The desired result should be a full and resonant sound that sustains for several seconds. That spot is directly above the pedal approximately 1/3 of the way toward the center of the drum (2-4 inches from the edge depending on the size of the drum). Playing SpotĪll playing and tuning should take place in the same spot on the head. This makes tuning easier to hear and avoids the risk of the drum settling lower in pitch while playing. Always move the pedal from below the pitch. Tap the drum once lightly with your finger and move the pedal up until the pitch on the drum matches the one in your head. After establishing pitch and choosing the appropriate drum for that pitch, move the pedal to a spot a bit below where that pitch should be. Regardless of the source (tuning fork, pitch pipe, mallet instrument, etc.), the player must establish pitch before attempting to match it. Though this seems obvious, many beginning timpanists neglect the time necessary to establish the pitch in their head before striking the drum. The first and most important step in tuning timpani is knowing the pitch to which your are tuning the drum. Timpani are typically set up with the largest drum on the players left (American style). Sizes and ranges are as follows (note that ranges are approximate and the best sound for each drum is in the mid-high portion of the range): A complete set of timpani is typically 4 or 5 drums with the optional drum being the smallest one (20?). This information assists in choosing specific drums to be used and determining approximate location of the indicated pitches within the range of the drum. Knowing the sizes and ranges of a standard set of timpani is critical for any timpanist.

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