What are the 3 basic sounds made from a djembe?

What are the 3 basic sounds made from a djembe?

Djembe players use three basic sounds: bass, tone, and slap, which have low, medium, and high pitch, respectively.

How do you read djembe music?

You use the notation by:

1. Reading the numbers in the top row from left to right, either aloud or in your head.
2. Playing the notes shown in the second row underneath.
3. You use the hand indicated in the third row.
4. You can also verbalise the notes or rhythm using the words in the fourth row.

How is djembe played?

Traditionally the djembe is played with both hands as the drummer stands with the drum held between his legs. It is hung over the shoulder with a strap. In some cases the drummer sits on a stool behind the drum or the drum is placed horizontally on the ground and the drummer sits on the drum.

What does the rope do on the djembe?

These vertical rope runners are fastened to the metal rings around the djembe head and are used to place tension on the skin when pulled tightly. To tune the drum you would place horizontal knots on the various sets of vertical rope runners by pulling what’s called a diamond. This is known as the Mali Weave.

How do you hold a djembe?

Sit on the front edge of a chair and place the djembe drum between your legs gripping each side with your knees. Tilt the djembe away from you so that the base of the drum is open. This is important as the bottom hole must be exposed in order to obtain a proper sound when playing.

How does the djembe drum make its sound?

When one side or section of the djembe head is tighter than another, different pitches are created, leaving the sound flat or muted. By having even tension the skin will vibrate at the same level all the way around the drum, creating a more full, resonant sound.

What does the djembe drum sound like?

The head of the drum is traditionally made from goat skin, providing the djembe with piercing high-pitched tone and slap sounds (struck by the hand near the edge of the drum) owing to the thinness of goat skin (compared to antelope or calf-skin).

How is a djembe played?

There are three main sounds that can be played on a djembe: bass, tone and slap. The bass sound (low-pitched) is achieved by striking the drum in the middle of the skin with a heavy hand. The tone (medium-pitched) is played with the hand on the edge of the skin, using the wrist as well as the arm to propel the hand towards the drum.