How to Play the Dumbeck Drum

Because the dumbeck drum is smaller than the jimbay and, therefore has a smaller head, it's often harder to play. In order to make the most of all the sounds the drum can make, the deeper bass from the middle of the drum, the higher pitch of the outside of the head, and the "pop" of the rim, you might find that by holding it in a different position, your arms can more comfortably reach the dumbeck, and make full advantage of the wide range of sounds it's able to produce.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Place the dumbeck on your left knee so that the head of the drum angles toward your knees.

2. Set your left arm in the curve of the dumbeck. This serves to hold the drum in place, as well as allow your left hand the freedom to play it easily.

3. Allow your arms to relax. Because the dumbeck is on your leg, it allows you to hold your arms in a more natural position.

4. Play the low tones in the middle of the dumbeck with your right hand. Place the drum on your right leg and play the low tones with your left hand if you are right-handed.

5. Use your left hand to play the upper tones, including those on the rim, with your left hand.

6. Create different sounds on the dumbeck by drumming with your fingers individually, or by drumming with your hand. This can be on any place of the dumbeck's head, including its rim.

7. Make the pops with your left hand on the dumbeck's rim. You can do the pops with your right hand, but the sound is more predominate with the left.

8. Practice playing the dumbeck. Take your time learning all of the sounds, and make your own combinations. As you get better at playing the dumbeck, you can learn to play with other drummers and musicians.