The djembe is a type of drum that is widely used in African music. It is a goblet-shaped drum that is played with the hands and produces a variety of sounds. There are three types of tones that can be played on the djembe: bass, slap, and tone. Bass tones are played by striking the drum with the palm of the hand and are typically lower in pitch. Slap tones are played by striking the drum with the fingers and produce a higher-pitched sound. Tone tones are played by striking the drum with the fingertips and produce a more mellow sound. These different tones can be used to create different rhythms and melodies in African music.
The three types of tones you can play on a djembe are bass, middle, and slap. The bass tone is played by striking the drum with a thick stick or your hand in the center of the drumhead. The middle tone is played by striking the drum with a thin stick or your hand on the rim of the drum. The slap tone is played by slapping the drum with the edge of a thin stick or your hand on the rim of the drum.
Understanding the Basics of a Djembe
The Structure of a Djembe
A djembe is a type of African drum that is traditionally made from a single piece of wood. The wood is usually the trunk of a tree that has been hollowed out and carved to create the drum shape. The skin that covers the drum is usually made from goat or cowhide, which is tightly stretched over the top of the drum and secured with ropes.
The structure of a djembe is important to understand because it affects the sound that the drum produces. The shape of the drum, as well as the size and thickness of the skin, all play a role in determining the tones that can be produced on the drum.
One of the key features of a djembe is its distinctive shape, which is typically a bit wider at the bottom and narrower at the top. This shape is known as a “gourmet” shape, and it is designed to help the drum produce a clear and resonant sound. The width of the drum also affects the tones that can be produced, with wider drums generally producing lower tones and narrower drums producing higher tones.
The skin of the djembe is also an important factor in determining the tones that can be produced. The thickness and tightness of the skin affect the sound of the drum, with thicker skins producing a deeper sound and thinner skins producing a higher sound. The skin can also be tuned by adjusting the ropes that hold it in place, which allows the player to control the pitch of the drum.
Understanding the structure of a djembe is crucial for any player looking to master this instrument. By knowing how the shape and skin of the drum affect the sound it produces, players can make informed decisions about the type of djembe they choose to play and how they tune it to achieve the desired tones.
How to Hold and Play a Djembe
The djembe is a traditional African drum that is played with the hands. It is a versatile instrument that can produce a variety of sounds and tones, making it a popular choice for musicians and drummers of all skill levels. To play the djembe, you must first learn how to hold and play it properly. Here are some tips to help you get started:
1. Choose the Right Size Djembe
The first step in learning how to play the djembe is choosing the right size. The djembe comes in different sizes, and the size you choose will depend on your height and playing style. Generally, the size of the djembe you choose should be proportional to your height.
2. Adjust the Skin Tension
The tension of the drumhead, or skin, can affect the sound of the djembe. To achieve the desired sound, you may need to adjust the tension of the skin. To do this, loosen or tighten the ropes that hold the skin in place.
3. Sit Comfortably
When holding the djembe, it is important to sit comfortably. Sit with your legs crossed and your feet flat on the ground. Hold the djembe on your lap, with the drumhead facing you.
4. Hold the Djembe with Both Hands
To play the djembe, you must hold it with both hands. Place one hand on the skin, and the other hand on the body of the drum. Your palm should be facing the sky, and your fingers should be spread out and relaxed.
5. Strike the Djembe with Your Fingers
To produce sound on the djembe, you must strike the skin with your fingers. The most common technique is to use the thumb, index, and middle fingers to strike the skin. Experiment with different striking techniques to find the one that works best for you.
6. Use the Heel of Your Hand
In addition to striking the skin with your fingers, you can also use the heel of your hand to produce a different sound. To do this, place the heel of your hand on the skin and strike it with your fingers.
7. Experiment with Different Techniques
Playing the djembe requires practice and experimentation. Try different techniques and see what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different sounds and tones. With time and practice, you will develop your own unique style.
The Three Types of Tones on a Djembe
Tone 1: Bass Tone
The bass tone is the lowest and most prominent tone that can be played on a djembe. It is typically produced by striking the drum with a hard and focused hit on the bass side of the drum, which is the side that curves outward toward the player. To achieve a clear and strong bass tone, it is important to strike the drum with a heavy and centered hand. This will create a resonant and deep sound that can be heard over other instruments in a musical ensemble.
To produce a good bass tone, it is also important to have a good relationship with the drumhead. This means that the player should strike the drum with a strong and centered hand, and the drumhead should be in good condition and free from any tears or damage. Additionally, the player should be able to control the volume of the bass tone by adjusting the amount of force and focus used when striking the drum.
Another important aspect of producing a good bass tone is to use the correct technique when striking the drum. This includes holding the drumstick in the correct grip, using the correct stroke, and striking the drum at the correct angle. By mastering these techniques, the player can produce a clear and powerful bass tone that will enhance the overall sound of the djembe.
Tone 2: Middle Tone
The middle tone is the second type of tone that can be played on a djembe. This tone is characterized by a sound that is more focused and less resonant than the bass tone. It is produced by striking the djembe’s head with the palm of the hand, rather than the fingers.
One way to produce a middle tone is to place the hand on the head of the djembe and strike it with the heel of the hand, which will produce a clear and defined sound. Another way to produce a middle tone is to strike the djembe’s head with the flat of the hand, which will produce a more muted sound.
The middle tone is often used in fast-paced rhythms and is also used to accentuate specific beats in a song. It is an essential element of many West African rhythms, such as the “sabar” rhythm, which is commonly played on the djembe.
Overall, the middle tone is a versatile and dynamic tone that can add depth and complexity to any djembe playing. It is a fundamental part of the djembe’s sound and is essential for any player looking to master this instrument.
Tone 3: Slap Tone
The slap tone is the third type of tone that can be played on a djembe. It is a sharp, clear sound that is produced by slapping the center of the drumhead with the dominant hand. The slap tone is a distinctive sound that is often used to punctuate rhythms and add accents to music.
To produce the slap tone, the drummer should strike the center of the drumhead with the dominant hand, using a sharp, snappy motion. The slap tone should be crisp and clear, with a well-defined attack and a quick decay.
The slap tone is often used in traditional West African music, where it is used to punctuate rhythms and add accents to the music. It is also used in contemporary music, where it is often used to add a modern, edgy sound to the music.
To master the slap tone, it is important to develop good hand technique and control. The drummer should focus on using a sharp, snappy motion to strike the center of the drumhead, and should aim to produce a crisp, clear sound with a well-defined attack and a quick decay. With practice, the drummer can develop the skills necessary to produce a clean, distinctive slap tone on the djembe.
Techniques for Playing Each Tone
Bass Tone Techniques
Bass tones are the foundation of djembe playing and are essential for creating a solid rhythm. The following are some techniques for playing bass tones on a djembe:
- Fundamental Bass Tone: This is the basic bass tone that is played on the djembe. To play it, strike the center of the drum head with the edge of the hand. This will produce a deep, resonant sound that is the foundation of many rhythms.
- Flattened Bass Tone: This is a variation of the fundamental bass tone that is played by placing the palm of the hand on the drum head and striking it with the fingers. This produces a muffled sound that is useful for creating a different texture to the rhythm.
- Slap Bass Tone: This is a technique where the hand is placed on the edge of the drum head and then slapped with the fingers. This produces a sharp, percussive sound that can be used to add accents to the rhythm.
By mastering these bass tone techniques, you can create a solid foundation for your djembe playing and add depth and texture to your rhythms.
Middle Tone Techniques
When playing the middle tone on a djembe, there are several techniques that can be used to achieve different sounds and rhythms. Some of the most common middle tone techniques include:
- Muffling the head: By resting the hand on the head of the djembe and muffling the vibration, the player can create a softer, more muted sound. This technique is often used in slower, more introspective pieces.
- Rolling: Rolling is a technique where the player uses the thumb and fingers to create a rolling motion on the head of the djembe. This produces a faster, more rhythmic sound that is often used in upbeat, lively music.
- Finger placement: The placement of the fingers on the head of the djembe can also affect the sound produced. By placing the fingers closer together or further apart, the player can create different tones and timbres.
- Striking the rim: Another technique for playing the middle tone is to strike the rim of the djembe with the fingers. This produces a sharper, more staccato sound that can be used to accentuate certain beats or rhythms.
By experimenting with these techniques and finding what works best for them, players can develop their own unique style and sound on the djembe.
Slap Tone Techniques
Playing the slap tone on a djembe is a popular technique used by many drummers. This technique involves striking the head of the djembe with the fingers or the edge of the hand to produce a sharp, clear sound. Here are some tips for playing the slap tone:
- Start by holding the djembe with your dominant hand on the grip and your non-dominant hand on the shoulder of the drum.
- Position your hands so that your fingers are close to the edge of the head.
- Use the edge of your hand or your fingers to strike the head of the djembe in a downward motion.
- Keep your wrist firm and your hand relaxed during the strike.
- Experiment with different parts of your hand and fingers to find the sound that works best for you.
- Practice playing the slap tone on different parts of the drum head to achieve a variety of sounds.
- To play the slap tone with a faster rhythm, try using your finger tips to strike the head of the djembe.
- Finally, listen to the sound of the slap tone and adjust your technique as needed to achieve the desired tone and volume.
Examples of Popular Djembe Rhythms
Bass and Middle Tone Rhythms
The djembe is a versatile instrument that can produce a variety of tones, making it an essential part of many traditional African rhythms. The bass and middle tones are two of the most common tones played on the djembe, and they are used in many popular rhythms.
The bass tone is produced by striking the drum on the bare skin of the head with the palm of the hand. This produces a deep, low-pitched sound that provides the foundation for many rhythms. The bass tone is particularly important in rhythms like the “Bantu” and “Mandinka” styles, where it provides a steady beat that drives the rhythm forward.
The middle tone, on the other hand, is produced by striking the drum with a finger or a stick. This produces a higher-pitched sound that adds melody and texture to the rhythm. The middle tone is used extensively in rhythms like the “Akan” and “Ewe” styles, where it provides a more complex, layered sound that adds depth and complexity to the rhythm.
In addition to the bass and middle tones, many djembe players also use a third tone called the “slap” tone. This tone is produced by slapping the head of the drum with the flat of the hand, and it is used in rhythms like the “Kpan” and “Kente” styles.
Overall, the use of different tones on the djembe is essential to creating the complex and dynamic rhythms that are a key part of traditional African music. Whether playing the deep, driving bass tone or the higher-pitched middle tone, djembe players must have a deep understanding of the different sounds that can be produced on the instrument in order to create compelling and engaging rhythms.
Slap Tone Rhythms
When playing a djembe, one of the three tones that can be produced is the slap tone. This tone is created by slapping the surface of the drum with the palm of the hand. Slap tone rhythms are popular in many different types of music, including traditional African music, reggae, and rock.
Here are some examples of popular djembe rhythms that feature the slap tone:
- Sabar: This is a traditional rhythm from Senegal that features a steady pulse and quick slaps on the drum.
- Reggae: In reggae music, the djembe is often used to play a steady beat with slaps on the 1 and 3 beats.
- Rock: In rock music, the djembe is sometimes used to add a tribal or Afro-pop feel to the music. In this context, the slap tone is often used to create a driving beat.
In addition to these examples, there are many other popular djembe rhythms that feature the slap tone. Whether you’re playing traditional African music or creating your own unique style, the slap tone is a versatile and essential element of djembe playing.
Combining the Three Tones in Traditional African Rhythms
Combining the three tones is a crucial aspect of traditional African rhythms, and it adds depth and complexity to the overall sound. One way to achieve this is by using a technique called “tone-tuning,” which involves adjusting the tension of the drumhead to produce different tones. Here are some examples of popular djembe rhythms that showcase the use of all three tones:
- Sabar: This is a traditional rhythm from Senegal, characterized by a fast-paced, driving beat. It is played using all three tones, with the bass tone played on the outer edge of the drum and the middle and slap tones played closer to the center.
- Gueul: This rhythm is also from Senegal and is played with a combination of the middle and slap tones. The bass tone is not used in this rhythm, and instead, the middle and slap tones are played in a pattern that creates a rolling, syncopated sound.
- Kalabante: This rhythm is played using all three tones, with the bass tone played on the outer edge of the drum and the middle and slap tones played closer to the center. The rhythm is characterized by a steady, pulsing beat and is often played during celebrations and ceremonies.
Overall, combining the three tones is an essential aspect of traditional African rhythms and can greatly enhance the sound and complexity of djembe music.
Recap of the Three Types of Tones
The djembe is a versatile instrument that allows for a wide range of tones and rhythms. When playing the djembe, there are three main types of tones that can be produced: bass, tone, and slap. These tones are achieved through different techniques and strokes on the drumhead.
Bass Tone
The bass tone is the lowest pitched tone that can be produced on the djembe. It is created by striking the drumhead with the heel of the hand, producing a deep and resonant sound. The bass tone is used to provide a foundation for the rhythm and is typically played on beats one and three.
Tone Tone
The tone tone is the most commonly used tone on the djembe. It is produced by striking the drumhead with the tip of the finger, creating a bright and sharp sound. The tone tone is used to play the main rhythm and is typically played on beats two and four.
Slap Tone
The slap tone is a higher pitched tone that is created by slapping the drumhead with the open palm of the hand. This tone is used to add accents and variation to the rhythm and is typically played on the “and” counts between beats.
In addition to these three main tones, there are also variations and combinations of tones that can be used to create more complex rhythms and sounds. The djembe is a highly expressive instrument that allows for a wide range of musical possibilities.
Importance of Practice and Experimentation
As a musician, you know that the key to success is practice. The same goes for playing the djembe. In order to master the different tones and rhythms, it is important to practice regularly and experiment with different techniques.
Here are some tips for practicing and experimenting with your djembe:
- Start by learning the basic strokes and techniques. These include the bass, tone, and slap strokes, as well as the “shella” and “kinku” techniques.
- Practice playing each stroke on a regular drumming pattern, such as a four-on-the-floor beat. This will help you develop a sense of rhythm and timing.
- Experiment with different combinations of strokes and rhythms. Try playing the djembe with different hand positions and using different parts of the drum. This will help you develop your own unique style and sound.
- Record yourself playing and listen back to the playback. This will help you identify areas where you need to improve and will give you a better understanding of your own playing.
- Practice with different rhythms and styles of music. This will help you become more versatile as a musician and will give you the ability to play in different musical contexts.
By practicing regularly and experimenting with different techniques, you will be able to master the different tones and rhythms of the djembe and become a better musician overall.
FAQs
1. What are the three types of tones that can be played on a djembe?
The three types of tones that can be played on a djembe are: Bass, Middle, and Slap. The Bass tone is played by striking the drum with a thick stick or your hand on the head, close to the rim. The Middle tone is played by striking the drum with a thin stick or your hand on the head, closer to the center. The Slap tone is played by slapping the drum with the flat side of the stick or your hand on the head, near the edge.
2. How do I produce the Bass tone on my djembe?
To produce the Bass tone on your djembe, strike the drum with a thick stick or your hand on the head, close to the rim. The head should be firmly struck, and the stick should be angled downward to allow the sound to resonate from the drum. The bass tone is typically the lowest and loudest tone on the djembe, and it is used to establish the rhythm and provide a solid foundation for the other tones.
3. What is the difference between the Middle and Slap tones on a djembe?
The Middle tone is played by striking the drum with a thin stick or your hand on the head, closer to the center. It is a softer and more mellow tone compared to the Bass and Slap tones. The Slap tone is played by slapping the drum with the flat side of the stick or your hand on the head, near the edge. It is a sharp and crisp tone that is typically used for accentuating specific beats or adding a dynamic contrast to the rhythm.
4. Can I use any type of stick to play the different tones on a djembe?
No, using the wrong type of stick can significantly affect the sound and tone produced by the djembe. For the Bass tone, use a thick stick that is sturdy and can handle the force of striking the drum head. For the Middle tone, use a thin stick that is lightweight and flexible to allow for more nuanced and delicate playing. For the Slap tone, use a stick with a flat surface to create a sharp and crisp sound. It is also recommended to use a hand or stick with a flexible wrist to allow for proper control and precision when playing the different tones.