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. Players often make a few common mistakes when playing this or any other type of hand drum.
For someone wanting only one drum that has a number of different sounds, a djembe drum is the perfect choice. Many different styles of djembe drums are available to appeal to different player's preferences. Some drums have synthetic heads and others have natural-skin heads. Each type of head presents an individual challenge. If you tune the synthetic head too tightly, you will get certain overtones and a "ring", which isn't the sound you want to achieve. A natural drum head produces a more organic tone, with very few overtones. Once you have over-tensioned a drum head, it is quite difficult to get it back in proper tune. This can be avoided by tuning the head gradually, paying careful attention to the tone as you go.
Another misconception is that as the drummer you should play louder, or that the bigger drums should be played louder. 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. Djembes have the potential to be very loud but it is not necessary to play them loud as those drumming quietly will still be heard when playing in an orchestra or band.
Players have a tendency to speed up as they play louder which is another issue that goes hand-in-hand with this problem. These can be avoided if you simply listen and pay attention to what you are playing. If you can't hear the players around you, then you are probably too loud. Some people think it helps to shut their eyes so they can concentrate better; it's not like the drum is going to go anywhere.
A djembe drum is perfect for the beginner, as it is so simple to play. That being said, no matter how easy it is to play, you should always remember the basics. 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.
For someone wanting only one drum that has a number of different sounds, a djembe drum is the perfect choice. Many different styles of djembe drums are available to appeal to different player's preferences. Some drums have synthetic heads and others have natural-skin heads. Each type of head presents an individual challenge. If you tune the synthetic head too tightly, you will get certain overtones and a "ring", which isn't the sound you want to achieve. A natural drum head produces a more organic tone, with very few overtones. Once you have over-tensioned a drum head, it is quite difficult to get it back in proper tune. This can be avoided by tuning the head gradually, paying careful attention to the tone as you go.
Another misconception is that as the drummer you should play louder, or that the bigger drums should be played louder. 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. Djembes have the potential to be very loud but it is not necessary to play them loud as those drumming quietly will still be heard when playing in an orchestra or band.
Players have a tendency to speed up as they play louder which is another issue that goes hand-in-hand with this problem. These can be avoided if you simply listen and pay attention to what you are playing. If you can't hear the players around you, then you are probably too loud. Some people think it helps to shut their eyes so they can concentrate better; it's not like the drum is going to go anywhere.
A djembe drum is perfect for the beginner, as it is so simple to play. That being said, no matter how easy it is to play, you should always remember the basics. 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.
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To order djembe drums and also djembe bags look at the Djembe Drum Shop at www.djembedrumshop.com.
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