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 side drum is a hand drum loved by the Zhuang people. Originally, it was only used by Dao Gong (wizards) to dance and dance. Today, in the Zhuang bronze drum music (often played alternately by four bronze drums of different sizes and timbres), the side drum is the main foil instrument. In addition, it is also used in Daogong opera (song and dance drama developed on the basis of dancing gods) and singing and dancing accompaniment.