Traditional African djembe drums are used by many groups, including those that perform not only folk music. This tool has been around for a very long time. In many African countries, djembe is considered a sacred instrument. The dimensions of such a drum range from 15 to 40 cm in diameter and from 30 to 60 cm in height. There may be other options as well. Its main quality, which explains its very great popularity, is a deep juicy sound.
It is necessary
- - djembe drum;
- - records of folk and pop music;
- - player.
Instructions
Step 1
Consider djembe. Its shape resembles a goblet on a thick and high leg or an hourglass. Despite the apparent simplicity, making such an instrument requires a lot of art. The skin of a goat or zebra is pulled over a wooden base and secured with a rather intricate system of cords and knots. Open your palm and strike with tense fingertips in the center of the membrane and near the edge. You will hear that the sound comes out differently. In the first case, it is low and deep, in the second, it is high.
Step 2
Think about how it will be more convenient for you to play - standing or sitting. Virtuosos often play while standing. Hang the drum from a belt, if provided, or place it on a stand. To play while sitting, hold the djembe between your knees. On large djembes, performers often sit astride, but this should not be done. The drum will break down very quickly if handled in this manner. The ropes are frayed, the tuning is lost, and dust gets into the instrument.
Step 3
Play the djembe with both hands. An intricate rhythm is conveyed by alternating highs and lows and slaps. You need very good coordination of movements, so start developing it right away. Put your fingers together for a palm strike. At the same time, the wrist should remain relaxed. Start off with simple strong beats. Put on any musical recording, preferably with pronounced accents. Beat off only the strongest beats at first, and do it in turn with both hands.
Step 4
Do the following exercise. Hit the center of the membrane with your palm on the strong beat, and on the weak ones at the edge. After learning how to do this exercise with one hand, try playing with two. For example, hit the strong beat to the center with the left, and the weak ones along the edge with the right. Change your hands periodically.
Step 5
If you know a little notation and understand the timing, try playing the notes. Take any simple piece for piano or button accordion. You only need durations. They can even be rewritten as separate lines for the right and left hand. It is desirable that there are durations no less than eighths. Tap the right-hand part into the edge of the head, then the left into the center, and then connect and listen to what happens. Do some more similar exercises. This will help develop coordination. Play slowly at first, memorizing the sequence of movements. Increase your pace gradually.
Step 6
Learn to slap. It is performed with a relaxed brush. Do the following exercise. Put on a waltz recording. Mark the strong share by hitting the left hand to the center, the second by hitting the right palm to the edge, and the third by hitting the right or left hand.
Step 7
Learn fine fractions. It is performed by alternating fingers. The sequence can be from the index finger to the little finger, and vice versa. Some musicians use this technique as well. They hit the center of the membrane with the thumb, with the rest - a small fraction along the edge.
