The djembe is a goblet-shaped drum with its roots in West Africa. It’s believed to have originated from the Mandé people around the 12th century in present-day Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso. The word “djembe” comes from the Mandinka language, where “djé” means “gather” and “bé” means “peace”, hinting at its role in bringing people together.
Traditionally, it was carved from a single piece of hardwood like lenke, djala, or mahogany, with the drumhead made from goat or cow skin. These days, you can also find djembes with synthetic drum heads and alternative materials for the shell, while still maintaining the classic design and sound.
Preparing to Play
Tuning Your Djembe
Before you start playing, it’s crucial to make sure your djembe is properly tuned. If the skin is too loose or too tight, the drum won’t produce the right sound. Most djembes have tuning ropes on the side. You can use gloves and a rope puller to help you tighten or loosen these ropes. It can be a bit tricky, so having a friend assist you can make the process easier.
Choosing the Right Playing Position
Standing Position
You can play the djembe while standing. Place the drum under your arm, securing it with your inner elbow. Some players use a strap that goes over the shoulders, keeping the drum in place between their knees. Adjust the strap so that the drum is at a 90-degree angle with your arms. Your forearms should form a straight line from your fingertips to your elbow. Keep a good posture and try to keep the drum as steady as possible while playing.
Sitting Position
Sit on a stool or chair. Tilt your drum slightly away from you and place your arms laterally away from your torso, about 6 – 8 inches. Your hands should rest comfortably on the head of the drum at a 90-degree angle, with your forearms forming a straight line from fingertip to elbow. You may need to experiment with different chairs or stools to find one at the proper height for your drum. An adjustable stool can be a great option.
Warming Up
Drumming is both a physical and mental exercise. Before you even touch your drum, warm up your body. You can go for a short walk or run in place. Yoga or tai chi can also help you get grounded into your body. This preparation helps you be more focused and ready to play.
Mastering Djembe Techniques
Producing Different Tones
There are three basic tones you can produce on the djembe: the bass tone, the open tone, and the slap.
Bass Tone: To produce the bass tone, hit near the center of the drum with your palm. As soon as your palm hits the drum, let it bounce off, just like you’re bouncing on a trampoline. Using your whole arm, you can imagine you’re bouncing a basketball. This motion will result in the correct action for playing good bass tones. The area in the center of the drum produces a warm and full bass sound.
Open Tone: The open tone is made by striking with your knuckles approximately over the rim of the drum. Straighten all your fingers at the same time and aim to strike the drum so that the joint where your fingers join your hand (at the first knuckle) is at the rim. Remember not to keep your hand on the drum but to bounce back from the drumhead as soon as you’ve played the note. This will produce a clear ‘tone’ with a good ring and projection.
Slap: The slap is done with the heel of your palm in the center of the drum head and your fingers slapping near the far rim. As soon as your fingertips hit the drum head, they should rebound like the tip of a bullwhip. To get a whip – crack sound, spread your fingers out slightly when you strike the edge of the drum. For an even brighter slap, you can hold one hand down in the middle of the drum while simultaneously playing the slap on the edge of the drum. The slapping stroke is the hardest to master, so practice making the slap as high – pitched as possible.
Playing with Different Strokes
Each stroke on the djembe can either be open or closed.
Open Strokes: Open strokes are made when you let your hand bounce freely off the drum. This makes the drum resonate more. For example, when playing the open tone or the bass tone with a bouncy motion, you’re using an open stroke.
Closed Strokes: Closed strokes are made when you press your hand down so that it doesn’t bounce off the drum. Closed strokes make the drum resonate less. This can be useful in certain rhythms where you want a more muted or controlled sound.
Playing Rhythms
Learning Basic Patterns
Most djembe patterns involve playing in a roll. In 4/4 time (4 beats per measure), if you fill every note in the measure, your hands would alternate left and right. The downbeat and the “+” beat are usually played with the right hand, while the offbeats are played with the left hand. For example, start with a simple rhythm like “right, left, right, left” and repeat it.
Adding Variety to Your Rhythms
You can add variety to your sound by striking the drum with different intensities. Accent some beats and de – emphasize others. Combine different tones (bass, open, slap) at different rhythms. For instance, you could play a bass tone on the downbeat, an open tone on the offbeat, and a slap on the “+” beat, creating an interesting rhythm.
Playing in an Ensemble
If you’re playing the djembe in an ensemble, it’s important to listen to the other musicians. You can have a friend keep a beat on a conga or a hard surface to help you stay in time. Start with a slow beat until you get used to how to play the djembe. As you get more comfortable, you can gradually increase the speed and complexity of the rhythms. Each djembe player in the ensemble may have a different role, some playing the main rhythm, others adding accents or fills. By working together, you can create a rich and harmonious sound.
Practicing and Improving
Start Simple
When you first start learning to play the djembe, keep your rhythms simple and your beats slow. Focus on getting the basic tones and strokes right. As you practice, you can gradually add more complexity to your playing.
Practice Regularly
Like any musical instrument, regular practice is key to improving your skills. Set aside some time each day to practice your djembe. The more you play, the more comfortable you’ll become with the different techniques and rhythms.
Record Yourself
Recording yourself while you play can be a great way to listen back and identify areas where you need improvement. You can also compare your playing to recordings of experienced djembe players to learn from their techniques.
Take Lessons or Join a Group
Taking lessons from a qualified djembe instructor can provide you with personalized feedback and guidance. You can also join a drumming group or ensemble. Playing with others not only makes the learning process more fun but also helps you develop your skills in a group setting, where you learn to listen and interact with other musicians.
Conclusion
Playing the djembe is a rewarding experience that allows you to connect with a rich cultural heritage. By following these steps, from preparing your drum and warming up, to mastering the different tones, strokes, and rhythms, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a proficient djembe player. Remember to have patience with yourself, practice regularly, and most importantly, have fun! Whether you’re playing for your own enjoyment or in front of an audience, the djembe has the power to bring people together and create beautiful music.
Related Topics:
- What Is a Drum Break in Music? All You Need to Know
- 6 Best Drum Machines Don’t Miss!
- How to Set Up Cymbals on a Drum Kit: A Comprehensive Guide
