How to Tune a Marching Snare (Getting the Drum Corps Sound)

Timestamps:
-Bottom Head Tuning 0:18
-Snare Guts Tuning: 2:09
-Top Head Tuning: 3:27
-Bottom Head Sound: 4:48
-Top Head Sound: 5:01
-Snare Sound Adjustment: 5:12
-Final Result (Basement): 5:44
-Final Result (Concrete): 6:23
-Final Result (Grass): 6:51
-Final Notes: 7:50

iPhone 11 Pro Max Audio:

This video covers my process for tuning a marching snare drum in order to create a loud, crisp, and overall projecting drum!

Drum: Mapex Quantum XT 14x12"
Top Head: Remo Suede Max
Bottom Head: Remo Fallams II

Here is a written tutorial as well:

[alexelymusic]

Hey guys! I left timestamps in the description in case you need to skip to any part of the video. There is also a written version of the tutorial. Feel free to reply with any questions!

[SilverBordered]

I know I'm three years late to the party, but I just had to comment. I got my bachelor's degree in music education as a percussionist, and I went on to be a drum tech at a high school. I've always done snare tuning by feel because I could never articulate in words what I liked, nor could I find an informative (enough) video online. This video is, without a doubt, the best tutorial for tuning a marching snare. Good job!

[psalmdanielledizon]

The snare response is absolutely crispy ❤❤❤

[RHG_Drums]

Thank you for this! Info on the internet about how to tune isn’t as accessible and straightforward as it should be, so this is gonna help a lot of people. Projection is the #1 thing with basic snare tuning, if the heads aren’t tightened and maintained properly it can be hard to cut through the band sound.

One thing I was taught to do to get the snare sound was to loosen the snares, then lightly tap on them towards the rim with a stick and tighten just until you get a “thwack” sound as opposed to just a ring.

[TylerDunphy]

Wow, never thought of pressing in the head and also that snare string method. Great info!! Thank you so much.

[Fishermhm]

This is awesome, great on getting to the point!

[nickpisarczyk]

yo i’ve seen this video before glad to see your channel is getting recommended

[dampking]

Amazing video! This is definitely the best snare drum tutorial on youtube
Also what top head do you prefer?

[Killenmachine]

Im intrigued by what you said about if the snare isnt ringing it wont carry across the field, is there any chance you'd be able to cut together a comparison of the two so we can hear an example of what you're talking about? like a properly tuned snare vs a non properly tuned one, asking as a kit drummer with zero marching experience.

[dylanshay]

no pitch for top head? i’ve heard D on bottom and A on top. also, for this whole method you’ve shown us, is it still good for a 13” snare? and what pitch would you do the bottom head for a 13”?

[nicoaleman]

Isn't it better to go in an across pattern when tightening the heads, rather than all the way around? At least that's what I've always heard.

[ty_ellender]

Where did you get the thumbnail pic? It looks awesome

[ENsOKL]

Are you still in the stow area and can help my son tune his drum? We can meet at Riverwood church? Thxs.

[paulmartini]

This is a good video, and it’s not even close

[benb]

I have all the same heads and drum as you but i just can’t seem to get the same crackly snare response to the edge I’m not sure if it’s my batter head tension or something else was there any common mistakes you made when u first were tuning your drum or that you have seen other ppl make

[Jaysen]

How do you get that nasty ring out of it towards the edge of the head? I always struggle with that. I think it comes from the bottom head not being in tune with itself, but no matter how hard I try, it still does it.

[dinkindane]

Can you make it sound good with the stock bottom head? I’ve seen people use the stock bottom head before and it sounds awesome

[jakelynn]

What step did you not tell us to make it sound so crisp

[nedmac]

I get that the bottom head should ring, but should I be able to hear and that ring when I'm playing at a medium to high volume near the edge? It's almost as loud as the snares

[ozielguzman]

Does the type of throw and quality of the snare guts affect the sound. Also is there a preference for type of bottom head