Basic Tuning Instructions For Toms by  Roy Burns

Top Head

1. Place head on the drum. "Finger tighten" down the tension screws while pressing lightly  on the drum rim with the other hand.
   
   
2. Using a drum key, turn each tension screw 1/2 of a turn. Then tap with a drumstick at each tension screw, approximately one or one-half inches in from the edge of the drum, to check for uniform pitch. Then turn each tension screw another 1/2 of a turn.
   
   
3. Now tighten or loosen the tension screws as needed to bring all of them to approximately the same pitch all around to eliminate any possible wrinkles. Add another 1/4 of a turn on each tension screw if a higher pitch is desired.

Bottom Head

1. Finger tighten" down the tension screws on the bottom head while pressing lightly on the drum rim with the other hand.
   
   
2. Using a drum key, turn each tension screw 1/2 of a turn. Then tap with a drumstick at each tension screw, approximately one or one-half inches in from the edge of the drum, to check for uniform pitch. Then turn each tension screw another 1/2 of a turn, and repeat as needed, to reach the desired pitch.
   
   
3. Now tighten or loosen each tension screw as needed to bring all of them to approximately the same pitch and eliminate any possible wrinkles.
   
   Ideally, the single ply bottom head should be a little higher in pitch than the 2 ply top head.
   
   Again, tap at each tension screw to make certain each head is evenly pitched all around.
   
   It is important to turn each screw only 1/2 of a turn at one time. Gradually bring each head to the desired pitch for best results and to keep the head centred.
   
   
4. Most drummers tune the bottom head of the toms a little higher in pitch than the top
   
   How much higher depends on the artist, the drum and the desired sound. A little
   experimentation should tell you what is best for you and your drums.

 

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