Drum kit

Drum kit
Standard drum kit configuration:
Percussion instrument
Other namesAcoustic drum kit, drum set, trap set, drums
Classification Percussion
Hornbostel–Sachs classification211.212.11 and 111.24
(Individual double-skin cylindrical drums, one skin used for playing and percussion vessels)
Developed1860s, United States
Related instruments
Drum, bongos, rototoms, octoban, crash/ride cymbal, sizzle cymbal, bell cymbal, swish cymbal, zinger cymbal, cowbell, jam block, vibraslap, temple blocks, tambourine, tam-tam, mark tree
Sound sample
Drum kit sound
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More articles or information
Electronic drum, drum hardware, drum stick, drum case, trigger, drum module

A drum kit, acoustic drum kit or drum set (also known as a trap set or simply drums in popular music and jazz contexts) is a musical instrument consisting of a collection of percussion instruments arranged to be played by a single musician. It typically includes drums, cymbals, and sometimes other auxiliary percussion instruments, such as a tambourine or a cowbell. The drummer usually plays while seated on a drum throne, using drumsticks or special wire or nylon brushes to strike the drums and cymbals, as well as pedals to operate the bass drum and hi-hat, allowing them to adapt the sound to their desired effect.

The drum set is not standardized, but usually consists of:

Drum sets may be smaller consisting of only snare drum, bass drum, hi-hat, and one cymbal. Conversely, they can also be quite expansive. The drum kit is a part of the standard rhythm section and is used in many types of popular and traditional music styles, ranging from rock and pop to blues and jazz.