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9. Re-tighten the rods

Whenever detuning or loosening a rod, always end the movement with a slight re-tightening. This enables the rod to 'bite' and hold while getting the others sorted.

10. Try using a stool as your tuning base

It's a great way to dampen the batter head while working on the resonant head and you can (normally) spin the drum round as you go.

11. Take the tuning up a notch or two

This really does aid projection and tone.

12. Use NO dampening on toms

If your drums are well tuned and with the correct head choices, there really should never be a need for additional dampening – especially not in a live playing situation. No gaffer, no o-rings and absolutely no pillows, towels or other such stuff.

13. Choose your heads carefully

Think about the drum sizes you have and the sound you are thinking about in your head. As a general rule, the thinner the head the more resonant it will be and it will tend to favour higher pitches. Thicker heads will usually offer less 'ring' and favour lower frequencies – here's our buyers' guide to single-ply batter heads to get you started.

14. Mix the batter head types

If you want a lively, open sound that is not too aggressive, try using single-ply coated heads instead of clear. Also, don't be afraid to mix the batter head types – for example, single medium weight heads on rack toms, and perhaps single-ply with built-in damper or two-ply heads for floor toms.

Snare drum tuning

15. Combine different heads, tuning

If you want a tight and crisp sound with sensitivity, use a combination of heads and tuning. Get the bottom head very tight, tune the top a third or a fifth lower.

16. Keep wires loose

Remember to keep the snare wires moderately loose as a matter of course. Not rattly, but not too tight.

16. Try an unmuffled batter head

If you are after a big thunderous sound, then try an unmuffled batter head with medium tension. Use the snare side head to set a perhaps lower pitch and tune the top head to allow a nice open attack with good sustain.

17. Choose your snare carefully

There are almost as many desirable sounds from snare drums as there are types, so picking the right drum in the first place will go a long way to achieving the sound you are after. Obvious, but often overlooked – here are our buyers' guides to budget, mid-price and British custom built snare drums to get you started.

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14 simple steps to tuning your snare drum
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