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learn how to play the Djembe


 

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How to learn how to play the Djembe by 4starsintheskye

"it's such a good vent and form of self expression."

How I did it: I bought a djembe and started playing it.  no lessons needed. just drum circles. just started banging on it, listened to some fela kuti and other afrobeat. also, just start simply with a bass beat in the middle, 1, 2, 3. then bass, high, high. ONE, two three, ONE two three....

Lessons & tips: learn yourself!

Resources: drum circle (Free To Be Me, Hermosa Beach)


1 person found this helpful
 

Mar 30, 10:05PM PDT | 0 comments | 2 cheers



More "How I Did It" stories

furiana

It took me
2 years
It made me
optimistic

How I did it: I learned the basic techniques from an African Drumming Club a year and a half (two years?) ago.I'm taking it really slow because I want to learn how to improvise.  Seems like improvising is a totally different skill than learning rhythms and all that jazz.  I'm sure it's nice to know a thousand rhythms and techniques, but I don't even need to use bass, tones, and slaps in order to get a good beat.  I can just.  The im… Read how I did it…

May 19, 10:48PM PDT | 0 comments | 2 cheers


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    Entries

    furiana

    Just recorded a couple rhythms :) 5 months ago

    I just recorded a simple rhythm, then recorded myself playing along. The tracks are starting to sound pretty good! It’s nothing I’d post on YouTube, but I’m rather proud of myself. :)

    As with the Native American flute, I think this marks the end of my goal. When I can make up little songs, I can play an instrument. Now, to get good!

    May 19, 10:41PM PDT | 0 comments


    Kaivalya likes to practice guitar during Law & Order reruns

    Straight Eighth Feel 8 months ago

    This week, I’ve moved onto a new rhythm, called ‘Straight Eighth Feel’. So far, I’m half-way through the examples in the book (there are many variations on this rhythm).

    I’ve been consistently practising three times per week, sometimes with my metronome, sometimes with the drumming CD that came with my book.

    On Saturday, I’m attending an indoor drum circle.

    Feb 27, 07:39PM PST | 0 comments


    Kaivalya likes to practice guitar during Law & Order reruns

    Kassa with the metronome 8 months ago

    I practised Djembe three times this week, working on a rhythm called Kasa. I also worked with this rhythm using a metronome, gradually increasing the speed.

    Feb 15, 06:51PM PST | 0 comments


    SumRen

    Ah, Djembe... 11 months ago

    My best friend’s mom is a percussion instructor in Austin. She has tons of Djembes from many different countries. They are all so beautifully crafted and hand carved. I also work Ren Faires around the States. When we get off of work, we usually all gather around the Falls, dance, drink some Shiner, watch fire poi, and play the didgereedoo and my favorite drum- the Djembe.

    My boyfriend just ordered me a set for Christmas and I can’t wait to start playing. I’ve always been a drummer at heart.

    I highly recommend trying this instrument out. You won’t be able to set it down after you start!

    Enjoy!

    -Summer

    Dec 07, 2008, 02:30AM PST | 1 comment


    theonlytaj

    Untitled 12 months ago

    I made my djembe by hand, and can play decent in drum circles, but I want to get better at playing on my own or with other instruments.

    Nov 11, 2008, 07:02PM PST | 1 cheer | 0 comments


    Michael Kelso imagine peace

    I'm not that good at it, but 14 months ago

    I can hold my own in a drum circle. Not too hard…I’m not that good at playing alone though. But I think can play well enough to mark this goal DONE!

    Aug 30, 2008, 09:36PM PDT | 0 comments


    furiana

    Slowly getting started! 16 months ago

    I already know how to do bass, tones, and slaps; now I’m practicing those. I recorded myself playing the basic exercises so I’ll be able to hear my progress!

    (Is it dorky that I even love the exercises? I mean, I’m just playing slaps with alternating hands – for example – but it feels really good!)

    Jul 01, 2008, 10:56AM PDT | 3 cheers | 5 comments


    RebekahEmily

    woop! 20 months ago

    My friend has a loada african and ethnic drums! They’re brilliant. We kinda got a little (lottle) bit addicted to the drumming circle at greenbelt one year (tehiggle!)

    I want a djembe, and i want to learn how to play it :)

    Feb 29, 2008, 05:21AM PST | 3 cheers | 1 comment


    Cunorix is playing WoW.

    In Progress 2 years ago

    I have been a drummer and percussionist for quite some time. Im currently in the process of playing with friends and learning the Doumbek and the Djembe.

    Nov 13, 2007, 12:07PM PST | 0 comments


    Jenipha

    I am also learning to play an African drum called the Kikene check me out on youtube 2 years ago

    http://youtube.com/watch?v=kzAYYyAYH0A

    Jul 03, 2007, 06:38AM PDT | 0 comments


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