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Candle wax - the secret to tuning your kit like a pro? Read on to find out what the hell we're on about or, for an in-depth look, check out our tom, bass and snare drum tuning guides, all courtesy of Rhythm Magazine.

10 drum tuning tips

1. Use candle wax

Take the old head off. Wipe the dust and debris off the bearing edge. Wax the edge with a little candle wax for a tight seal.

2. Tension evenly

Ensure a new head is tensioned evenly, otherwise it will be pulled unequally, get distorted and you wont get a clean sound.

3. Use your fingers

Take up all the slack by turning the tension rod to 'finger tight' - when the head of the tuning rod makes contact with the metal rim.

4. One rod = one turn

Now increase tension by systematically applying a single turn to each rod, criss-crossing diagonally around the drum.

5. Use your fist!

Press down on the centre with your fist to make sure the head is properly stretched and 'seated'.

Next: crack, slack and fine tune

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