top of page

Hand Drum - Small

SKU: NE-MDRM
C$22.00Price
Excluding GST/HST
Fairly traded and handmade in Bali, Indonesia, these mahogany djembe hand drums are shaped like a large goblet. The playing surface is made from cow or sheep hide. As with all natural products, there will be natural colour variations in the leather and wood.

These drums are meant to be played by bare hands, hand drums are great stress relievers for adults or musical toys for kids of all ages.
 
Current stock is much lighter wood (appears more like a pine).
Quantity
Only 5 left in stock

  • Playing the djembe, a traditional West African drum, involves a combination of hand techniques, rhythm patterns, and body movement. Here's a basic guide on how to hand drum on the djembe:

    1. Proper Positioning:

      • Sit comfortably on a chair or cross-legged on the floor with the djembe positioned between your legs.
      • Tilt the drum slightly forward so that the playing surface is at an angle.

    2. Hand Placement:

      • Use your dominant hand (usually right hand for right-handed individuals) for the primary striking movements and your non-dominant hand for support and additional tones.
      • Place your dominant hand slightly off-center on the drumhead, closer to the edge, with your fingers slightly curved.
      • Rest your non-dominant hand lightly on the side of the drum near the center for stability and to produce additional tones.

    3. Basic Tones:

      • There are three primary tones you can produce on the djembe:
        • Bass: Strike the center of the drumhead with your dominant hand's palm. This produces a deep, resonant sound.
        • Tone: Strike the drumhead with your dominant hand's fingers, closer to the edge. This produces a mid-range sound.
        • Slap: Strike the drumhead with your dominant hand's fingers, closer to the center. This produces a sharp, high-pitched sound.

    4. Rhythm Patterns:

      • Start with simple rhythm patterns and gradually build complexity as you become more comfortable.
      • Experiment with different combinations of bass, tone, and slap tones to create rhythmic variations.
      • Practice playing along with recordings of traditional West African rhythms or drumming tutorials to develop your sense of timing and groove.

    5. Body Movement:

      • Engage your entire body in the rhythm by swaying or moving your hips and shoulders.
      • Keep your movements relaxed and fluid, allowing the rhythm to flow naturally.

    6. Listening and Dynamics:

      • Pay attention to the dynamics of your playing, varying the intensity and volume of your strikes to create contrast and expression.
      • Listen carefully to the sound you're producing and adjust your technique accordingly to achieve the desired tone and quality.

    7. Practice and Patience:

      • Like any musical instrument, mastering the djembe requires consistent practice and patience.
      • Start with short practice sessions and gradually increase the duration as you build endurance and stamina.

    8. Seek Guidance:

      • Consider taking lessons from a qualified djembe instructor or joining a drumming circle or community group for additional guidance and support.
      • Online tutorials and instructional videos can also be helpful resources for learning new techniques and rhythms.

    Remember that hand drumming on the djembe is as much about feeling the rhythm as it is about technique. Trust your instincts and allow yourself to connect with the music on a deeper level as you explore the rich and vibrant world of djembe drumming.

    • 1 drum
    • Dimensions: Approx. 9.5 cm width x 14.5 cm height
    • Made in Indonesia

From Our Collection

bottom of page