The djembe drum is classified as a hand drum and unlike other types of drums it is solely played with the hands rather than a mallet or drumstick. Part of the appeal of the djembe drum is the long, rich history associated with it. A djembe is a great addition to any band since it adds texture and highlights the rhythm with percussion. This article answers some of the questions which may be asked before buying a djembe drum.
What is the definition of a Djembe drum?
Traditional Djembe drums are goblet shaped, carved from a single log and covered with goat skin as the drumhead. A newer type might be constructed of fiberglass and have a cover that is synthetic. Regardless of how advanced you are, impressive sounds can be achieved from either type.
Which area originated the Djembe?
Such drums came from the country of Mali in Western Africa. This style of drum is most often associated with the Mandika people. Legend has it that these drums traditionally contain the spirits of three beings. There are three spirits, first from the tree, second from the hide of the animal whose hide is on it, and the third spirit is from the maker.
The Mandika said that they got the original djembe from djinn; which was thought to be a mythological beast. This person allegedly taught them the way to create a drum plus showed them how to play the drum. This has given it a spiritual significance for them.
What kinds of sounds does the Djembe drum make?
These types of drums are very versatile with the sounds that can be made using three simple hand motions. These include slap, tone and base. The base is caused by striking the ball of the hand on the center of the head. This creates a lower, more rounded sound. The tone is created by hitting the edge of the drum with the base of the fingers when they are very relaxed. The sound is higher and a bit dull. The slap is made using the same motion as the tone but the fingers are bounced off the head creating a sharp, ringing sound. By using a combination of these motions other sounds can be made making this drum very versatile.
Can these drums be tuned?
They say that with these drums, the tighter, the better. Drums can sound flat every now and then, and the best remedy for this is to loosen the drum's supporting strings, then try pulling the strings tight to clear up the sound. Remember,stringing a goat skin head drum might be quite a challenge because of the large number of strings involved.
Drums of this type are easy to use and work well with other instruments. A good choice for anyone willing to give it a try is the versatile djembe.
What is the definition of a Djembe drum?
Traditional Djembe drums are goblet shaped, carved from a single log and covered with goat skin as the drumhead. A newer type might be constructed of fiberglass and have a cover that is synthetic. Regardless of how advanced you are, impressive sounds can be achieved from either type.
Which area originated the Djembe?
Such drums came from the country of Mali in Western Africa. This style of drum is most often associated with the Mandika people. Legend has it that these drums traditionally contain the spirits of three beings. There are three spirits, first from the tree, second from the hide of the animal whose hide is on it, and the third spirit is from the maker.
The Mandika said that they got the original djembe from djinn; which was thought to be a mythological beast. This person allegedly taught them the way to create a drum plus showed them how to play the drum. This has given it a spiritual significance for them.
What kinds of sounds does the Djembe drum make?
These types of drums are very versatile with the sounds that can be made using three simple hand motions. These include slap, tone and base. The base is caused by striking the ball of the hand on the center of the head. This creates a lower, more rounded sound. The tone is created by hitting the edge of the drum with the base of the fingers when they are very relaxed. The sound is higher and a bit dull. The slap is made using the same motion as the tone but the fingers are bounced off the head creating a sharp, ringing sound. By using a combination of these motions other sounds can be made making this drum very versatile.
Can these drums be tuned?
They say that with these drums, the tighter, the better. Drums can sound flat every now and then, and the best remedy for this is to loosen the drum's supporting strings, then try pulling the strings tight to clear up the sound. Remember,stringing a goat skin head drum might be quite a challenge because of the large number of strings involved.
Drums of this type are easy to use and work well with other instruments. A good choice for anyone willing to give it a try is the versatile djembe.
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Thinking about buying a djembe drum? Be sure to visit the Djembe Drum Shop, as you will certainly find a great variety of drums and percussion instruments. Packs for training centers and drumming groups also available at djembedrumshop.com.
