Drums & Percussion

Drum Kits
Marching Drums
Percussion
Drum Sticks
Drum Hardware

Drums & Percussion

Drums and percussion instruments form the rhythmic foundation of almost all modern music. They include everything from full drum kits to simple hand percussion instruments, and are used across genres such as rock, pop, jazz, worship music, orchestral music, and traditional styles.

At PS Music, this category covers beginner drum kits, individual drums, cymbals, hardware, and auxiliary percussion suitable for students, schools, churches, and performing musicians.

What Are Drums & Percussion?

Drums are instruments that produce sound when a surface (called a drumhead) is struck. They are part of the broader percussion family, which includes any instrument played by striking, shaking, or scraping.

Percussion instruments include:

  • Drums (snare, bass drum, toms)
  • Cymbals
  • Tambourines
  • Shakers and shakers
  • Congas and bongos
  • Maracas and auxiliary instruments

Drums are specifically membrane-based instruments designed to produce rhythmic sound and groove.

Acoustic Drum Kits

Acoustic drum kits are the standard setup used in bands and live performance.

A typical drum kit includes:

  • Bass (kick) drum
  • Snare drum
  • Tom drums
  • Floor tom
  • Cymbals (hi-hat, crash, ride)

These components form the core of most modern music rhythm sections.

Best for:

  • Live bands
  • Church worship teams
  • School music programs
  • Rock, pop, and jazz styles

Electronic Drum Kits

Electronic drum kits use rubber or mesh pads and a sound module instead of acoustic shells.

Key advantages:

  • Lower volume for practice
  • Headphone compatibility
  • Multiple built-in sounds
  • Recording and MIDI capability

Best for:

  • Home practice
  • Studios
  • Apartments or noise-sensitive environments

Snare Drums

The snare drum is central to most drum kit playing.

Characteristics:

  • Sharp, cutting sound
  • Metal snare wires underneath
  • Used for backbeat and accents

It is often considered the most important voice in a drum kit for rhythm definition.

Cymbals

Cymbals add brightness, accents, and dynamic variation.

Common types:

  • Hi-hats (timekeeping)
  • Crash cymbals (accents)
  • Ride cymbals (steady rhythm)

They are essential for shaping groove and energy in most genres.

Hand Percussion

Hand percussion includes instruments played without sticks.

Examples:

  • Tambourines
  • Bongos
  • Congas
  • Shakers
  • Cajón

These are widely used in:

  • Worship music
  • Acoustic sets
  • School ensembles
  • African and Latin music styles

Marching Percussion

Marching percussion is designed for mobility and outdoor performance.

Includes:

  • Marching snare drums
  • Tenor drums
  • Bass drums

These instruments are built for projection and durability.

Drum Hardware & Accessories

Hardware includes everything that supports a drum setup:

  • Drum stands
  • Bass drum pedals
  • Drum thrones
  • Mounting racks

Accessories include:

  • Drumsticks and mallets
  • Drumheads
  • Practice pads
  • Drum bags and cases

These components are essential for setup stability and playability.

Choosing the Right Percussion Setup

Beginners

  • Basic 5-piece drum kit or entry electronic kit
  • Focus on snare, kick, and hi-hat control

Intermediate players

  • Expanded cymbal setup
  • Better hardware and tuning control

Church / live performance

  • Balanced acoustic kit with versatile cymbals
  • Reliable hardware for frequent use

Practice-focused players

  • Electronic kit or practice pads for reduced volume

Common Uses

Drums & percussion are used in:

  • Church worship teams
  • School bands and orchestras
  • Live performance groups
  • Recording studios
  • Beginner music education
  • Solo practice and rhythm training

They form the core timing system in most modern music styles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are drums hard to learn?

Basic rhythms are accessible, but coordination between hands and feet requires regular practice.

Do I need an electronic or acoustic drum kit?

Acoustic kits are best for live performance; electronic kits are better for quiet practice and recording.

What is the most important drum in a kit?

The snare and bass drum form the core rhythmic structure in most styles.

Can percussion be used without a drum kit?

Yes. Hand percussion instruments can be used independently or alongside a full kit.

Browse our range of drums and percussion instruments suitable for beginners, students, church musicians, and performing artists.