There has been an increase in the popularity of hand drums during the past several years, on the stage as well as in casual environments such as drum circles. A djembe drum demonstrates itself as being very versatile for both purposes. Players often make a few common mistakes when playing this or any other type of hand drum.
The djembe drum is a very good choice for players looking for a single drum to cover many different sounds. 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 presents an individual challenge. Synthetic heads can get tuned too tight, causing a lot of "ring" and overtones that you don't want. 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. When tuning a synthetic drum head, be sure to take it slowly and check the tone often.
Another misconception is that as the drummer you should play louder, or that the bigger drums should be played louder. This is a common problem, but it isn't very considerate. People who drum together in drum circle have a tendency to speed up as they are drumming and also get louder. It is not necessary to play the djembe as loud as possible in order to be heard.
As well as getting louder, the drummer can tend to start playing faster. These can be avoided if you simply listen and pay attention to what you are playing. One hint that you are playing too loud is if you don't hear the other drummers. Some people find it very helpful to close their eyes for better focus; after all, the drum won't go anywhere.
A djembe drum is perfect for the beginner, as it is so simple to play. However, do not ignore basics just because a drum seems effortless to play. Many casual drummers have fun just banging away and don't understand how to create different sounds that drums can make, but other drummers spend time practicing the location of the basic tones and the way to beat them out with the djembe. The djembe drum will allow you to play like a symphony by only knowing how to create three basic tones.
The djembe drum is a very good choice for players looking for a single drum to cover many different sounds. 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 presents an individual challenge. Synthetic heads can get tuned too tight, causing a lot of "ring" and overtones that you don't want. 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. When tuning a synthetic drum head, be sure to take it slowly and check the tone often.
Another misconception is that as the drummer you should play louder, or that the bigger drums should be played louder. This is a common problem, but it isn't very considerate. People who drum together in drum circle have a tendency to speed up as they are drumming and also get louder. It is not necessary to play the djembe as loud as possible in order to be heard.
As well as getting louder, the drummer can tend to start playing faster. These can be avoided if you simply listen and pay attention to what you are playing. One hint that you are playing too loud is if you don't hear the other drummers. Some people find it very helpful to close their eyes for better focus; after all, the drum won't go anywhere.
A djembe drum is perfect for the beginner, as it is so simple to play. However, do not ignore basics just because a drum seems effortless to play. Many casual drummers have fun just banging away and don't understand how to create different sounds that drums can make, but other drummers spend time practicing the location of the basic tones and the way to beat them out with the djembe. The djembe drum will allow you to play like a symphony by only knowing how to create three basic tones.
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To buy djembe drums and djembe bags visit the Djembe Drum Shop at www.djembedrumshop.com.
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