Learning to play the djembe can be very rewarding. If you are a drummer and are looking for a few new ideas to improve your playing, or to add a new dimension to your music then the djembe can be great. More and more drummers from different genres are starting to incorporate hand drums into their music. Why? Because they are unique. Every djembe is different, and will create a different sound. This means that djembe drums are able to offer new and exciting angles on your music that would otherwise go unnoticed.
Hand Eye Coordination
The most important aspect of playing the djembe is having good hand-eye coordination. This is because certain parts of the djembe and certain areas of your hand will generate a different sound. This is how you play rhythms on the drum. For example; if you use the palm of your hand and hit the centre of a djembe you will get a deep sound that drones on for a few seconds, whilst if you use your fingers your will get a high-pitched snappy sound.
When you first start learning to play the djembe you should learn the basic hand techniques. During this phase you won't be used to playing, so you'll need to keep an eye on where you are hitting the drum. After time and practice you'll be able to play naturally without looking at your hands or the drum head.
The Drum Circle
If you want to learn to play the djembe then at some point you will have to take part in a drum circle. These are very fun and sociable events that can be a great place to meet other drummers. When you are playing in a drum circle you'll have to follow a pattern of playing. Everyone will play the same beat and then each drummer will take in turns playing the lead rhythm. The most important part of playing in a drum circle is to ensure that you are playing at the same volume as everyone else. If you are playing louder, then it can be very off-putting for other players.
Finding Djembe Lessons
It can be very difficult to find a djembe tutor. Many people will find that the only way that they are able to learn is to get tuition off the internet or to join a drum circle group. Joining a group can be very daunting for a beginner with no experience. There are websites around that can teach you how to play using video tutorials and jam tracks. This can be a great place to start.
