How to Utilize Relaxed Playing on Djembe Drums

In African cultures, drumming is part of the relaxed entertainment they enjoy after a long hunt or to celebrate an exciting new arrival. Playing the African djembe drum requires a relaxed state of both mind and body. You want to flow with the music as well as play for long periods with your fingers and hands. Good, hollow slapping sounds can only be made with relaxed fingers.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Keep your fingers smooth with a good lotion.

2. Find a seat that is comfortable before you begin drumming. You should be able to hold your drum gently between your knees, with your hands at a level that requires no stress to maintain. They really should just dangle to the side of the drum.

3. Rest your hands and fingers as much as you can prior to playing your djembe. Drumming puts a lot of stress on the bones and tendons in the hand and they need to rest between use.

4. Play your djembe a little lighter if you are experiencing any pain. The shape of a djembe allows the sound to travel through the hollow bottom and does not need really hard pounding to achieve a good sound. Pain is the body's signal that something is wrong. Listen to it and respond accordingly.

5. Allow yourself to be taken in by the rhythm of the drumming circle to remain relaxed while playing. Let a solo come naturally when it feels like the right time. By becoming one with the drum, it much easier to remain relaxed rather than worrying about showing off or being louder than anyone else in the circle.