The Origins and History of Drums

Early forms of drumming may actually date back to the very beginnings of civilisation as we know it, and interestingly, modern drum kits differ only slightly to those early percussive instruments. The invention of new materials and a change in our musical tastes have changed the nature of drums somewhat, but their primary function remains relatively similar to early versions used thousands of years ago.

Image Source: drumforbeginner.com

The earliest recorded appearance of a percussion drum used as an instrument is thought to have appeared around 6000 BC. These early drums took a cylindrical form and due to their shape offered a distinctive sound when hit with sticks. It is thought that these drums were used as percussive musical instruments to accompany various ceremonies, religious uses and rituals. Later on, some of the first skinned drums appeared in China around 5500-2400 BC, using alligator skin as a membrane and were used in shaman rituals and ceremonies in the region.





Not do they have obvious musical and rhythmic qualities, drums have been used for communication by many different cultures to send messages over long distances. The African talking drum, which came in various shapes and sizes, could convey a message to a nearby tribe and even declare war and boost the morale of the troops. 

In Western cultures, once the use of goathide skinned drums became more popular, marching bands were enlisted to not only help keep the marching pace of an army in line, but also to convey messages during decidedly loud battles.

The majority of percussive instruments were played separately by individual musicians, and whilst this meant louder music in marching bands, it was not ideal for music in theatres and orchestras. It is in this era that the modern drum kit that we see today came into fruition. Around 1900, percussion musicians began combining drums and cymbals into an arrangement to be played with specialist drum sticks.

Foot pedals became popular later on with the introduction of the kick drum being played with the feet with the formation of the Ludwig & Ludwig Co.’s bass drum pedal system. This freed up the hands of the drummer to surround the large floor bass drum with other smaller drums to form the basis of the modern drum kit. With an evolution of musical styles and tastes that followed through the 50s, 60s and 70s and the musical revolution that proceeded, the electronic drum kit was a natural progression.

Today, we see many professional drummers using classic vintage drum kits from yesteryear as well as many drummers who swear by their full electronic kits. With musical tastes ever changing and musicians being influenced by newer electronic music, the evolution of the humble drum will change in form and sound, but the rich history of this percussive instrument in particular will stand the test of time, as the backbone of all music past and present.