How to Use Slapping Techniques for Djembe Drumming

Just by changing the way you hold your fingers or what spot you hit on the drum, you can create different sounds on a djembe drum. Learning to play rhythm is the first part of djembe training, and you can expect to get a lot of calluses the more you play. After you can stick with a rhythm, then you can begin using other techniques such as slapping.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Make a slapping sound by hitting the djembe very quickly. Let your hand or fingers hit the spot and bounce back up right away. This move is a quick, light lit on the drum.

2. Change the tone of the slap by holding the other hand still on the drumhead.

3. Mix it up when you are playing rhythm by alternating between slapping and hitting. You can stay within the same pattern that you are doing, just hit the drum a little quicker for a slap, without changing the pattern.

4. Let your fingers partly hit the rim of the rim of the drum to get a higher pitched slap. This move can be hard on the knuckles, so use it infrequently. Try the rim slapping after your fingers are more accustomed to the drumming and have hardened up a bit.

5. Bring your djembe drum to a professional to work the head if you feel that it is too rough. Shaving and conditioning the head can make the drum smoother so that slapping doesn't create blisters on your hands or cause any unnecessary pain.