What Snare Drum Was Used for 70s Funk and Soul Music?

If you’re a fan of funk and soul music from the 1970s, then you’ve probably wondered what kind of snare drum was used to create those iconic rhythms. Here’s a look at the most popular snare drums used during that decade, and how they helped shape the sound of funk and soul music.

The Different Types of Snare Drums

There are many different types of snare drums, each with their own unique sound. In the 1970s, funk and soul music became very popular, and many different kinds of snare drums were used to create this distinctive sound. Here are some of the most popular types of snare drums used in funk and soul music.

· Piccolo snare drum: A small, high-pitched snare drum that is often used in orchestral settings. Piccolo snare drums can provide a sharp, piercing sound that is perfect for funk and soul music.

· Aluminum snare drum: A type of snare drum that is made from aluminum. Aluminum snares have a very bright and crisp sound, which made them perfect for funk and soul music.

· Steel snare drum: A type of snare drum that is made from steel. Steel snares have a deep, resonant sound that is perfect for creating a groove in funk and soul music.

· Maple snare drum: A type of snare drum that is made from maple wood. Maple snares have a warm, rich sound that is perfect for adding depth to a funk or soul track.

The History of the Snare Drum

The snare drum is a vital part of funk and soul music. In fact, it’s hard to imagine either genre without the signature sound of the snare. But what kind of snare drum was used for funk and soul music in the 1970s?

The answer is that there was no one specific type of snare drum that was used. Instead, a variety of different drums were used, each with its own unique sound.

Some of the most popular types of snare drums used in funk and soul music include the Ludwig Black Beauty, the Slingerland Radio King, and the Rogers Dyna-Sonic. These drums all have a distinct sound that helps to create the signature sound of funk and soul music.

So, if you’re looking to create that classic funk and soul sound in your own music, make sure to try out a few different types of snare drums until you find the one that’s perfect for you.

The Different Sounds of the Snare Drum

The snare drum is a versatile and important part of any drum set, capable of producing a wide range of sounds. In funk and soul music, the snare drum is often used to create a syncopated, groove-based rhythm. To get the best sound for this style of music, it’s important to choose the right type of snare drum.

There are two main types of snare drums: wood shell and metal shell. Each type of shell produces a different sound. Wood shells tend to have a warmer, rounder sound while metal shells have a brighter, sharper sound.

For funk and soul music, many drummers prefer a wood shell snare drum. This gives the music a warmer, more organic feel. The most popular type of wood shell snare drum for this genre is the maple snare drum. Maple is a very dense wood, which gives it excellent projection and resonance. It’s also relatively easy to tune, making it ideal for live performance situations.

If you’re looking for a metal shell snare drum that will give your funk and soul tracks an extra bit of snap and crackle, try a welded steel shell snare drum. These drums have excellent projection and an aggressive Attack that can really cut through a mix.

The Different Playing Styles of the Snare Drum

The snare drum is one of the most important drums in funk and soul music. It provides the backbeat that is essential to these genres. There are a few different ways to play the snare drum, each with its own characteristic sound.

The first way to play the snare drum is with a traditional backbeat. This is when the snare drum is played on beats two and four of a measure. This backbeat provides a solid foundation for the rest of the band to play around.

The second way to play the snare drum is with a more syncopated feel. This means that the snare drum is played on beats that are not necessarily on the two and four. This can add a lot of energy and excitement to the music.

The third way to play the snare drum is with a ghost note feel. This means that the drum is played very softly, on beats that are not necessarily on the two and four. This can create a very ethereal sound that can be very haunting.

All of these playing styles are important in funk and soul music. They each have their own place in the genre, and they each bring something unique to the table.

The Different Tunings of the Snare Drum

The tuning of the snare drum has a huge impact on the sound that it produces. In the 1970s, funk and soul music were all the rage, and the snare drum played a big role in giving these genres their unique sound. Let’s take a look at some of the different tunings that were used for funk and soul music back in the day.

The first tuning is what’s known as the half-time feel. This was a popular choice for many funk and soul songs because it gave the music a laid-back, groovy feel. To tune your snare drum to this setting, simply tighten all of the tension rods until they’re nice and tight. This will result in a lower overall pitch, which is perfect for those laid-back grooves.

Next up is the New Orleans tuning. This one was used often in funk and R&B tunes from the Big Easy. To achieve this sound, first loosen all of the tension rods until they’re almost completely loose. Then, tighten each rod one turn at a time until you hear a sharp “ping” sound when you strike the drumhead with your stick. This tuning will give your snare drum a bright, cutting sound that is perfect for piercing through dense mixes.

The last tuning we’ll discuss is what’s known as the Detroit tuning. This one was made popular by legendary motown drummer Chico Hamilton. To achieve this sound, start by loosening all of your tension rods until they’re only tightened about halfway. Next, alternate between tightening and loosening each individual tension rod one turn at a time until you find that sweet spot where your drum sounds clear and defined without being too shrill or piercing.

These are just a few of the many different tunings that were popular for funk and soul music back in the day. Experiment with different settings to find what works best for you and your style of playing.

The Different Materials Used to Make the Snare Drum

There are a few different types of snare drums. The most popular types are made of wood, metal, or acrylic. Each type has its own unique sound.

Wooden snare drums are usually made of maple or birch. They have a warm, deep sound. Metal snare drums are usually made of steel or brass. They have a sharp, cutting sound. Acrylic snare drums are made of a clear plastic material. They have a bright, punchy sound.

The type of material that the snare drum is made of will affect the sound of the drum. Different materials will produce different tones.

The Different Sizes of the Snare Drum

The snare drum is an important part of the drum set, and there are a few different sizes that are commonly used. The most common size is the 14″ snare, which is the standard size for most drummers. The next most common size is the 13″ snare, which is often used for jazz or other styles of music where a lighter sound is desired. There are also 12″ and 10″ snares, which are often used for things like piccolo parts or for special effect.

The Different Shapes of the Snare Drum

The snare drum is a key part of any funk or soul band, and there are a few different types that were popular in the 1970s. The most common shape was the round-headed drum, which had a deep, resonant sound that was perfect for keeping the beat. Another popular type was the flat-headed drum, which had a wider surface area and produced a sharper, crisper sound. Both of these types of drums were used extensively in funk and soul music, and they helped to create the signature sound of these genres.

The Different Finishes of the Snare Drum

There are three different types of finishes that can be applied to a snare drum- natural, wrapped, and lacquered. Each one produces a different sound, and each one is associated with a different genre of music.

Natural:
A natural finish is typically used on drums that are going to be used for jazz or other mellower genres of music. The lack of a finish allows the drum to vibrate more, giving it a warmer sound.

Wrapped:
A wrapped finish is typically used on drums that are going to be used for rock or other louder genres of music. The wrap around the drum helps to dampen the sound, giving it a tighter sound.

Lacquer:
A lacquer finish is typically used on drums that are going to be used for pop or other very polished genres of music. The lacquer gives the drum a very shiny look and a very crisp sound.

The Different Brands of the Snare Drum

The 70s was a great decade for music, with a wide variety of genres and styles being created and perfected. One of the most popular genres of the time was funk, and a key component of any good funk song is a tight, punchy snare drum sound. But what snare drum was used for 70s funk and soul music?

There are a few different brands that were popular among funk and soul musicians in the 70s, including Ludwig, Gretsch, and Pearl. Each brand had its own unique sound, and many musicians had their own preference for which one they used.

Ludwig snare drums are known for their deep, resonant sound, which made them a popular choice for funk songs that wanted to create a groove that would get people moving. Meanwhile, Gretsch snare drums were known for their bright, cutting sound, which helped them cut through the mix in soul songs. Pearl snare drums were somewhere in between, with a warm sound that was versatile enough to be used in both genres.

While there were other brands of snare drums being used in the 70s (and there are even more brands available today), these three were the most popular among funk and soul musicians. So if you’re looking to recreate that classic 1970s sound in your own music, make sure you try out all three of these brands to see which one is right for you.