| | All about Djembe |  |
Our Djembes are from Ghana. They are hand carved from a single piece of wood. We usually have a selection for sale.
We also offer a Djembe repair service.
Playing Djembe - the basics
First of all a Djembe needs to be held correctly. Sitting down, the drum is held between the knees with the drum head
tilted away from you, this allows the sound to exit the base of the drum. Cross your feet in front of the drum to hold it
in place. It can be played standing but you'll probably need to use a strap to hold it in place.
There are three main notes. The bass, tone and slap, although a whole variety of other sounds can be achieved.
   
Sitting position Bass Tone Slap
Bass is played by striking the whole hand flat in the centre of the drum with a bouncing movement
Tone is played by hitting the edge of the drum skin with the fingers closed together
Slap is played by hitting the edge of the drum skin with the fingers apart
It should be nice relaxed movements with the elbows raised slightly to allow the hands to move freely.
Simple exercises can help you become proficient with the basic sounds
Try (both hands)
RIGHT HAND B,T,S, S, S, S, S, B,T,S
LEFT HAND B,T,S, S, S, S, S,
or change the 8 middle slaps to tones
Watch and listen to the rhythm here
Also
RIGHT HAND B T S B T S B T S
LEFT HAND T B S T B S T B S
Think 123 123 alternating the hands - trickier than it sounds but a good exercise to get the hands moving and practising the
different sounds for the tone and slap.
watch and listen to the rhythm here
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