1. Striking the Drumhead: When the drummer strikes the drumhead (the top surface of the drum) with a drumstick, they apply force that causes the drumhead to vibrate.
2. Transfer of Vibration: The vibration generated by the drumhead is then transferred to the drum's shell or body, making it vibrate as well. The shell's shape and material contribute to the overall sound, providing low-end resonance.
3. Snare Mechanism: Inside the drum, just below the batter head, a set of thin, wire snares are stretched across the bottom, resting against the underside of the head. As the drumhead vibrates, it comes into contact with the snares, causing them to rattle and buzz against it.
4. Drum Resonance: The vibrating head induces sound within the drum's chamber. The snare wires add a bright, sharp, characteristic cracking sound as they vibrate against the batter head. The combined resonance provides the distinct character of a snare drum.
5. Drum Tuning: The pitch of the snare drum is regulated by adjusting the tension of the head (often using a drum key). Tuning also controls how taut the snares are against the bottom head, altering the responsiveness and tone of the snare when played.
The sound of a snare drum is characterized by the combination of the drumhead vibrations, shell resonance, and interplay with the snares, resulting in a distinct, crisp, and lively tonal quality that's commonly found in various genres of music.