Drum Heads: An Introduction

Drum heads play a crucial role in shaping the sound and feel of any drum kit. Choosing the right ones can make a world of difference—but with so many options available, where do you begin? Don’t worry—we’ve created a helpful drum head guide to walk you through the essentials and explore the fascinating world of drum heads in more detail.

Just starting out and what to jump straight to our picks for beginners? Just click the button below.

TAKE ME TO BEGINNER RECOMMENDATIONS

Single vs Double Ply

As you may have guessed the main difference between single ply and double ply heads is the thickness. Single ply heads consist of one layer of film usually between 7 - 10mil, while double ply heads feature two layers of film usually 7mil thick each (although thicker versions do exist).

Single Ply heads produce more overtones, greater brightness and more sustain and are best suited for your toms and snare. Single ply heads are extremely versatile and can be used for any genre but they are particularly suited for jazz, latin or lighter rock/pop. Due to the single film construction they are less durable and therefore not recommended if you play particularly hard. Some popular single ply heads are the Evans G1, Remo Ambassador or Code DNA.

Double Ply heads produce a deeper, more focused sound with enhanced attack and reduced overtones. Their punchy response and shorter sustain make them ideal for heavier playing styles, such as pop, rock and metal. Double-ply drumheads are a great option for beginners thanks to their added durability and resistance to denting, making them more forgiving. Their more controlled sound can also help new drummers train their ears and build a solid foundation for tuning. Some popular double ply heads are Evans G2, Remo Emperor, Code Generator or RAW T2's as a budget option.

Clear Vs Coated

While both types can be made in single- or double-ply versions, the surface finish has a significant impact on sound and feel.

Clear drum heads are made from a transparent film and generally produce a brighter, more open tone with more attack and sustain. They’re often favoured for toms and bass drums in rock, and metal, where clarity and punch are key. The smooth surface also makes them a bit more responsive to stick articulation. Some popular choices for your bass drum are the Evans Emad 2 or the Code Blast. And Remo Pinstripe for your toms.

Coated drum heads, on the other hand, have a thin textured layer applied to the surface. This coating warms up the tone, slightly reduces sustain, and adds a bit more control. They’re especially popular for snare drums and in genres like jazz, blues, indie and pop where a more mellow, focused sound is preferred. The coating also allows for better brushwork, making them ideal for nuanced playing. Popular options for your snare include the Coated Evans G1 for a single ply option or the Evans HD Dry for a mid thickness double ply alternative. Also consider the RAW T1 for a budget option

Dampening

When it comes to shaping your drum sound, in-built dampening features on drum heads can make a big difference. These built-in elements help control overtones, sustain, and attack without the need for external muffling like gels or rings.

Control Dots are small, circular patches—usually placed in the center or underside of the drum head. They add focus and durability while slightly reducing overtones. Heads with control dots offer a punchier attack and are great for snare drums or high-volume playing where added articulation is needed. Some great options for your snare include the Evans Power Centre Reverse Dot, or Code Zero. For your toms we'd look at the Remo Controlled Sound or Code Law.

Control Rings are thin, internal rings applied near the edge of the drum head. They help reduce sustain and unwanted high-frequency overtones, giving a tighter, more focused sound. Ideal for toms and snares, control rings strike a balance between tone and control without making the drum sound too dry. Some of our bestsellers include Evans HD Dry and Remo Pinstripe

EMAD & SMT are technologies introduced by Evans & Remo respectively. They are. external dampening systems primarily found on bass drumheads, designed to offer drummers more control over their sound. The Evans EMAD system features an external plastic ring with interchangeable foam dampening rings of varying thickness. These rings fit into a channel around the edge of the head, allowing drummers to adjust the amount of sustain and attack without needing to remove the head or place internal muffling. Remo's SMT, on the other hand, is a pre-muffled design that incorporates an externally mounted dampening profile with free-floating acoustic foam.

Some of our Drum Head recommendations

One of the best parts of playing drums is discovering the gear that fits your unique sound—and the best way to do that is by experimenting with different options. Check out our drum head recommendations below to get started!

Best For Jazz & Lighter Styles

Brighter With More sensitivity & response

We'd recommend the coated versions of the following heads for a warmer sound and brush strokes. The Evans G1 Coated are single-ply with excellent sensitivity and clarity. The Remo Coated Ambassador is another great single-ply option which is slightly warmer and with a softer attack compared to the G1. The CODE DNA's again offer a similar sound profile but at a more budget friendly price. If you're looking for something a bit different the Evans Calftone heads provide that classic old school jazz tone. The thinner, more vintage-inspired single-ply film and a lighter, more textured coating produces a warmer, airier tone with greater sensitivity.

Best For Metal & Rock

Warmer, more attack & Higher durability

The Evans G2 offers a durable double-ply construction, which delivers a powerful attack, focused tone, and excellent control under heavy playing. The Remo Pinstripe is also double-ply but has a built in dampening ring which reduces overtones and sustain right out of the box. This gives them a darker, deeper, and more focused tone, making them great for fat, punchy sounds. For your bass drum look no further than the Evans EMAD it features an adjustable foam ring system for customisable attack and sustain, tonally it is deep, punchy, and controlled with a strong low end.

 

Our Recommended Drum Heads for Beginners

Just starting out and overwhelmed by the choice? Start here and as your sound and style develops use our handy guide above to start your journey of discovery!

Mobile Image

Best All round versatility

Evans G2 Coated

Balanced, Warm & Durable

If you're just starting out you can't go wrong with the Evans G2 coated heads. Perfect for your tom and snare batter heads (the ones you hit). Their durable two-ply design can withstand heavy playing while still offering a balanced tone. The coating adds warmth and control, making them more forgiving for players still developing stick technique and tuning skills.

Mobile Image

For YOUR 'RESO' HEADS

Evans G1 Clear

Single Ply & straight forward to tune

For your resonant or 'reso' head (that's the one on the bottom) we'd go with an Evans G1 its single-ply design provides a clear, open tone that's easy to tune and responsive across a wide range of dynamics. They help new drummers develop an ear for resonance and sustain without being overly complex or difficult to control.

Mobile Image

For your bass drum

Evans EMAD

Available for the batter and reso sides of your bass drum. The Evans EMAD provide adjustable external dampening system which lets players easily customise the amount of control and punch, helping to achieve a focused sound without complicated muffling. Their durable construction also withstands heavy hitting, making them forgiving for drummers still refining their technique.

Mobile Image

BEST BUDGET Option

RAW DRUM HEADS

Great value

Available in Double Ply Clear for your toms and Single Ply coated for your snare. These heads offer excellent value for money. Offering balanced tones with a fast attack and minimal sustain.