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What is the difference between side drum and snare drum?

Side Drum:

- Also known as the marching snare drum.

- Primarily used in marching bands and drum corps.

- Usually played while slung from a harness or carrier that allows the drummer to march and play simultaneously.

- Has a cylindrical shell made of wood or metal.

- Typically has a shallower shell compared to a standard snare drum.

- Snares are usually made of nylon or gut and are located on the bottom head of the drum.

- Produces a bright, cutting sound with sharp snare articulation.

- Commonly utilized in military parades, marching band performances, and marching arts competitions.

Snare Drum:

- The standard snare drum used in various musical genres such as rock, pop, jazz, country, etc.

- Mostly played in a seated position or mounted on a drum set.

- Has a cylindrical shell made of wood or metal, typically deeper than a side drum.

- Snares are typically made of metal (usually carbon steel or stainless steel) and are located on the bottom head of the drum.

- Produces a wider range of sounds and articulations, from crisp snare attacks to muffled and controlled tones.

- Offers more dynamic possibilities, including rim shots, cross-sticking, rim clicks, and more complex drumming techniques.

- Widely used in various musical settings, including live performances, studio recordings, marching bands (sometimes), drum lines, and drum corps.

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