Can drums are a creative and accessible form of percussion instrument. As the name suggests, they are typically made from ordinary cans, such as metal food cans or plastic containers. These makeshift drums offer a fun and budget-friendly way to explore music, especially for those who are new to drumming or looking for a unique musical experience.
Materials and Preparation
Selecting the Right Cans
The first step in creating and playing can drums is choosing the right cans. Different types of cans will produce different sounds, so it’s important to experiment to find the ones that suit your preferences.
Metal Cans: Metal food cans, like those used for soup, beans, or coffee, are popular choices. Thicker-walled metal cans tend to produce a deeper, more resonant sound, while thinner cans may create a sharper, higher-pitched tone. Cans with a larger diameter usually have a lower pitch, while smaller-diameter cans produce higher-pitched sounds. Some common metal cans used for can drums include large coffee cans and standard-sized soup cans.
Plastic Cans: Plastic containers, such as those for yogurt, margarine, or powdered drinks, can also be used. Plastic cans generally produce a softer, more muted sound compared to metal cans. They are also lighter and less likely to cause injury if accidentally dropped. However, they may not be as durable as metal cans over time.
Gathering Additional Materials
In addition to the cans, you’ll need a few other materials to set up your can drums:
Drumsticks or Beaters: You can use traditional drumsticks, but if you don’t have them, there are many household items that can work as substitutes. Wooden spoons, chopsticks, or even pencils can be used to strike the cans and produce sound. For a softer sound, you can wrap the ends of your beaters with cloth or rubber bands.
A Stable Surface: You’ll need a flat, stable surface to place your can drums on. This could be a table, a bench, or even the floor. Make sure the surface is sturdy enough to hold the cans securely while you play.
Optional Accessories: If you want to enhance the appearance or functionality of your can drums, you can gather additional materials. For example, you can use paint, stickers, or fabric to decorate the cans. You can also attach the cans to a wooden board or a frame to create a more organized drum set-like setup.
Preparing the Cans
Before you start playing, it’s important to prepare the cans properly:
Cleaning: Thoroughly clean the cans to remove any food residue or labels. For metal cans, make sure there are no sharp edges that could cut your hands. You can use sandpaper to smooth out any rough areas.
Securing the Lids: If the cans have lids, make sure they are securely attached. For metal cans, you may need to use a can opener to remove the lid and then reattach it tightly. For plastic cans, ensure that the lids fit snugly to prevent them from popping off while you play.
Setting Up Your Can Drums
Arranging the Cans
Once you have your cans and other materials ready, it’s time to set up your can drums. There are several ways to arrange the cans, depending on your playing style and the space available:
Single-Row Setup: Place the cans in a single row on your chosen surface. This setup is simple and easy to manage, making it a good choice for beginners. You can arrange the cans from left to right in order of pitch, with the lowest – pitched can on the left and the highest-pitched can on the right.
Multi-Row Setup: For a more complex setup, you can arrange the cans in multiple rows. This allows you to create a more diverse range of sounds and makes it easier to play different rhythms and patterns. You can experiment with different arrangements to find the one that feels most comfortable for you.
Stabilizing the Cans
To ensure that your can drums don’t move around while you play, it’s important to stabilize them. You can use several methods to do this:
Tape: Use masking tape or duct tape to secure the cans to the surface. Place the tape around the bottom of the cans, pressing firmly to make sure they are held in place.
Weight: You can place a small weight, such as a book or a bag of rice, inside each can to make them heavier and less likely to tip over. Just make sure the weight doesn’t interfere with your ability to strike the cans.
Mounting: If you want a more permanent setup, you can mount the cans to a wooden board or a frame. This can be done using screws or bolts, depending on the type of cans and the material of the board or frame.
Basic Playing Techniques
Holding the Drumsticks or Beaters
Properly holding your drumsticks or beaters is essential for good playing technique:
Grip: Hold the drumstick or beater between your thumb and index finger, with the other fingers wrapped around it for support. The grip should be firm but not too tight, allowing for a free and fluid motion of your wrist. Experiment with different grips to find the one that feels most comfortable and gives you the best control over the beater.
Positioning: When holding the beater, position it so that the striking end is perpendicular to the surface of the can. This will ensure that you strike the can evenly and produce a clear, consistent sound.
Basic Strokes
There are two main types of strokes used in playing can drums:
Downstroke: The downstroke is the most basic stroke. To play a downstroke, raise the beater above the can and then bring it down in a smooth, controlled motion, striking the center of the can with the tip of the beater. The force of the strike can be adjusted to vary the volume of the sound. A lighter strike will produce a softer sound, while a heavier strike will create a louder sound.
Upstroke: After playing a downstroke, instead of lifting the beater completely off the can, use the natural rebound of the can’s surface to lift the beater back up in an upward motion. The upstroke can be used to play a different note or to create a smooth transition between strokes.
Basic Rhythms
Once you’re comfortable with the basic strokes, you can start learning some simple rhythms:
Simple Beats: A basic beat could be as simple as playing one downstroke on each count. For example, in a 4/4 time signature, you would play “1, 2, 3, 4” by striking the can on each beat. You can also alternate between different cans to create a more interesting rhythm.
Syncopated Rhythms: Syncopation involves placing accents on off – beats. Start by practicing simple syncopated rhythms, such as playing a downstroke on the “and” between the first and second beats. This will add a sense of rhythm and movement to your playing.
Intermediate and Advanced Techniques
Creating Different Sounds
You can create a variety of sounds on can drums by experimenting with different techniques:
Striking Different Areas: Instead of always striking the center of the can, try hitting the edges, the sides, or even the bottom. Each area of the can will produce a different sound, allowing you to add more variety to your playing.
Using Different Beaters: As mentioned earlier, different types of beaters can produce different sounds. Experiment with wooden spoons, chopsticks, and other household items to find the sounds that you like best. You can also wrap the ends of the beaters with different materials, such as cloth or rubber, to change the tone.
Playing Complex Rhythms
Once you have mastered the basic rhythms, you can start learning more complex ones:
Polyrhythms: Polyrhythms are rhythms that combine two or more different rhythms played simultaneously. Playing polyrhythms on can drums can be challenging but very rewarding. Start by practicing simple polyrhythms, such as playing a 3-beat rhythm with one hand and a 4-beat rhythm with the other hand.
Fills and Accents: Fills are short, musical phrases that you play to transition between different parts of a song or add excitement to your drumming. Accents are used to emphasize certain beats. You can create your own fills and accents by combining different strokes and rhythms in creative ways.
Playing with Others
Playing can drums with other musicians is a great way to improve your skills and have fun:
Jam Sessions: Join or organize jam sessions with friends who play other instruments. You can play along with their music, following the rhythm and adding your own unique drum patterns. This will help you develop your sense of timing and musical interaction.
Band Performances: If you’re part of a band, you can incorporate can drums into your performances. Can drums can add a unique, rustic flavor to the music and make your band stand out. Work with the other band members to create arrangements that showcase the capabilities of the can drums.
Practicing and Improving Your Skills
Regular Practice Routine
Consistent practice is key to improving your can – drumming skills. Set aside a specific time each day for practice, even if it’s just for 30 minutes. Start with warm – up exercises, such as playing basic strokes and rhythms slowly to loosen up your hands and wrists. Then, move on to more challenging techniques and rhythms.
Recording Yourself
Recording your practice sessions is a great way to track your progress. You can use a smartphone or a recording device to record your playing. Listen to the recordings carefully and pay attention to your timing, rhythm, and the clarity of the sounds you produce. You can also compare your recordings to professional drumming performances to identify areas for improvement.
Learning from Others
There are many resources available to help you learn and improve your can – drumming skills:
Online Tutorials: There are numerous online tutorials and videos that teach different drumming techniques, including those for can drums. Watch these tutorials to learn new rhythms, strokes, and playing styles.
Drumming Communities: Join online drumming communities or forums where you can interact with other drummers, share your experiences, and ask for advice. You can also learn from the tips and tricks shared by more experienced drummers.
Conclusion
Playing can drums is a fun, creative, and accessible way to explore the world of music. From the simple process of gathering materials and setting up your drums to mastering basic and advanced playing techniques, every step offers a new opportunity for learning and self-expression.
Can drums may not be as polished as professional percussion instruments, but their unique sound and the sense of accomplishment that comes from creating music with everyday objects make them truly special. Whether you’re playing for your own enjoyment, entertaining others, or using them as a stepping stone to more advanced drumming, can drums have the potential to bring rhythm and joy into your life. With dedication, practice, and a willingness to experiment, you can unlock the full musical potential of can drums and continue to grow as a musician.
