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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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) Counter-clockwise pattern.
B) Random pattern.
C) Star pattern.
D) 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) The resonant head being tighter than the batter head.
D) Each tension rod being tightened the same amount.

11. What is the function of the snare wires?

A) To hold the drum together.
B) To protect the resonant head.
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 throw-off lever.
B) The tension rods.
C) The butt plate.
D) The snare bed.

13. What is the 'snare bed'?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

20. What is the role of the butt plate?

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

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) Deeper drums are always higher pitched.
D) Shallower drums always have more sustain.

22. What is 'cross sticking'?

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

23. What does 'ghost note' refer to?

A) A very quiet, subtle note.
B) A note that is intentionally missed.
C) A loud, accented note.
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 prevent damage to the shell, heads, and hardware.
C) To keep it clean.
D) To maintain its tuning.

25. What is a snare drum case used for?

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

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

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

27. How often should you replace snare drum heads?

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

28. What does 'rimshot' mean?

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

29. What is a 'flam'?

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

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

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

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