How to Play African Drums : Tones on a Djembe Drum

A djembe will make different tones based on how you use your hands. Learn how to make different djembe tones in this free African drum video from a musician.

Expert: Jan Sebon
Contact: www.thegoddessstore.com
Bio: Jan Sebon is a poet, musician, teacher and media personality who continues to define the Haitian experience with a unique voice based on his own life experiences and culture.
Filmmaker: Paul Muller

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• african
• djembe
• drums
• kuku
• doundoun
• songba
• drumming
• percussion
• tones
• sounds
• slaps
• music
• lessons
• free
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[christsminstrel]

Just knowing that there are three major tones is very helpful. I have been finding these the hard way on my new (to me) secondhand Remo key-tuned 14" djembe.

[kidsspirit]

You should turn the djembe about 60 degrees, so that the line i the middle of the drum goes straight away from you (in forward direction)

but i guess you actually know that ;)

[kathrynhansen100]

I wish I could take lessons from you in person, next best thing is listening to your videos. I learn a lot from you. I like the way you teach. Thank you for going slow, one step at a time on each of your videos. kathy

[richjard]

very good.

[frankiefiggsbpg]

@szeal :

it depends on what you play. When playing a slap you hit the rim of the drum with your hand first and then whip the fingers down on the skin. Your hand should touch the rim at the first line you have on your hand, so about 1-2cm behind the finger knuckle so you don't hurt the knuckle.

For playing a tone your hand needs to be stiff and there is no slapping motion. here you can hit the same way, or a little bit further towards your fingers.

[Smackenzieth]

awsome lesson and awsome dreadlocks this guy has its awsome.

[szeal]

This is good, I like this teacher. I have a question though. When making a tone or slap sound on the djembe, how much of my hand is supposed to hit the drum? When my hand is hitting it, does the center of my palm (past the knuckles) hit the rim of the drum, or do only my fingers hit the drum, leaving my palm totally away from the rim? It just seems like the joint of where my fingers meet the hand should not be hitting the rim when I make a slap or tone sound. Anyone know what I mean?

[wodrummerworld]

yeah, I like this guy

nameste

[psylence101]

It reminds me of learning martial-arts.

Repeat the movement untill perfection is attained, then go kick some ass!!!

[Shamaler]

good teacher thanks for giving us the opportunity too pratice with you