Unlike some other drums, the djembe is a true hand drum because it is played only with the hands and no mallet or drumstick is used. Part of the reason the djembe is so popular is that it has a colorful history behind it. A music group that has a djembe adds a new aspect that accentuates the music's beat. A few of the questions that are sometimes asked before purchasing djembe drums will be addressed in this article.
What is the definition of a Djembe drum?
A traditional djembe is shaped like a goblet and is covered with the skin of a goat after being carved out of one single log. Modern version can be made out of fiberglass and might be covered with synthetic material. Regardless of how advanced you are, impressive sounds can be achieved from either type.
Where did the Djembe originate?
Such drums came from the country of Mali in Western Africa. This kind of drum originated with and is important to the Mandika community. Superstition concerning these drums claims that three spiritual beings live within them. The wood reflects the tree spirit, the hide covering reflects the animal spirit, and the spirit of the one who has made it is also there.
The way the Mandika tells it, the original djembe was a gift to them from djinn, and it was believed to be a mythological being or even a genie. This was the being thought to have taught them the way to make a drum and telling them about how it should be used. This has allowed them to find a spiritual significance in it.
What are the kinds of sounds that are connected with a Djembe?
Just three easy movements of the hand will let you make a lot of music on this kind of drum. These are the base, tone and slap. Striking the center of the head with the ball of the hand causes the base. This creates a lower, more rounded sound. You create the tone by completely relaxing your fingers and using them to hit the edge of the drum The sound is higher and a bit dull. The slap is made using the same motion as the tone but the fingers are bounced off the head creating a sharp, ringing sound. The drum can have many uses when mixing up movements creating other tones.
Can these drums be tuned?
It is known that the tighter these drums are the better it is. Drums can sound flat every now and then, and the best remedy for this is to loosen the drum's supporting strings, then try pulling the strings tight to clear up the sound. Remember,stringing a goat skin head drum might be quite a challenge because of the large number of strings involved.
Drums of this type are easy to use and work well with other instruments. The versatility of the djembe makes it a good choice for anyone who is willing to give it a try.
What is the definition of a Djembe drum?
A traditional djembe is shaped like a goblet and is covered with the skin of a goat after being carved out of one single log. Modern version can be made out of fiberglass and might be covered with synthetic material. Regardless of how advanced you are, impressive sounds can be achieved from either type.
Where did the Djembe originate?
Such drums came from the country of Mali in Western Africa. This kind of drum originated with and is important to the Mandika community. Superstition concerning these drums claims that three spiritual beings live within them. The wood reflects the tree spirit, the hide covering reflects the animal spirit, and the spirit of the one who has made it is also there.
The way the Mandika tells it, the original djembe was a gift to them from djinn, and it was believed to be a mythological being or even a genie. This was the being thought to have taught them the way to make a drum and telling them about how it should be used. This has allowed them to find a spiritual significance in it.
What are the kinds of sounds that are connected with a Djembe?
Just three easy movements of the hand will let you make a lot of music on this kind of drum. These are the base, tone and slap. Striking the center of the head with the ball of the hand causes the base. This creates a lower, more rounded sound. You create the tone by completely relaxing your fingers and using them to hit the edge of the drum The sound is higher and a bit dull. The slap is made using the same motion as the tone but the fingers are bounced off the head creating a sharp, ringing sound. The drum can have many uses when mixing up movements creating other tones.
Can these drums be tuned?
It is known that the tighter these drums are the better it is. Drums can sound flat every now and then, and the best remedy for this is to loosen the drum's supporting strings, then try pulling the strings tight to clear up the sound. Remember,stringing a goat skin head drum might be quite a challenge because of the large number of strings involved.
Drums of this type are easy to use and work well with other instruments. The versatility of the djembe makes it a good choice for anyone who is willing to give it a try.
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Are you thinking of buying a djembe drum? Make sure that you visit the Djembe Drum Shop, as you will find a superb selection of drums and percussion instruments. Packs for colleges and drumming groups also available at www.djembedrumshop.com.
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