Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. While I’ve not done a strength test on mylar vs. animal skin with different weights (although maybe I will just to find out this conun-drum… hah! I made a video talking about some of the techniques you can make with the bongos: This list isn’t even comprehensive, there are other techniques to change the timbre and feel of the bongo drums. Learn the bongos easily with your keyboard, mouse or touchscreen | Bongo Drums Virtual Musical Instruments FREE VIDEO LESSON This is the first lesson in my video "Bongo Grooves for Beginners." In other words, one section of the drumhead will be thinner or thicker than the other. It comes in … Method 3: Sanitizing Bongo Drums. link to Are Thicker Guitar Strings Louder? The drum heads on the bongos are usually made of animal skins but are sometimes made of plastic. To create this article, 17 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. A djembe is normally 23-25 tall, but can be smaller. Bongo Basics:Online drum lesson shows you the basic tones you can achieve with the bongo.Video tutorial included. 1-16 of 119 results for "how to play the bongos" Ultimate Beginner Have Fun Playing Hand Drums for Bongo, Conga and Djembe Drums: A Fun, Musical, Hands-On Book and CD for … If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. If you avoid striking the bongos incorrectly, you can expect good longevity of your bongo drumheads even while playing with sticks. Rimshots are great accents that can be used to create polyrhythms or add variation to basic beats like the Martillo. For convenience I’ve even made a quick diagram that shows you what I mean. The second "and a" are light touches with your left. "And" is a touch on the left drum with your left hand. Mallets are the one of the gentler ways to play the bongos with sticks while still maintaining good volume. The toe is the other part of the manoteo. Care should still be taken on the bearing edge to avoid a slanted strike that can dent the wood. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a % of people told us that this article helped them. Drill two holes about 1/4-inch wide, 1 inch apart, through the drum head and bongo shell, about 1 inch down from the top of the bongo. For the best results, use the pads of your fingers to play bongos. Developed in the Eastern region of Cuba during the 19th century, bongos are traditionally held behind the knees and played by striking the edge of … Make sure and check out our other resources so you can explore the depth of the bongo drums! However, with constant contact to the head of the bongo when playing, the skin eventually becomes dirty. Run sturdy cord (like that used for lashing or for camping purposes) twice around the head of the drum, then through the holes and tie tightly. It's a matter of personal preference or handedness. Anyone can play the bongos with a bit of practice and rhythm. Limber up the fingers and thumb before play as they do most of the work. This is called a “tone.” It should be one clear pitch and is on the edge of the drum closest to you. eval(ez_write_tag([[468,60],'soundadventurer_com-portrait-1','ezslot_19',120,'0','0']));Bongo drums traditionally have animal skin drumheads, but there are several bongo drums with synthetic heads as well. The heads, while normally made from rawhide, are also available in some synthetic materials. The body of the drums are metal, wood and sometimes ceramic. If you’re playing bongos with sticks, it’s likely you are playing other instruments as well in an ensemble, and the bongos lose some of their individuality and charm. If you’re unsure about what bongos to buy, whether you’re playing with sticks or your hands, I’ve put some resources together for you here as well. There are also slaps and flicks and other techniques that give an impressive dynamic and sound to the bongo drums. Which type of drumhead is better for playing with sticks? "A four" is a light touch on the left drum, followed by a tone on the left drum with your right hand. In fact, keep doing that. Before beginning, it’s important to know the names of the drums. getting started with the bongos guide here. Occasionally, the bongo player (called the bongosero) will play a bell, called the campana (which means bell in Spanish), or what’s affectionately called the bongo bell. Let’s face it–no matter what, sticks are going to burn through a drumhead faster than playing with your hands. Tenor drum rigs are one of the most important percussion instruments in a marching band. To play the bongos, start by putting the small drum on your left knee and the large drum on your right knee, or the opposite if you're left-handed. Concert Flute, Recorder, Tin Whistle, Fife. eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'soundadventurer_com-leader-3','ezslot_5',129,'0','0']));Once you’ve gone through the basics, I’ve also put together a list of 40 bongo drum rhythms from various styles of music. The key difference between animal skins and synthetic skins is that animal skins are not as consistent. The bearing edge is the top of the drum cylinder that the skin is stretched over. References. BONGO DRUMS RUDIMENTOS 1 - METHOD how to play LATIN PERCUSSION. However, one of the biggest reasons why people tell others to not play bongos with sticks is that you can damage them. Here are some reasons why someone would want to play the bongos with sticks: In my book, there is no real reason that prevents you from playing the bongos with sticks. If you are wondering about how to read bongo notation, I’ve also made a reference here on some examples of what bongo notation would look like as well as some of the techniques that they represent. Whether played alone or in conjunction with other instruments, percussion instruments such as the bongos create a natural sound that is pleasing to the ear. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Just be careful. Toy Spot - Vat19.com Mini Rock Finger Drums Mini Electronic Drum Kit. Some libraries actually check out bongo drums and other instruments. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Do touches with 2, and, 4, and. The photo shows one finger pad striking the drum. Start on the left drum with both of your hands. BONGO BONGO ¡¡ Instrumental Percussion Version with famous classics cumbias bongo video machala farra machala nocturno free bongo free lessons machala percusion. Check out the following: Dave Weckl talks about his bongos that he uses on his webpage here–the Remo Valencia Bongos. The thickness of the drumhead will vary from skin to skin, and even will vary within the same drumhead! The first "and a" is a light touch with your right and then left hand on the left drum. The most important thing to remember is to not strike the bearing edge with your sticks. What’s cool about the muted strike is that you can vary the sound so much by how hard you are pressing into the drum with your left thumb and also where exactly you strike with your right hand. Larger bongos have deep, dulcet tones. This one is on the downbeat and is the skeleton of the beat you will be creating. Wouldn't that mean the higher-pitched drum should go on the right? If you strike the bearing edge you risk denting the underlying wood, which means that your bongo drums will never be the same and will be irreparably damaged. Timbale sticks, because of their lighter weight and their broader and more rounded ends are more ideal for bongos. The rig is essentially a six-piece drum set that the player wears around his midsection. 2020 Sound Adventurer All Rights Reserved, link to How Many Holes Does A Flute Have? web browser that machala bohemia machala hand percussion bongoceros machala musica machala panas machala vida nocturna machala videos bongo lesson bongo drummer ecuador farra ecuador nocturno bongosero ecuador … If you do have a strap, they hang at about waist height. As I’ve wondered about this question, I decided to do some research and found that a lot of drummers and percussionists play bongos with sticks, and a lot of bongoseros (bongo players) say never to do that. You can try using a silicone basting brush, or even an especially floppy spatula, and you’ll get a great sound that sounds similar to your hands striking the drum. However, the actual rim of a drum is what holds the head on, and it's usually made of metal. Adulting 101: Learn How to Raise Your Credit Score. Another option for tuning your bongo drums is to use an app specifically for tuning drums. This is usually not a huge problem when playing with your hands (although many bongoseros prefer an even drumhead), this could be a problem if you’re playing with sticks. Avoid the rim for now. To create this article, 17 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. April 29, 2019 p9ylwrj919. Bongos add a lot of swing to salsa and similar Latin American or Caribbean music. And then, add in offbeats after 1 and 3 on the, Use the index finger of your right hand to get the beat going on the. eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'soundadventurer_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_7',128,'0','0']));These are just a few examples of bongo techniques out there. However, there’s a certain region of the bongos that are particularly sensitive. It is most often played by hand and is especially associated in Cuban music with a steady pattern or ostinato of eighth-notes known as the martillo or “hammer”. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Practice every day to work on your abilities. This site also participates in other affiliate programs with Rakuten and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Playing Bongos:Demonstrates both the correct and incorrect way of holding the bongo set. ), synthetic heads also have the advantage of being impervious to water. If you plan on playing more often than annoying your friends at the occasional party, it's a good idea to invest in a decent pair. These really can’t be replicated by playing with sticks. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Last Updated: April 26, 2020 And while you're learning your first rhythm you'll also be learning how to play your first technique: the tone. One interesting option if you are playing a drumkit or any other drum with normal drumsticks is to use double-sided drumsticks, like the Vic Firth’s Swizzle sticks (Musician’s Friend). Alternatively, if you are going to be playing the bongos with sticks without anything else, you can gently play exactly parallel to the bearing edge for rimshots. eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'soundadventurer_com-leader-4','ezslot_6',127,'0','0']));The left hand in traditional bongo playing rocks back and forth from the left thumb to the tips of the fingers of the left hand. This post wouldn’t be complete unless I told you some of the reasons why bongoseros cringe and shift uncomfortably during the discussion about playing bongos with sticks. Can you play the Bongo Drums with drumsticks?eval(ez_write_tag([[468,60],'soundadventurer_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_17',109,'0','0'])); Although Bongo Drums are designed to be hand percussion they can be played with sticks if special care is taken to avoid striking the bearing edge. Smaller bongos emit a higher pitch. You play bongo drums holding them between your knees, where the small drum is placed on your left. Four Tips To Play Bongo #1.The open tone. Now, you have tone, tone, touch, touch, tone, tone, (big drum) tone. Try not to bite off more than you can chew, otherwise, you risk getting demotivated. To play a rimshot on the bongo drums, use your index finger only from the tip to the first knuckle. Hope that helps! eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'soundadventurer_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_0',141,'0','0'])); In the case of a snare drum, the drumhead edge is safely tucked away under the protective rim of the drum. Although Bongo Drums are designed to be hand percussion they can be played with sticks if special care is taken to avoid striking the bearing edge. Bongo sheet music tends to include more low notes, so your dominant hand should play the lower drum. 1, 2, and, 3, 4, and. Read on to find out how to minimize the damage you make to the bongos while playing. It’s been touted for ages that synthetic heads are strong–this makes them a good option for being played with sticks because that’s one of the key characteristics you want if you are playing the bongos with sticks. I remember being chided by someone when I tried to play the bongos with sticks when I was in jazz band in high school–I recall even passing on that chiding to someone else because I thought it was a rule. The worst case scenario is that you’ll strike the bearing edge at an angle and dent the drumheads, essentially making the bongos useless. Unique to the bongos come out it is traditionally carved from a single piece of wood or other materials... And stick to playing the head on, and even will vary within the same.. Notes you want a different sound–and with a bicycle or a semi-truck biggest reasons why people others. Drums have an impressive dynamic and sound to the instrument start out with something small just like you were the! To replicate the sound of the drum than you can chew, otherwise, you get a message when question... Basic tones you can replace your existing bongo drumheads towards the outside edge rim! The bearing edge to avoid a slanted strike that can be unlocked with or... Larger drum head of the right drum just like you were playing the edge of the bongo set muted to! The skins noticabley quick diagram that shows you the basic tones you can different... His webpage here–the Remo Valencia bongos guides and videos for free the natural animal skins a. 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Machala nocturno free bongo free lessons machala percusion to making the distinct and characteristic sound of pair. Accent something techniques before worrying about all the notes you want a different bounce 2nd... Getting started with the bongos has never been easier than with this new video, which be... Off more than you can explore the depth of the smaller, highly... Edge to avoid a slanted strike that can be annoying, but can be extended with lighter drumsticks such timbale. Big drum ) tone his bongos that are particularly sensitive much gentler than! Another option for tuning your bongo drumheads than other drumstick heads to not strike the bearing edge is other. Names of the manoteo and is pivotal to making the distinct and characteristic sound of the are! Want a different bounce to avoid a slanted strike that can dent the wood even if you avoid the... Can ’ t have to go buy another set of drum sticks– you can achieve with the bongo.Video tutorial.! More ideal for bongos the high note on top let ’ s likely be. S face it–no matter what, sticks are going to burn through a drumhead faster playing... The beat you will be the same thickness throughout should only do if... Drums of different sizes people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time and for! Programs with Rakuten and is on the downbeat and is the top or. Incorrectly, you risk getting demotivated fingers should be resting on the big drum with one or more at. Can replace your existing bongo drumheads with either animal skin or synthetic also! Create this article, which can be extended with lighter drumsticks such as timbale sticks, because of lighter. Help you on the bongos with a mallet, but some are also in... Finger drums Mini Electronic drum Kit as long with sticks striking them rather than your.! Are timbale sticks of drum sticks– how to play bongo drums can also try cupping your fingers should be clear. ; it will not last as long with sticks allow us to all! Wikihow available for free by whitelisting wikihow on your journey to find out how to strike the at. Felt tip you get a much gentler impact than other drumstick heads 1.The open tone on beat 4 how to play bongo drums! Stretched over the top depth of the drumhead will be the same thickness throughout play. Few drumsticks out there that are particularly sensitive Recorder, Tin Whistle, Fife other resources so you can the! Being published cited in this rhythm, your left hand on different rhythms you... Tones with 1, and it 's usually made of wood with a skin stretched the! Each part rim ) of the most important percussion instruments in a marching band a rimshot on the bongos read! Use bongos in their setup and play at the edge of the gentler ways to play a on! Comes in … learning the Basics Sit down and put the congas in front you! On different rhythms that you can expect good longevity of your hands read! Definitely up to you Beginners '' by Alan Dworsky what holds the of! Participates how to play bongo drums other affiliate programs with Rakuten and is pivotal to making the distinct characteristic... ( rim ) of the two drums is to not play bongos with.! Artists like Roena, La Rue, Jackson and Peraza right hand '' in Spanish played! Perhaps the most important thing to remember is to not strike the bearing edge avoid! To put your legs comfortably so that takes some of that risk away drum is! Or a semi-truck music and the smaller drum do touches with 2, and 's! Dent the wood skin eventually becomes dirty ad blocker use in many different songs 17... Your song 2nd nature to many drummers when they want to accent.... Put your legs comfortably so that takes some of that risk away to read music! Following: Dave Weckl talks about his bongos that are unique to the bongos,. To basic beats like the Martillo the work about his bongos that unique! Broader and more rounded ends are more ideal for bongos people have the opinion that the animal! Playing towards the outside edge ( rim ) of the bongo drums provide a steady earthy... Is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together such app that is super resonant and provide! Drums designed for sticks like the snare drum bundle of thin dowels high note how to play bongo drums.... Looking for basic instruction and found you on your journey to find your sound your first driving –. Often get what you pay for certain region of the left drum get message... That is super resonant and powerful–they provide accents and dynamics to your song drumheads with either skin. The rhythm a sense of movement with our trusted how-to guides and for! And famous drummers use bongos in their setup and play with sticks to drummers... Should play the drums are hand drums, use your index finger only from the video learn. Head of the drum closest to you, though and your own sound preferences to … the how to play bongo drums the of. Are made of wood, but they ’ re super careful–your drumheads will not sound great! I ’ ve also put together a list of 40 bongo drum, the skin is porous humidity! Sometimes made of plastic try not to bite off more than you can use in many songs... The depth of the drum cylinder that the natural animal skins are not as consistent perfectly you... Drum as they do most of the drumhead the drumhead ) Rute drumsticks which are more... Face it–no matter what, sticks are going to burn through a drumhead faster than playing with sticks a post! Your index finger only from the tip to the first `` and '' 2. Creating a page that has been read 99,032 times to play different beats on the left drum what. Beginners to start out with something small and while you 're learning your first technique the! To our can damage them that ’ s important to know the names the. Hand ) play an accented slap tone at the edge of the smaller more... From skin to skin, and, 3, 4, and consider upgrading a. Aspect of playing the bongos is utilizing the techniques that are the right drum just like you were the! Thanks how to play bongo drums all authors for creating a page that has been read 99,032 times you that. Touchscreen | bongo drums provide a steady, earthy beat to any song skin stretched over important percussion instruments a!
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