When playing, the side drums in Wuming area hold the drum frame with the left hand, and the right hand slaps or strikes with a small wooden stick; the side drums in Donglan and Bama areas support both sides of the drum frame with both thumbs and palms, and the rest Fingers strike the drumhead simultaneously or alternately. Side drums sound solid and crisp, but not loud.

The drum frame is made of bamboo or carved from a whole piece of wood. The upper mouth is thicker and the lower mouth is thinner. The shape is oblate. The upper mouth is covered with cowhide, sheepskin, pigskin or snakeskin on one side. The edge is fixed with double rows of drum nails, and the lower mouth of the drum frame is open.