Music is a universal art, and every culture in the world participates. And while there can be a lot of variation in how music is made and enjoyed between cultures, some common things can be found among them. One of the most common elements found in cultures around the world are hand drums. It makes sense. Even as an infant, your first instrument is your hands banging on any surface they can find. It’s natural that such an instinctive movement would go on to inspire one of the most common instruments in the world, as well as each of its unique variations.
Take a look at these 8 hand drums from around the world!
8 Hand Drums From Different Cultures
Cajon (Box Drum)
“Box drum” is an apt name, as the cajon is basically a box, on which the player sits and strikes the side to create sound.
Originating in Peru, the cajon is traditionally used in Afro-Peruvian folk music. It is most often played with the hands, but brushes and other implements are sometimes used to create unique textures.
Beyond the traditional roots, the cajon can be found in many genres, including jazz, folk, flamenco, and other latin styles of music.
Djembe
The djembe is probably the most well-known hand drum on the list, and is a popular instrument for workshops and drum circles.
Originating in West Africa, the djembe is a goblet-shaped drum, covered with skin, and tuned with rope, and produces a wide range of tones. In fact, there are three basic sounds: low (a bass tone produced by striking the centre of the drum), medium, and high (each created by slapping the drum’s edge). Different finger and palm positions, as well as where the drum is stuck, creates different techniques and tones.
Batá
Batá drums originally came from the Yoruba culture, but have migrated into many Afro-Caribbean communities, including the folk music of Cuba.
These drums have a two-headed, hour glass shape, and are most often performed as a set of three. These include the okonkolo (small/child), itotele (medium/father), and iya (big/mother). Each drum contributes to complex melodies, poly-rhythms, and conversations between drums.
Tabla
Technically, “tabla” refers to a set of two drums, one of which is called a tabla, and the other a bayan. The pair are played together using fingers and palms in various techniques to produce a wide range of rhythms and sounds.
The tabla is played with the right hand and the bayan with the left. The bayan is larger, rounder, and made of metal; it creates a deep, bass tone. The tabla is thinner, straighter, and made of wood.
Tabla drums are associated most with Indian classical music, but they can be found in contemporary genres as well.
Conga
One of the more well-known drums on this list, the congas are mostly associated with Latin genres, like Afro-cuban jazz, songo, salsa, merengue, and Latin rock. Congas are often played either as a single drum, or as a set of two or more with different tunings.
Conga stands are often used to play them in a fixed position, but playing with a strap or seated are also options.
Like other hand drums, congas are played with a combination of slaps, finger strokes, open tones, mutes, and a variety of touches with different parts of the hand.
Dunun
Coming from Mali in West Africa, the dunun is a two-headed drum. It is traditionally made of wood, with a goat or cow drum skin. The dunun is usually played horizontally on a stand or with a shoulder strap.
One aspect of the dunun that sets it slightly apart from other hand drums is that it can be played with a stick; and in some circumstances, the player may hold a bell in one hand to play patterns along with the beat.
Bongos
Another set of popular hand drums is the bongos. These paired drums are small and open-bottomed. They are the most common Cuban drum, and are likely adaptations of folk drums from central Africa, joined into a pair in Cuba.
The larger of the pair, called the “hembra” in Spanish, is on the right side, and the smaller, the “macho,” is on the left. Bongos are usually played seated, with the drums on or held between the performer’s legs.
Maracas
Maracas represent a special kind of hand drum; shakers and rattlers. These instruments are hollow, egg-shaped containers filled with something to make them rattle. Modern maracas are often made of plastic, but traditionally they were made from wood, gourds, or even leather.
The sound of the maraca is influenced by the size of both the container and the quantity of whatever is inside. For this reason, there are countless variations and combinations for tones and sounds.
Players typically shake maracas in one or both hands, perhaps while playing a drum at the same time.
Hand Drum Lessons at The Music Studio
At The Music Studio, we are passionate about drumming and dedicated to providing top-notch drum lessons tailored for students of all ages. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced drummer looking to enhance your skills, our comprehensive programs and expert instructors are here to guide you on your rhythmic journey.
Ready to embark on your drumming adventure at The Music Studio in Toronto? We are excited to welcome you and help you achieve your drumming goals. Enroll today and take the first step towards mastering the art of drumming.
Don’t wait any longer to pursue your passion for drumming. Fill out our contact form now or give us a call to register for your drum lessons. Let’s make music together at The Music Studio!