Stir drums are played by striking the head of the drum with a stick or beater. The stick is usually made of wood, and it may have a padded tip. The beater is usually made of felt, and it is attached to the stick with a string. The drummer holds the stick in one hand and the beater in the other hand, and they strike the head of the drum with the beater in a regular rhythm.
The sound of a stir drum is loud and piercing. The pitch of the drum is determined by the size of the drumhead, and the tone of the drum is determined by the material of the drumhead and the body of the drum. Stir drums are often used to create a sense of excitement or urgency, and they can also be used to create a rhythmic backdrop for other instruments.
Stir drums are an important part of many musical traditions, and they continue to be used by musicians all over the world.