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. The djembe has a lot of history associated with it, which is part of its appeal. 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 a Djembe Drum?
Traditional Djembe drums are goblet shaped, carved from a single log and covered with goat skin as the drumhead. A contemporary style might be fiberglass and its cover would be a synthetic material. 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 says that such drams are sacred because they are inhabited by three spirits from three different 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 way the Mandika tells it, the original djembe was a gift to them from djinn, and it was believed to be a mythological being or even a genie. This was the being thought to have taught them the way to make a drum and telling them about how it should be used. This has allowed them to find a spiritual significance in it.
What type of sounds are associated with the Djembe?
Such drums can make many different types of sounds depending on which of the three easy hand movements are used. These include slap, tone and base. Base tones happen when the ball of a hand strikes the head's center. This creates a lower, more rounded sound. Tapping the drum with your fingers makes this sound. 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 combining these movements of the hand lots of new sounds can be created, which makes this a quite versatile drum.
Can these drums be tuned?
It is known that the tighter these drums are the better it is. 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. The djembe is so versatile and simple that everyone who wants to play should try it out.
What is a Djembe Drum?
Traditional Djembe drums are goblet shaped, carved from a single log and covered with goat skin as the drumhead. A contemporary style might be fiberglass and its cover would be a synthetic material. 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 says that such drams are sacred because they are inhabited by three spirits from three different 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 way the Mandika tells it, the original djembe was a gift to them from djinn, and it was believed to be a mythological being or even a genie. This was the being thought to have taught them the way to make a drum and telling them about how it should be used. This has allowed them to find a spiritual significance in it.
What type of sounds are associated with the Djembe?
Such drums can make many different types of sounds depending on which of the three easy hand movements are used. These include slap, tone and base. Base tones happen when the ball of a hand strikes the head's center. This creates a lower, more rounded sound. Tapping the drum with your fingers makes this sound. 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 combining these movements of the hand lots of new sounds can be created, which makes this a quite versatile drum.
Can these drums be tuned?
It is known that the tighter these drums are the better it is. 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. The djembe is so versatile and simple that everyone who wants to play should try it out.
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Are you thinking of buying a djembe drum? Be sure to visit the Djembe Drum Shop where you'll find a great selection of drums and percussion instruments. Packs for schools and drumming groups also available at djembedrumshop.com
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