Hand drums, seeing a surge in popularity in recent years, are used in a variety of situations ranging from an informal drum circle to the stage. The djembe drum has proven itself to be incredibly versatile in both scenarios. A few common mistakes exist that players often make when playing this or any other type of hand drum.
A djembe drum, with its variety of sounds, is perfect for someone who is looking to get the most out of a single drum. There are many different types of djembe drums available to fit every player's different preferences. Drums are available with either a synthetic or natural skin head. Each type of head has its own challenge. A lot of "ring" and overtones that you don't want can be caused by the synthetic head being tuned too tightly. With a natural head, the tones tend to be more "organic" and the drum produces fewer overtones. Once you have over-tensioned a drum head, it is quite difficult to get it back in proper tune. This can be avoided if you take your time tuning the head, and listen carefully to the tone.
Other misconception is that drummers should play more loudly than the other musicians, and that the larger drums are, the more loudly they are to be played. It is a mistake made by many, and it is very inconsiderate. If you go to a drum circle with a few people playing djembe drums you will probably notice all of the players pounding away and the volume steadily increasing. Djembe drums are capable of being very loud, but the beauty of the djembe is that you don't have to be the loudest to be heard.
Another issue that goes hand-in-hand with this problem is that players have a tendency to speed up as they play louder. The best way to avoid these two issues is to simply use your ears. If you are unable to hear your fellow drummers, the chances are you're playing too loud. Sometimes it helps to close your eyes to really focus, after all, it's not like the drum is going to go anywhere!
The djembe is an excellent drum and is easy for all, even beginners, to play. However, do not ignore basics just because a drum seems effortless to play. Other players take the time to learn the basics of where the tones are located and how to bring them out of the djembe, while many casual players have a good time just pounding away without knowing how to coax the variety of sounds that are possible out of the drum. The djembe drum will allow you to play like a symphony by only knowing how to create three basic tones.
A djembe drum, with its variety of sounds, is perfect for someone who is looking to get the most out of a single drum. There are many different types of djembe drums available to fit every player's different preferences. Drums are available with either a synthetic or natural skin head. Each type of head has its own challenge. A lot of "ring" and overtones that you don't want can be caused by the synthetic head being tuned too tightly. With a natural head, the tones tend to be more "organic" and the drum produces fewer overtones. Once you have over-tensioned a drum head, it is quite difficult to get it back in proper tune. This can be avoided if you take your time tuning the head, and listen carefully to the tone.
Other misconception is that drummers should play more loudly than the other musicians, and that the larger drums are, the more loudly they are to be played. It is a mistake made by many, and it is very inconsiderate. If you go to a drum circle with a few people playing djembe drums you will probably notice all of the players pounding away and the volume steadily increasing. Djembe drums are capable of being very loud, but the beauty of the djembe is that you don't have to be the loudest to be heard.
Another issue that goes hand-in-hand with this problem is that players have a tendency to speed up as they play louder. The best way to avoid these two issues is to simply use your ears. If you are unable to hear your fellow drummers, the chances are you're playing too loud. Sometimes it helps to close your eyes to really focus, after all, it's not like the drum is going to go anywhere!
The djembe is an excellent drum and is easy for all, even beginners, to play. However, do not ignore basics just because a drum seems effortless to play. Other players take the time to learn the basics of where the tones are located and how to bring them out of the djembe, while many casual players have a good time just pounding away without knowing how to coax the variety of sounds that are possible out of the drum. The djembe drum will allow you to play like a symphony by only knowing how to create three basic tones.
About the Author:
To buy djembe drums as well as djembe bags go to Djembe Drum Shop at www.djembedrumshop.com.