Time-Crunched Tom Tuning

It is no secret that tuning drums is a major pain in the you-know-what. However, many drummers are not aware that there is an easy shortcut to tune your toms that’s quick and gets the job done. If you’re looking for a fast, effective way to get your drums sounding good, this is the trick for you. While you won’t be tuning to the precise note, this has saved me in a pinch and for the amount of effort this requires, the returns are amazing. This shouldn't take more than five minutes.

(Note: This method originally comes from this video:

TUNE YOUR TOMS QUICK & EASY!! - TOM TUNING WORKSHOP

I’ve provided the link if you would prefer this in a video form, but here are the steps written out)

• Tom drum (any size Tom will work)
• Drum key
• Drumsticks (For testing)
• *Optional* New drum heads (if replacing)
• *Optional* Preferred muffling materials (Gaff tape, moon gel, etc.)

If replacing a drum head, loosen the tension rods until they are unscrewed and gently remove the hoop with the rods still in the hoop.

Replace the old drum head with a new drum head of your choosing, making sure to place it evenly on the rim. Also make sure the inside of the drum is free of any potential debris or dust.

Replace the hoop and insert the tension rods into their sockets

Tighten the rods with your fingers. Tighten them as far as they will go using only your fingers.

Repeat step one through four for the opposite drum head, replacing the other drum head if necessary. Make sure both heads have been finger tightened before moving forward.

• Having finger tightened the rods on both sides, place the drum with one head facing up.
• Press down with your fist on the center of the drum head with enough pressure to reveal wrinkles in the drum head.
• While maintaining pressure, take the drum key and tighten one of the tension rods until the wrinkles next to that rod disappear.
• Once you have done this, turn the drum key on the tension rod back one 90 degree turn, to just before the wrinkles reappear. Do this for each rod.

Remember to turn each rod back 90 degrees after the wrinkles disappear.

Test, and optionally add muffling as desired.

Now, bang away on your newly tuned drum!