Snaredrum

The snare drum, often simply called the snare, is a shallow cylindrical percussion instrument distinguished by a set of metal wires, called snares, stretched across the bottom drumhead. When struck, the top (batter) head vibrates and the snares engage the bottom head, producing a bright, crisp sound with a distinctive sting or rattle that carries in many musical settings.

Construction and components include a shell, usually made from wood such as maple, birch, or mahogany, or from metal alloys like aluminum or steel. The drum has two heads: a batter head on the top and a resonant snare-side head on the bottom. The snare wires, often made of steel or other metals, are held in place by a throw-off (strainer) and a butt plate, allowing the player to engage or release the snares. The shell may feature tuning lugs, hoops, and various hardware that affect tension and articulation. Typical drum sizes for a snare used in drum kits range around 13 to 14 inches in diameter and 5 to 6.5 inches in depth, though variations exist for marching, concert, or studio work.

Historically, the snare drum has military and ceremonial origins and evolved into a versatile instrument for orchestral, marching, and popular music. In modern use, players adjust snare tension and batter-head tuning to suit genres from backbeats in rock to subtle, controlled tones in jazz.

Playing and maintenance practices include tuning the batter and snare heads to achieve desired sensitivity and pitch, ensuring snare wires sit evenly, and periodically replacing heads and wires. The snare remains central to many genres for its articulation, dynamic range, and distinctive crack.