Drums consist of a membrane (also known as a skin) stretched over an open-ended cylinder (also known as a shell) and struck with a mallet or stick, or by using the hand or fingers. In jazz, some drummers will use brushes for a smoother, quieter sound. In many traditional cultures, drums have a symbolic function and are used in religious ceremonies. They are often used in music therapy, especially hand drums, because of their tactile nature and ease of use by a wide variety of people.

Along with the voice, the drum is perhaps the oldest instrument known to humans. Drums first appeared as far back as 6000 B.C. Mesopotamian excavations have unearthed small cylindrical drums dated 3000 B.C..