The Fife And Drum | Guilford Courthouse

The fife and drum played a crucial role during the American Revolution. They were used as tools for commanders to communicate with their troops.  Fifes and drums were much easier to use for relaying commands, rather than yelling commands through distance, gun and cannon-fire, smoke, and general confusion.  Different tunes composed for fifes and drums meant various commands for soldiers to follow.  

Several popular fife and drum tunes during the American Revolution include "Yankee Doodle," and "The British Grenadiers."

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