How To Play The Djembe: For Beginners

Have fun learning to play this West African hand drum. Improve your confidence, and expression on the Djembe!

Created byLarry Crowe

Last updated 10/2014

English

English [Auto],

What you'll learn

By the end of this course you will have a basic understanding of how to play the Djembe.
Improve you self confidence, and learn to express yourself on this amazing hand drum!
You will have a solid understanding of the three basic sounds of the Djembe.
You will learn how to play some basic rhythms and patterns.

Course content

8 sections • 19 lectures • 1h 6m total length

Introduction To The Djembe1:30
This lecture is an introduction to the Djembe. It discusses where the drum originates, what materials it's made from and it's use traditionally and in contemporary culture.

Basic Patterns For The Bass And Open Tone (Introduction)0:46
Combine the bass tone and open tone with simple four-count exercises to build djembe technique, and download the pdf of all rhythms to practice by counting.
Basic Patterns For The Bass and Open Tone (Quarter Notes)3:30
Basic Patterns For The Bass and Open Tone (Quarter Notes Continued)2:59
Basic Patterns For The Bass and Open Tone (Quarter and Eighth Notes)4:24
Explore basic djembe patterns for the bass and open tone using quarter and eighth notes, with simple right-left hand variations to build technique and rhythm.
Basic Patterns For The Bass and Open Tone (Quarter and Eighth Notes Continued)3:55
Explore basic bass and open tone patterns on the djembe, using quarter and eighth notes and rock-beat rhythms to build hand coordination.
Basic Patterns For The Bass and Open Tone (Patterns in 3)3:27

The Bass, Open and Slap Tone (Quarter Note Exercises)5:59
Develop a strong djembe sound by practicing quarter-note exercises that combine bass, open, and slap tones, using four-count patterns and alternating leads with right and left hands.
The Bass, Open and Slap Tone (Quarter Note Exercises Continued)5:06
The Bass, Open and Slap Tone (Quarter and Eighth Note Exercises)7:25
The Bass, Open and Slap Tone (Quarter and Eighth Note Exercises Continued)3:23
The Bass, Open and Slap Tone (Patterns in Six)4:35
The Bass, Open and Slap Tone (Patterns in Six Continued)4:51
Learn to play the djembe with bass, open, and slap tones as you practice continuing six-count patterns, counting aloud and coordinating both hands.
The Bass, Open and Slap Tone (Patterns in Six Final)2:32
Learn bass, open tone, and slap tones on the djembe through bass bass tone tone bass bass tone slap patterns. Practice right- and left-hand variations, counting 1–6.

Requirements

You will need a Djembe to practice with. You can buy or rent one from your local music store. Also, bring your energy and enthusiasm!

Description

This course is designed to help students learn to play the Djembe. This West African hand drum is fun and easy to play! How To Play The Djembe: For Beginners is a step by step course that will introduce you to the three basic tones of this amazing drum and provide you with a number of patterns and exercises for you to practice.

Each video lecture will provide students with clear and easy to follow instructions. The learning process is gradual and each lesson builds upon the other. This course also includes an easy to read pdf of the exercises and patterns featured throughout the video in music notation form.

Hand drumming is an easy and fun form of personal expression. Students will gain self confidence, improve concentration and relieve stress by taking this course!

Who this course is for:

If you've ever wanted to play a hand drum or if you just want to brush up on your basic technique on the Djembe, this is the course for you.
If you are an advanced Djembe player this course may not be challenging enough for you.

How To Play The Djembe: For Beginners

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Introduction To The Djembe1 lecture • 2min

The Playing Position1 lecture • 1min

The Bass Tone (Gun or Dun)1 lecture • 3min

The Open Tone (Go or Do)1 lecture • 3min

Basic Patterns For The Bass And Open Tone6 lectures • 19min

The Slap Tone (Pa or Ta)1 lecture • 4min

Basic Patterns For The Bass, Open and Slap Tone7 lectures • 34min

Conclusion1 lecture • 1min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: