drum

A drum is a percussion instrument that produces sound when its surface is struck, typically with hands or sticks. It consists of a hollow shell, often made of wood or metal, with a stretched membrane called a drumhead across one or both ends. When struck, the tension and vibration of the membrane generate sound waves, creating the rhythmic beats essential to music. Drums come in various sizes and types, each producing different tones, and they are fundamental in setting tempo and rhythm across many musical genres.