Drums are a collective percussion instrument — that is, one that combines several different types of percussive instruments into one. They provide rhythm and are the backbone of nearly all modern rock, hip-hop, blues, jazz, and other types of popular music. The term “drums” includes the drums themselves (which are typically made from wooden shells with synthetic or skin drumheads), the cymbals, and other percussive elements on the kit. The drummer sits on a stool, called a throne, and plays the drums with sticks. There are numerous techniques involved with playing drums. The building blocks of playing drums are known as rudiments and can be practiced on a silent drum pad or even on the top of your leg. These rudiments provide the technique for playing beats, grooves, and solos on the full kit.