Tuning toms to certain keys

[FattMusiek]

I've got a Tama Starclassic EFX Birch kit (fusion size). I'm trying to tune my toms to go hand in hand with a song in the key of E major. Anyone have tips on how to achieve this?

[Farview]

Get a tuner, one that actually plays the note is the best, Then tune the toms to the scale and the kick to the root.

[FattMusiek]

Got a tuner that produces notes. My question is more related to music theory I think; I lack in that department. If the song is in the key of E major, what scale should I tune my toms to? To get an idea of the song and possible tom tunings, listen to this rough version:

http://members.cox.net/fattmusiek/De...ng%20rough.mp3

Help on this would be appreciated. I want to emulate drummer who played with Jimi Hendrix.

[Farview]

The notes in the scale are: E, F#, G#, A, B, C#, D#

Tune the kick to E

Knock on the toms to hear the natural pitch of the each tom. Listen to the pitch of the shell. Tune each tom to the note in the scale that is closest to the toms natural pitch.

[PYRRHO]

So what's the plan...ya gonna retune for every song or play only songs in E?

[RAK]

How many drums you have on your kit? Generalized traditional thinking says you tune toms in 4ths. If you had three toms and started in E, that would be E, A, D. Don't worry that D natural is not in a E major scale.

Just make sure that each drum is in tune with itself, meaning that each lug is the same all around. As long as you don't have any wierd overtones that really sound out of place, I wouldn't worry about it too much.

Like Pyrrho points out, you could end up tuning your toms every song if you try to hit specific notes. Just listen and tweak as needed, if you ask me.

[Farview]

Yup, if you only have 3 toms, it's a waste of time. Tuning the toms to a scale was more popular with guys that had at least 6 toms.

If you track the drums and bass in the same room, you will notice that the kick will change pitch with the bass. It has something to do with it ringing sympathetically.

[chester]

i dont like the idea of tuning a tom to a certain pitch, it doesnt make perfect sense, how come you have NEVER heard a tom that sounds dissonant with music?

i suggest tuning it to get the sound you want.

[Farview]

Originally Posted by chester

how come you have NEVER heard a tom that sounds dissonant with music?

I've had that happen with floor toms. I end up just gating them if I don't catch it during the recording phase.

[ez_willis]

Originally Posted by chester

i dont like the idea of tuning a tom to a certain pitch, it doesnt make perfect sense, how come you have NEVER heard a tom that sounds dissonant with music?

i suggest tuning it to get the sound you want.

Listen to Lenny Kravitz' first album.

And at 16 years old, there's much out there as yet undiscovered by you.

[chester]

i guess im just ignorant then.

[TragikRemix]

i don't even hit the toms enough to worry what pitch they are..

besides, you could always change the pitch thru some editing, as long as the toms are in tune with themselves.

[FattMusiek]

I've been on this kick lately after listening to this Jimi Hendrix compilation CD; not sure of the drummer's name, but I love the way he plays, the way his kit is tuned, and absolutely love the analog warmth. His tom fills are musical - not to the point of Terry Bozzio or anything, but they just have so much character. Since I know the song I'm working on with a buddy is in E major, I want to get the most out of my toms to compliment the song. I don't think there's anything wrong with that. I have three toms, but I am not exactly sure of the sizes other than the fact that it's classified as fusion.

Farview - You recommend tuning the kick to E, but after trying to tune my kick I am not really sure how to approach this.

It's gonna sound good you guys, but I need a little help to get there!

[RAK]

Originally Posted by FattMusiek

I've been on this kick lately after listening to this Jimi Hendrix compilation CD; not sure of the drummer's name, but I love the way he plays, the way his kit is tuned, and absolutely love the analog warmth. His tom fills are musical - not to the point of Terry Bozzio or anything, but they just have so much character. Since I know the song I'm working on with a buddy is in E major, I want to get the most out of my toms to compliment the song. I don't think there's anything wrong with that. I have three toms, but I am not exactly sure of the sizes other than the fact that it's classified as fusion.

Farview - You recommend tuning the kick to E, but after trying to tune my kick I am not really sure how to approach this.

It's gonna sound good you guys, but I need a little help to get there!

It would have been Mitch Mitchell (JHE & GS&R) or Buddy Miles (GS&R).

Unless it's someone else entirely.

[Farview]

Originally Posted by FattMusiek

Farview - You recommend tuning the kick to E, but after trying to tune my kick I am not really sure how to approach this.

It's gonna sound good you guys, but I need a little help to get there!

Tap the head at each lug and tune it to an E. If an E is too far away from where the drum wants to be tuned, try tuning it to a B.

Get all the lugs tuned to the same note on both heads, this might take a while.