Tambourine Techniques

The tambourine is most commonly used to add basic rhythm to music by shaking it, hitting it against the leg or smacking the opposite hand against it. By adding a few other techniques, you can use the tambourine as more than a way to keep time. The number of ways to strike, shake and rattle a tambourine are virtually unlimited. Try the techniques in this article, then experiment on your own!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Hold the tambourine in the weak hand at about a 45 degree angle.

2. Play a light tone. Hold the fingertips and thumb of your strong hand together and tap the tambourine in the middle of the drum head.

3. Play a loud tone. Make a fist and strike your knuckles against the middle of the tambourine. Try another loud tone. Hit the tambourine in the middle of the head with your palm.

4. Play a shake. Hold the tambourine in an outstretched arm. Turn your wrist back and forth to get a rhythmic, shaking sound.

5. Add an accent to the shake. Shake the tambourine in your right hand and hold your left hand nearby. As you shake the tambourine, move your right palm in front so that it strikes the surface of the tambourine as it passes.

6. Learn a technique to play fast. Rest one leg on a chair so that your thigh is elevated. Turn the tambourine upside down, and rest it on the outstretched leg. Drum on the inside of the rim with your fingers.

Tips & Warnings

• Start off slow. Speed up when you feel comfortable.
• Don't clench up your arm. Keep it loose and relaxed.

Resources

• Tambourine Tips