What You Need to Know About Buying a Djembe Or Other African Drum

What You Need to Know About Buying a Djembe Or Other African Drum

African drummers are considered to be the best hand drummers around. There are over 36 different sounds that can be created using one single djembe drum, allowing you to create rhythms that are melodic and soulful. Although it is difficult to find a personal djembe tutor, there are ways to learn the instrument from home with the help of the internet. There are three basic djembe hand techniques that you must learn. These are; the tone, the slap, and the bass.

The Tone

The tone is played on the edges of the djembe drum with the fingers. When hitting the drum, your fingers should be placed together, so there are no gaps in between. When you make contact with the skin the only part that should touch the drum head is the fingers. The palm should never make contact. It's important that you raise your thumb when playing a tone. Otherwise, you could end up hurting yourself. When you hit the drum, you should raise your hand roughly six inches above the drum by bending your elbow. When you strike the drum, you should retract your hand instantly.



The Slap

The slap is very similar to the tone. However, the fingers should be opened slightly. The same technique is used. You should raise your hand six inches above the drum; hit the drum with your fingers (not your palm), and then retract your hand instantly. When you are learning the slap make sure that you don't hit the drum too hard as you could seriously injure your hands. The slap sound comes from the technique and the relaxed fingers - not the force.

The Bass

The bass is played in the center of the drum head. The fingers should be relaxed and held together. Again, the thumb should be raised. Just like with the other techniques you should raise your hand roughly six inches above the drum and retract your hand as soon as you make contact.

These techniques form the basic grounding that is required to play the djembe drum. If you want to start playing hand drums, then these are the first techniques that you should learn. You'll be surprised at how much you'll be able to play with these three playing methods.

Taking Lessons

There aren't many djembe drum teachers around. If you want to take lessons, then you will need to join a drumming circle. This way you will be able to seek advice from a variety of different players. Most djembe drummers are self-taught. With the internet, learning how to play the djembe is very easy. There are websites around that will offer tuition services and will offer feedback on your drumming technique to help you improve.

Attaining good hand-drum and hand-eye coordination is one of the greatest gifts drum players realize thanks to the need for both in playing. In African history, the african drum were used for many purposes including communication, special rites of passage, marriage and to honor certain people of the village. Their sound is integral to the African culture and has now spread to the rest of the world for the enjoyment and pleasure of all. Whether for a party, a beach event, performance or just to express yourself, these drums will deliver every time.