Drum Tuning Frequency Chart
Starting frequencies for three distinct measurements: batter lug, resonant lug, and assembled center hit.
| Drum and size | Batter lug | Resonant lug | Assembled center | Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snare Standard14" snare | 252 Hz · B3 +35c | 378 Hz · F#4 +37c | 185 Hz · F#3 | A medium 14-inch snare starting point with the snare-side lug target kept below 400 Hz. |
| Snare Fat14" snare | 229 Hz · A#3 -31c | 343 Hz · F4 -31c | 165 Hz · E3 -0c | A lower 14-inch snare starting point with a wider, lower-pitched response. |
| Snare Tight14" snare | 266 Hz · C4 +29c | 398 Hz · G4 +26c | 196 Hz · G3 | A higher 14-inch snare starting point that keeps the thin snare-side head at 398 Hz. |
| Kick Standard22" kick | 58.0 Hz · A#1 -8c | 87.0 Hz · F2 -6c | 38.9 Hz · D#1 +0c | A 22-inch kick starting point with a higher resonant-head lug pitch for definition. |
| Kick Low24" kick | 49.0 Hz · G1 | 74.0 Hz · D2 +14c | 32.7 Hz · C1 -0c | A low 24-inch kick starting point; ports, damping, and head choice can move the useful result. |
| Rack Tom Standard12" rack tom | 186 Hz · F#3 +9c | 229 Hz · A#3 -31c | 124 Hz · B2 +0c | A 12-inch tom starting point with a B2 assembled fundamental and the resonant head higher. |
| Floor Tom Standard16" floor tom | 110 Hz · A2 | 136 Hz · C#3 -33c | 73.4 Hz · D2 -0c | A 16-inch floor-tom starting point with a D2 assembled fundamental and controlled sustain. |
Note labels are nearest-note conveniences using equal temperament at A4 = 440 Hz. The Hz value is the actual target. Values are adapted from the size examples and head-pitch method in the tune-bot tuning guide.
Use the chart repeatably
- Choose a row that matches the drum diameter.
- Mute the opposite head before measuring a lug target.
- Tap lightly near each lug and work in a star pattern.
- Unmute both heads before checking the center-hit fundamental.
- Write down the values that work for your actual drum.
Need a different size?
Plan a custom assembled fundamental and estimate lug targets for one drum or a full kit. The calculator shows its ratios and flags snare-side estimates above 400 Hz.
Open the tuning calculatorMeasurement questions
Is a drum's lug pitch the same as its fundamental pitch?
No. A lug pitch is measured near one tension rod while the opposite head is muted. The assembled fundamental is measured near the center with both heads open, and it is normally lower because both heads and the air in the shell interact.
Are the note names required?
No. The note is only a convenient label for the nearest equal-tempered pitch at A4 = 440 Hz. The exact frequency is the repeatable measurement.
Should the resonant head always be higher?
No. A higher resonant-head lug pitch is one common starting relationship. Equal heads or a higher batter head can also be useful, depending on the drum and the desired decay.
Why does my microphone show a different number?
Drums produce several modes at once. The opposite head, room reflections, damping, strike position, and microphone response can change which frequency is strongest. Use light near-lug taps and repeat the reading.