How to Play the Timbales

The timbales are two drums with metal shells and skin or plastic heads. They are traditionally a Latin American instrument, often with a few added cowbells, but are now featured in concert and jazz ensembles, as well.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• 2 Timbale drums
• 2 Timbale sticks
• Timbale stand
• 2 cowbells (optional)

1. Place the timbales on a stand and adjust to waist height. Position the larger drum to your left and the smaller drum to your right.
2. Play timbales with timbale sticks using a matched grip.
3. Tune the timbales to the middle or lower part of their range, with an interval of a perfect fourth between the lower and higher drum.
4. Play an open stroke by beating the drum in the middle of the head and allowing it to resonate.
5. Play a rim shot stroke by simultaneously striking the rim of the shell and the edge of the drum head.
6. Play a cross-stick stroke by holding the drum stick between your thumb and index finger, placing the heel of your hand on the drum head, and tapping the stick on the shell rim with a wrist motion.
7. Play paila style by striking the sides of the timbale shell with the timbale sticks, usually using a dead stroke.
8. Add a pair of cowbells and strike with the tip of the stick for a bright sound, or with the shaft of the stick for a darker sound.