i don't tune my toms to a specific note.i tune 'em based on my ears.i go for the pitch that gives out the full potential of each drum in tone,resonance and attack.i usually start with my 12'' as it is the hardest for me to get it right.then i will do the 10'' and 14''(floor tom).after that it's my 15'' floor tom and lastly the 8''.
Now if you are gonna tune your drums to a specific note you might want to consider this:every drum-at least a quality drum-has a fundamental pitch.the way to find this pitch is to remove the heads and hoops.after you do that slip your one hand inside the drum and hold that hand extended.with your other hand make a fist and hit the center of the shell.now,i wanna try and explain this right....you don't throw a punch to the shell you know?imagine your hand is a hammer,gettin'it?and don't hit it hard,it's more of tap thing...listen closely to the sound.there is gonna be a pitch.that is the shell's fundamental note.tune both heads to that note.you might need to mess a little bit with the tension after you've done that.
i hope it makes sense and i hope it works for you.try it out!
