Match the drum head you are actually measuring
Choose a batter or resonant near-lug target, mute the opposite head, and compare repeated taps in Hz. Center-hit fundamentals are listed separately so the two tests never get confused.
More than a pitch meter
A repeatable drum-tuning workspace
Plan a whole kit
Start with assembled fundamentals, choose head relationships, and estimate near-lug targets for every drum.
Open resourceLearn where to tap
See how to isolate one head, position the microphone, compare lugs, and troubleshoot octave jumps.
Open resourceCompare measured targets
View batter lug, resonant lug, and assembled center-hit frequencies side by side by drum size.
Open resourceSize-specific presets
Measured starting points
These starting values distinguish batter and resonant lug pitch from the assembled drum's center fundamental. Match the listed diameter before using a preset.
A clean measurement loop
- 1Select a drum and explicitly choose Batter, Resonant, or a custom Hz target.
- 2Mute the opposite head, place the microphone close, and tap lightly about one inch from a lug.
- 3Match opposite lugs in a star pattern, using several consistent taps before each small adjustment.
- 4Unmute both heads and check the center-hit fundamental as a separate whole-drum result.
- 5Play normally and write down what works for this drum, head set, room, and musical job.
Drum tuner questions
Why must I choose Batter or Resonant first?
A drum produces several frequencies at once. Selecting the head tells the meter which exact Hz target you intend to compare with a near-lug tap.
Why is the center-hit frequency lower?
With both heads open, the two membranes and the air inside the shell act as a coupled system. That assembled fundamental is a different measurement from the pitch near one lug.
Does DrumTuner.io record microphone audio?
No. The browser processes short audio samples locally to estimate pitch. The site does not upload or store microphone recordings.