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inward_snares_introduction.wmv (396k)

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An inward snare is a method of making a snare sound and sucking or breathing in air at the same time. There seems to be lots of confusion surrounding inward snares and this is because there are different methods/combinations of methods and because people have named different sounds using the same name. This article is to help you distinguish between the different sounds and methods and it will hopefully unmuddy the waters.

The Different Sounds

Breathing In Sounds

There are five different snare sounds that allow you to take a breath at the same time. Four of the sounds use different methods and the fifth sound uses a combination of two of the methods. The four different methods use:

1. Lips (bilabial) - e.g. Inward Classic Snare
2. Vocal Chords (voiced) - e.g. Inward Hollow Snare
3. Tongue/Hard Palate (palatal) - e.g. Inward Handclap Snare
4. Tongue/Soft Palate (velar) - e.g. Inward K Snare

The fifth inward snare is the Inward Combo Snare and uses a combination of lips and tongue/soft palate - i.e. it is a combination of the Inward Classic Snare and Inward K Snare.

Non-Breathing In Sounds

There are two other inward snare sounds but these are sounds made without taking a breath. They are:

1. Inward 808 Rimshot
2. Inward 606 Snare

These sounds are not covered in this article but you can find out about these sounds on the Inward Snare Drums tutorials page.

1. Inward Classic Snare (pFF)

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Video

inward_classic_snare.wmv (1.2Mb)

inward_classic_snare.mp4 (1.2Mb)

Method

This is like making a 'P' sound inwards rather than outwards.

1. Start with your lips together - as if you were going to say the letter 'p'.
2. Suck in until the pressure builds up.
3. Then take in a sharp breath of air.

For more information check out the Inward Classic Snare tutorial.

2. Inward Hollow Snare

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(Inward Cough Snare or Inward 909 Snare)

Video

inward_hollow_snare.wmv (1.5Mb)

inward_hollow_snare.mp4 (1.6Mb)

Method

1. To make the Inward Hollow Snare properly you combine two sounds: (1) a sharp vocalised intake of breath - the sound people make when surprised by something (Inward Cough Snare), and (2) a 'sh' or aspirated 'w' sound made by sucking air in through your teeth or with your mouth pursed in an 'oo' shape.
2. When you make this sound you fill your lungs with air and this means you are in effect taking a breath at the same time.

For more information check out the Inward Hollow Snare tutorial.

3. Inward Hand Clap Snare (Kch)

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Video

This video tutorial was produced for an article on inward snare drums:

inward_handclap_snare.wmv (1.4Mb)

inward_handclap_snare.mp4 (1.4Mb)

Method

1. Position 1 Place the tip of your tongue on your gum behind your upper teeth blocking off all air flow as if you were saying the letter n.
2. Position 2 Keep the tip of your tongue in position such that you can breath through the gaps each side of your tongue. As if you were saying the letter L.
3. In Position 1, block the air flow to your nose and breathe in a little such that the pressure builds behind your tongue. Then move to position 2 breathing in as quickly and as sharply as possible. The air should rush in making a good snare sound and you've managed to take a deep breath!

For more information check out the Inward Handclap tutorial.

4. Inward 'K' Snare

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Video

inward_k_snare.wmv (816k)

inward_k_snare.mp4 (776k)

Description

The Outward 'K' Snare is made by making a 'k' sound and breathing out at the same time so it's 'k' + breath sound. The Inward 'k' Snare is made exactly the same way but by making a 'k' sound and breathing in.

• This sound is made simply by sounding a 'k' and breathing in.
• A variation is to make a 'sh' sound at the same time - as if you are saying 'ksh' but breathing in.

For more information check out the Inward K Snare tutorial.

5. Inward Combo Snare

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(Inward Classic Snare + Inward K Snare)

Video

inward_combo_snare.wmv (616k)

inward_combo_snare.mp4 (580k)

Description

The Inward Combo Snare is a combination of the Inward Classic Snare and the Inward K Snare. It's the snare used by artists such as Kenny Muhammad and can be made whilst taking a breath at the same time.

• Firstly - learn how to make an Inward Classic Snare
• Then learn how to make an Inward K Snare
• Do both at the same time p + k.

And finally...

The beauty of these five sounds is that they enable the beatboxer to continue beatboxing without drawing a separate breath. It always amazes me how different beatboxers use these same methods and yet their sounds are so different because of the shape of their mouth, vocal chords, etc. No doubt someone will come up with more methods and this article will never be the final word on this subject. However, these five basic sounds should be enough to keep most beatboxers busy for a while! Love and Peace. TyTe