hit, that sounds like a hollow shell being hit?

[Trog]

I did a fine tuning of my drum so the sound is close to the same all around it and my tones are coming along good. (sounding better).
Now I have another question. On a slap, is it just the fingertips that make the sound or is it a combination of the 1st set of pads above the hand and the fingertips? Also, I can get a higher sound with just hitting with the 1st pads. Is this considered a type of tone?

[bubudi]

check out our article on technique.

i'm not sure what you mean by the first pads?

[Trog]

the 1st pads I am referring to is the 1st section of the fingers up to and including the 1st finger joints. Where as the finger tips would be the last sections of the hand.

[bubudi]

so it seems like you're talking about the pads at the top of the palm. yes, they should strike the rim if you're playing either a tone or slap. please see the technique article for more detail.

[Trog]

According to this video, I have been playing with my hands not far enough onto the drum head.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NI05CDVV8XQ