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To damp, or not to damp? © Roy McMahon/Corbis

These days, drummers are all too quick to cover their heads in gaffer tape or slap on the latest gadget. However, the whole idea of a drum is that it's built to resonate and sustain, so, courtesy of Rhythm Magazine, here's how to make sure you're only damping when necessary, and how to do it properly when you do…

10 essential damping tips

1. Damping should be a last resort

Again, the whole idea of a drum is it's built to resonate and sustain.

2. Don't over-damp

If you damp your drums too much, they will sound dead and you'll struggle to make yourself heard over the rest of the band.

3. Be careful when tuning

Getting the same pitch all around the drum, will in any case often remove the need to dampen.

4. Tweak

Alternatively, once the head is in tune, sometimes de-tuning a single lug will take away just the right amount of the ring.

5. Don't choose damping over tuning

Damping should not be a substitute for careful tuning. Nothing is worse than a kit plastered in bits of sticky tape.

Next: less is more, correct taping and tissue paper

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