

The top head is typically called the batter head because that is where the drummer strikes it, while the bottom head is called the snare head because that is where the snares are located. The wires can also be placed on the top, as in the tarol snare, or both heads as in the case of the Highland snare drum. The snare drum is constructed of two heads-both usually made of Mylar plastic in modern drums but historically made from calf or goat skin-along with a rattle of metal, plastic, nylon, or gut wires on the bottom head called the snares. Some of these qualities are head material and tension, dimensions, and rim and drum shell materials and construction. The depth of the sound varies from snare to snare because of the different techniques and construction qualities of the drum. The snare drum is easily recognizable by its loud cracking sound when struck firmly with a drumstick or mallet. In comparison with the marching snare, the kit snare is generally smaller in length, while the piccolo is the smallest of the three. In marching bands, it can do the same but is used mostly for a front beat. The snare drum that one might see in a popular music concert is usually used in a backbeat style alongside the rhythm section to create rhythm.

Each type presents a different style of percussion and size. The tabor evolved into more modern versions, such as the kit snare, marching snare, tarol snare, and piccolo snare. The snare drum originates from the tabor, a drum first used to accompany the flute. Its high dynamic range allows the player to produce powerful accents with vigorous strokes and a thundering crack when rimshot strokes are used. It can be used for complex rhythmic patterns and engaging solos at moderate volumes. The sensitivity of the snare drum allows it to respond audibly to the softest strokes, even with a wire brush. The snare drum is a versatile and expressive percussion instrument due to its sensitivity and responsiveness.

Snare drums are usually played with drum sticks, but other beaters such as the brush or the rute can be used to achieve different tones. It is one of the central pieces in a drum set, a collection of percussion instruments designed to be played by a seated drummer and used in many genres of music. Snare drums are often used in orchestras, concert bands, marching bands, parades, drumlines, drum corps, and more. The snare drum (or side drum) is a percussion instrument that produces a sharp staccato sound when the head is struck with a drum stick, due to the use of a series of stiff wires held under tension against the lower skin. (Individual double-skin cylindrical drums, one skin used for playing)
