Drums only gained their current appearance, with several instruments played at the same time, at the end of the 19th century, although cavemen already played drums in sacred rituals. Around 8,000 years ago, our furry ancestors were already drumming on bass drums made of tree trunks covered with animal skins when they wanted to ask or offer something to the gods – the oldest percussion instruments in the world are from that time, found in excavations in the region. from Moravia in the Czech Republic. Little by little the instruments were modernized and the batucadas gained new functions. Here’s a quick timeline of the main steps in battery history:
12th century BC:
In Assyria (current territory of Israel), small metal dishes the size of the palm of the hand appear capable of producing a sound quite different from wooden drums. The new instrument would only arrive in Europe in the following century.
14th century:
More sophisticated materials are used in the structure of the drums. The batuques gain louder and more striking sounds and become part of military parades. In the 17th century, it is the turn of the orchestras to welcome the drums.
1890s:
Until then, several musicians played drums of different sizes in the same band. With the invention of the pedal, the percussionist began to play several simultaneously. Around 1930, the first drums with the current look appeared, with hi-hat, box and bass drum.
1990s:
Electronic drums appear. In place of cymbals and drums, small rubber spheres imitate all kinds of sounds.
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Hits hard the drum
Some drums have more than 20 pieces, but this is the basic kit
Box
What is it? – Made of wood or metal, with acrylic skin on both sides. Its flat shape guarantees a dry and striking sound. The first boxes were used by military orchestras and fanfares in the 15th century
Tip – In addition to the telecoteco produced by the snare drum skin, you can also make a little sound from the drum’s metallic edges (although they are not made for that)
hi-hat
What is it? – There are two cymbals attached to a rod, usually positioned to the left of the drummer. It can be played with both sticks and a pedal. Like the cymbal, it produces the base of the batucada
Tip – If you want a more resonant sound, place the hi-hat cymbals farther apart
bass drum
What is it? – Tamborzão that produces the most serious sound of the set. It is the only drum positioned directly on the floor and in an upright position. It is played exclusively with the pedal – normally operated with the right foot
Tip – To hit the bass drum more forcefully, the pedal should be stepped on only with the tip of the foot, leaving the heel suspended
Tom Tom
What is it? – Drums usually have two, one medium sound and one more serious. According to the drummers, the tom-toms give the “color” of the batuque, thanks to the intermediate sound between the bass and the treble.
Tip – The volume and resonance increase with the depth of the drum. That is, deeper drums are also more powerful.
Dishes
What is it? – There are two types of cymbals: driving and attacking. The former are usually on the right of the drummer and dictate the rhythm of the song. The attack ones are on the left and produce a more explosive sound.
Tip – The best dishes in the world are those from Turkey, especially those from the Zildjian brand
drumsticks
What is it? – All drumsticks are made of wood, but the tip material can vary: wood (for a velvety sound), nylon (enhances high tones), felt (soft sound), or brushes (softer tone)
Tip – The stick should be the same size as your forearm (the part of the arm that goes from the elbow to the wrist)
Deaf
What is it? – Its sound is just not as serious as the bass drum. It is used to mark the tempo and rhythm of the batucada. It is also often used in samba school drums.
Tip – Drums made from more porous woods, such as mahogany or cedar, produce a smoother sound. For a livelier sound, prefer more compact woods, such as pine or maple.