Abstract: A drum tuning device distributes the drawing force exerted on the drumhead by the tensioning lugs over an increased circumferential segment of the drum hoop. The tuning device includes a generally planar, relatively thin tuning plate having a circumferential dimension, a radial dimension and a thickness dimension. The circumferential dimension is substantially greater than the radial dimension and the thickness dimension. The tuning plate includes an arcuate inner surface conforming to the radial contour of the drum hoop and an outer surface substantially parallel to the inner surface. The tuning plate has an opening therethrough positioned medially between the inner surface and the outer surface. The tuning plate is positioned between the head portion of one of the tensioning lugs and the drum hoop.