Features programmable sounds
- Compact and easy to store
- Suitable for practice and performance
5. Hi-Hat Cymbals
The hi-hat is a crucial component of any drum kit, consisting of two cymbals mounted on a stand and played with both hands and feet. It is commonly used to keep time and control the dynamics of a song.
Beginners will find it instrumental in mastering techniques such as open and closed hi-hat patterns, which add a distinct rhythmic feel to a performance.
- Two cymbals mounted on a stand
- Played with hands and feet
- Essential for timekeeping and dynamics
- Versatile across musical genres
6. Crash Cymbals
Crash cymbals add sharp, loud accents to drumming, perfect for highlighting important parts of a song.
Typically used in rock, pop, and metal music, they create a powerful sound that adds drama and intensity to a performance. For beginners, learning when and how to use the crash is essential for adding dynamics to their playing.
- Sharp, loud sound
- Used for accents in music
- Common in rock and pop
- Paired with other cymbals in kits
7. Ride Cymbal
The ride cymbal provides a steady rhythmic foundation that is often used in jazz and rock music.
It produces a lighter, more consistent sound compared to crash cymbals and is typically played with the tip of the drumstick.
Beginners who want to improve their timing and rhythmic feel will benefit from incorporating the ride cymbal into their drumming practice.
- Produces continuous rhythmic patterns
- Lighter, subtler sound than crash cymbals
- Often used in jazz, rock, and blues
- Commonly included in beginner kits
8. Toms (Mounted and Floor Toms)
Toms are essential for adding depth and color to your drumming, particularly during fills and transitions. Most drum kits come with two or three toms, mounted and floor varieties.
Beginners can experiment with these drums to create smooth transitions between different parts of a song, helping them develop versatility and creativity.
- Two or three drums of varying sizes
- Used for fills and transitions
- Mounted or floor versions available
- Common in rock, pop, and jazz kits
9. Bongos
Bongos are small, hand-played drums that offer a fun, portable drumming experience.
Originating from Cuban music, they are ideal for beginners interested in world music and developing a strong sense of rhythm through hand percussion.
Bongos are light, easy to transport, and perfect for informal jam sessions.
- Hand-played drums
- Portable and lightweight
- Common in Latin and world music
- Great for beginners learning rhythmic patterns
10. Cajón
The cajón is a versatile, box-shaped drum that can be played by hand. Its compact design makes it perfect for acoustic performances or those seeking a portable percussion instrument.
Beginners can use the cajón to explore rhythm patterns without the complexity of a full drum kit, making it a great option for busking, small gigs, or home practice.
- Hand-played wooden box drum
- Compact and portable
- Produces a variety of tones
- Popular in acoustic and unplugged setups
11. Electronic Drum Pads (for Hybrid Kits)
Electronic drum pads offer a compact, versatile way for beginners to explore electronic drumming without committing to a full electronic kit.
They can be added to an acoustic drum set for a hybrid experience, allowing drummers to experiment with modern and electronic sounds while maintaining the feel of traditional drumming.
- Compact and versatile
- Can be combined with acoustic kits
- Offers multiple electronic sounds
- Suitable for modern drumming styles
12. Marching Drums (Snare, Bass, and Tenor)
Marching drums are specifically designed for use in marching bands and drumlines, known for their durability and powerful sound. Beginners interested in joining a school ensemble or a marching band will find these drums essential.
They are built to be sturdy and loud, making them perfect for outdoor performances.
- Durable and portable
- Designed for outdoor use
- Available in snare, bass, and tenor varieties
- Essential for marching bands and ensembles
13. Djembe
The djembe is a hand-played drum from West Africa, known for its wide tonal range and versatility. Its goblet shape and lightweight design make it a great portable instrument for beginners who are interested in learning hand percussion.
The djembe can produce a variety of sounds, from deep bass tones to sharp slaps, and is often used in group drumming or for solo performances.
- Hand-played drum with a goblet shape
- Lightweight and portable
- Produces a wide range of tones (bass, mid-range, and slap)
- Common in African and world music
The Bottom Line
Selecting the right drum type can significantly impact a beginner’s drumming experience.
With so many options, it’s crucial to consider your space, sound preferences, and practice needs.
Starting with the right drum will set you on the path to mastering rhythm and enjoying the art of drumming.
Related Posts:
- A Step-by-Step Guide to Barre Chords for Acoustic…
- 15 Types of Guitar Strings and Their Unique Sounds
- Most Important Guitar Chords for Beginners: Paving…
- 8 Simple Punk Chord Progressions for Beginners
- How Do You Play Classico Tenacious D on Guitar? -…
- Guitar Truss Rod Basics - Everything You Need to Know