How to Get Different Sounds From a Djembe Drum

The African djembe drum is wildly popular in the United States. People gather on street corners and in rooms across the country to participate in the lively drumming circles of djembe drummers. The various rhythms and sounds you can create on the drums follows after learning the basic beats. Whether you have a large djembe or a smaller version, the same hand positions are used to create different sounds.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Watch demonstration of how to hold the djembe to achieve the best sounds for every djembe rhythm. All sounds from the djembe come through the bottom opening of the drum.

2. Hold your fingers together and slap your entire hand in the center of the skin to create the bass sounds on a djembe. You want to do more of a solid slam than a slap for the bass. It should be one deep beat, not a series of taps from the palm to the fingertips.

3. Spread your fingers apart and beat the rim of the drum with your fingers. This position creates the higher tones on the djembe. This slap is alternated with the bass beat to create basic rhythms.

4. Close fingers so that they are touching when you slap the edge of the drum. Use your fingers from the second knuckle up to create this middle tone.

5. Remove any rings or other jewelry that can inhibit your finger slaps. They could also interfere with the pure sounds you want to get from the djembe.

6. Be prepared for some discomfort when beginning. Performing these different sounds may hurt your hands initially as well. Calluses will develop as you play more.