The term dagu (Chinese bass drum) is generic for two models of drum in the orchestra. One, shaped like a flowerpot (known as huapengu), and the other, with a broad base (known as datanggu or ganggu). The datanggu resonates with a lower pitch than a huapengu, and produces sounds that are thicker, but less bright than the huapengu. Both drums are commonly used in the Chinese orchestra, but composers seldom know the difference between the two drums.

The dagu has a body made of wood and has cow hide surfaces on its top and bottom. Suspended by four legs on the wooden frame, its surfaces measure around one and a half chi (a chi is about one third of a metre). The surface of the drum can be differentiated into its core, intermediate and outer rings. The intermediate ring of the drum is considered the heart of the drum. When struck, it produces low, thick and solid sounds. The outer ring of the drum produces more transient sounds.

The Chinese bass drum has a strong character and is highly expressive, often taking the lead in orchestral pieces and wind and percussion ensembles.

The wooden frame of the drums can be struck, and is capable of producing sharp and piercing sounds. Such sounds are only characteristic in the Chinese bass drum. The use of this sound is especially popular in native wind and percussion ensembles.

A variation of the Chinese bass drum is the xiaogu (small drum). Also known as zhangu or xiaotanggu, this drum is a smaller version of the Chinese bass drum. The small drum has a length of approximately six to seven inches, and possesses the same shape as the datanggu. The sounds produced by this drum are solid yet elastic. Its techniques are similar to the Chinese bass drum. Strong and loud strikes of this drum are often associated with war scenarios. Often played together with small cymbals and small gongs, the drum is used in the orchestra to create lively and enthusiastic atmospheres with fast rhythms.

The Chinese drums are predominantly hit with wooden drumsticks.