The snare drum, another primary percussion instrument in modern orchestras and popular groups, was developed from the double-skinned drum of medieval times known as the tabor. This instrument, also called a side drum, has as its distinctive feature several gut or wire strings that stretch across the instrument's lower skin. When the upper skin is struck, these strings vibrate, giving the instrument its characteristic crisp staccato.

The small medieval instrument gradually increased in size, mostly during the 15th century. It was so often combined in performance with the fife that these two instruments became closely associated with one another.

Unlike the kettledrum, with its bowl-shaped base, the snare drum's body is cylindrical and has a skin stretched taut on either end. Until the 18th century the snare drum was wider and deeper than the instrument in use today, and it produced a duller sound.

Sticks used to play the snare drum are usually made of hickory, are approximately 15 inches (38 centimeters) long, and gently taper toward a rounded tip, which is used to strike the instrument's skin. This skin is made from calf or plastic. When the snare drum is not being played, the orchestral player normally loosens the instrument's snares to keep them from vibrating and creating unwanted sound.