Percussions

October 29, 2010

Djembes 290x300 PercussionsDjembe Drum

Some of you may not have heard about the djembe drum; it is a percussion instrument played with your hands. It’s basically a hand drum… but not just any hand drum, it’s a djembe. This is the coolest hand drum around, in my opinion, and I’d like to share this little article about why I love it so much.

Wherever there’s a djembe drum there’s a party! According to the Bamana people in Mali, the name of the djembe comes directly from the saying “Anke dje, anke be” which literally translates to “everyone gather together” and defines the drum’s purpose.

There are two positions for playing the Djembe, standing and sitting. I find the standing  position he most common method and the best way to play this instrument, but you can also play the Djembe in a standing position with the use of a strap.

The proper sound is achieved with minimum effort for maximum effect. The key is to either focus or disperse the hand’s energy and to position the hand in the correct place. The bass and tone notes require focused energy (beginners will have the most success by holding their fingers firmly together, maybe a sticky bandage would help), while the slap requires dispersed energy (fingers are relaxed).

Striking the skin with the palm and fingers toward the drum’s centre produces a bass note; striking the skin near the rim (with the fleshy part of the palm just above the rim) produces the tone and slap. The tone must ring by striking like it’s a hot pan. Beginners may think of the tone and slap as fingers “together” and “apart.” Advanced players will not take the time to make that obvious physical change but will rather make a less visibly obvious change from “focused” to “dispersed.”

Check out this four years old child not just playing Djembe, but feeling the rhythm! Amazing don’t you think? icon smile Percussions

…Also if you are interested and would like to know more about Eco-Friendly djembes and what is illegally harvested wood, please check the Mother Rhythm website, they have some interesting information.

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