Why Drums Are Considered Non-Pitched Instruments
Drums are often categorized as non-pitched instruments in music theory and performance. This classification is based on the unique characteristics of their sound waves and the way they are played. Understanding why drums are considered non-pitched will provide insight into the nature of these instruments and their role in various musical genres.
The Nature of Drum Sound Waves
The primary reason drums are non-pitched instruments is related to the complexity of their waveforms. Unlike pitched instruments, such as the marimba, which produce sounds with clear, distinct pitches, drums generate waveforms that do not produce a recognizable pitch in the human ear and brain. This is because the sound waves produced by drums are more chaotic and do not have a consistent, repeated frequency pattern that is perceived as a specific pitch.
For example, a snare drum produces a wave that does not conform to the conditions necessary for the brain to perceive a discrete pitch. The waveform is complex and lacks the harmonic series that contributes to the clarity and tunability of pitched instruments. As a result, while drums can produce a series of sounds, they cannot be considered to have a specific pitch.
The Role of Percussion Instruments in Music
Despite the limitations in terms of pitch, percussion instruments like drums play a crucial role in music. While some drums, such as certain toms, can produce higher and lower pitch sensations, these are not true pitches but rather a sense of tone that can influence the rhythmic and dynamic aspects of music. This is why instruments like the woodblock are also classified as non-pitched. Woodblocks, much like snare drums, do not produce a recognizable pitch but contribute to the texture and rhythm of a musical piece.
Furthermore, tuning a set of drums (as is often done before a performance or recording) does not make them pitched instruments in the same sense as, for instance, the guitar or piano. Even if a drum kit has been tuned, the notes produced by the drums lack the specificity and repeatability required to play a tune or melody. This is why standard notation for pitched instruments, which is designed to indicate pitch and rhythm, is not applicable to drums.
Standard Western Drum Set
The standard western drum set is specifically excluded from the category of pitched instruments because each cymbal and drum produces a unique sound that is not tunable to a specific pitch. For example, a ride cymbal is notated on one line, and a snare drum on another, recognizing the distinct nature of each sound. This unique notation is adapted to the specific requirements of drumming, which focuses more on rhythm and timing rather than pitch.
The resonance and ring of a drum contribute to the musical quality of the instrument, but they are not as defined or contained as the pitches produced by harmonic instruments. The sound of a drum is more subtle and complex, contributing to the overall texture and dynamics of a musical piece rather than providing a clear, distinct pitch.
Conclusion
In summary, drums are considered non-pitched instruments primarily due to the nature of their sound waves and their role within musical notation. While they can produce various tones and effects, they do not have the capability to produce a clear, specific pitch that is recognized by the human ear and brain in the same way as pitched instruments. This classification highlights the unique and important role that drums play in musical performance and composition.