The drums are a very popular instrument throughout the world. They belong in the percussion family. Drums are considered to be the most important component of the rhythm section of a band. Drums are also the worlds oldest musical instrument dating back to 6000 bc. The first drums were made from fish or reptile skin stretched over hollow tree trunks. They were struck with the hands. Later they were made with the skins of wild or domesticated mammals. This was used to make the drums bigger. They would also use sticks to hit these drums. Up until the late 1950’s, drums were almost always made with animal skin. Now most drums are made with a plastic. During the 1980’s it seemed like electric drums would replace traditional drums. However, people realized drummers liked the traditional drums better. There are three different types of drums. Bass drum, which is the largest drum. The Snare drum, and the Tom-tom. Those three drums make up a full drum set.