How many tom drums do you need? Why do some drummers only use one tom? If you are a drummer who is already confused whether you should use only one tom or use two or more, then you are in the right place, as we are going to give you some perspective on why drummers use their preferred setup when it comes to tom drums.
Are More Tom Drums Better?
How many tom drums do you need? When it comes to this question, the true answer would always be subjective and will depend on the musical context and personal preference of the drummer. Tom drums are always a key component of a drum kit as they provide depth and tonality to the overall sound. The number of toms used in a drum kit can range from one to as many as eight or more, depending on the drummer’s style and the type of music being played.
There are genres of music, such as jazz or blues, a minimalistic approach to drumming is preferred, and fewer tom drums may be used. On the other hand, in genres such as rock or metal, where the drumming tends to be more complex and aggressive, more tom drums may be used to create a fuller and more dynamic sound.
Having more tom drums can also provide greater tonal range and versatility for the drummer. For example, a larger number of toms allows the drummer to play a wider variety of fills and grooves, which can add complexity and interest to the music.
However, having more toms can also make the drum kit more complex to set up and play, and can potentially lead to overcrowding on stage. Additionally, having too many toms can lead to a cluttered sound that may not be appropriate for certain styles of music.
In the end, the decision on how many tom drums to use should be based on the drummer’s personal preference and the needs of the music being played. A drummer should always experiment with different configurations and assess the sound in the context of the music before deciding on the optimal number of tom drums to use.
As there are more tom drums, it can also be beneficial in certain musical contexts, as it provides greater tonal range and versatility for the drummer. However, the decision on how many toms to use should be based on personal preference and the needs of the music, and having too many toms can lead to a cluttered and complex sound that may not be appropriate for all styles of music.
How Many Tom Drums Do You Really Need
So, how many tom drums do you need? As said before, the number of tom drums a drummer needs is a personal choice that can depend on several factors such as the style of music, the drummer’s playing technique, and the overall sound they want to achieve. However, a standard drum kit usually includes two or three tom drums.
A typical drum kit includes a bass drum, a snare drum, a hi-hat, one or two rack toms, a floor tom, and a ride cymbal. The rack toms are usually mounted on the bass drum, while the floor tom stands on its own legs.
The two most common configurations for tom drums in a drum kit are the two-tom and three-tom setups. The two-tom setup consists of one rack tom and one floor tom, while the three-tom setup includes two rack toms and one floor tom.
The two-tom setup is often used in jazz, blues, and other music styles that require a minimalistic approach to drumming. In this setup, the drummer can still achieve a range of tones and sounds with the two toms, and the setup is more straightforward, making it easier to navigate the drum kit.
The next is the three-tom setup, which is often used in rock, pop, and metal genres, where drumming tends to be more complex and aggressive. The extra tom provides the drummer with more tonal options and allows for more intricate fills and grooves.
There are also many drummers that may choose to use more than three toms in their kit, such as four or five, but this is less common. More toms can provide greater tonal range and versatility, but they can also make the setup more complicated, both in terms of playing and set up.
Why Do Some Drummers Only Use One Tom
So, why do drummers only use one tom? When it comes to this question, drummers always use different configurations of drums that are based on personal preference, musical style, and the requirements of the song they are playing. Some drummers choose to use only one tom drum for several reasons.
The first reason is that using one tom drum can simplify the setup and make it easier to play. Drummers who use one tom drum can focus on playing more complex rhythms and grooves with fewer distractions. This can be particularly useful in genres like jazz, where the focus is often on intricate rhythms and improvisation.
The next is using one tom drum allows you to create a unique sound that is specific to the drummer. By focusing on one drum, drummers can develop a deeper understanding of the instrument and explore its sonic possibilities. They can experiment with different tunings and techniques to create a signature sound that sets them apart from other drummers.
The third is using one tom drum can be a deliberate artistic choice. Some drummers may feel that additional toms are unnecessary and detract from the simplicity of their playing. By using only one tom drum, they can create a more focused and stripped-down sound that is suited to their musical style.
The fourth reason is that using one tom drum can be a practical consideration. Some drummers may not have access to multiple toms or may not want to carry additional equipment to gigs or rehearsals. In these cases, using one tom drum can be a necessity rather than a choice.
Last but not the least, some drummers may prefer the aesthetic of using only one tom drum. They may feel that it looks visually appealing and fits their personal style.
So, why do drummers only use one tom? Drummers who use only one tom drum do so for a variety of reasons, including simplifying their setup, creating a unique sound, making an artistic statement, practical considerations, and aesthetics. Regardless of the reason, the choice to use one tom drum can be a deliberate and intentional decision that reflects the drummer’s musical style and personality.
So, how many tom drums do you need? Why do some drummers only use one tom? When it comes to these questions, the answer would always be subjective, as the number of tom drums will only depend on the drummer’s preference and the style of music he plays.
