Drummer’s Gig Checklist – 50 Essential Items

Drummers are known for hauling around the most gear and it’s only fitting to have a checklist to make sure you have everything you need. From the essentials like your drum kit, drumsticks, and cymbals to dampening pads, drum keys, brushes, mallets, rods, and similar gear.

The following 50 items are essential for any drummer when performing:

1. Drumsticks (multiple pairs)
2. Snare drum
3. Bass drum
4. Tom-toms
5. Floor tom
6. Hi-hat cymbals
7. Crash cymbals
8. Ride cymbal
9. Splash/China cymbals (if used)
10. Drum throne
11. Kick pedal
12. Hi-hat stand
13. Snare stand
14. Cymbal stands
15. Tom mounts/hardware
16. Drum key
17. Spare drum heads
18. Drum tuning tools
19. MoonGel or dampening pads
20. Cymbal felts and washers
21. Stick bag
22. Brushes, rods, mallets (if used)
23. Metronome or click track
24. In-ear monitors or headphones
25. Extension cords
26. Power strip
27. Monitor speaker (if not provided by venue)
28. Mic clips for drums
29. Drum mics (if not provided by venue)
30. Setlist
31. Practice pad
32. Duct tape or gaffer tape
33. Extra wing nuts for stands
34. Drum rug/mat
35. Ear protection
36. Towels
37. Water bottle
38. Snacks/energy bars
39. Change of clothes
40. Drumstick holder (attachable to drum kit)
41. Kick drum patch (for pedal beater)
42. Backup kick pedal
43. drum gloves (if used)
44. Flashlight/headlamp
45. Multi-tool (pliers, screwdriver, etc.)
46. Phone charger/power bank
47. Notepad and pen
48. Merchandise (if applicable)
49. Drum machine or samples
50. Portable fan (for stage comfort)