S. American/African/Caribbean Rhythms

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This free video series demonstrates the rhythms of South America, Africa and The Caribbean. Add these fascinating a challenging rhythms to your drumming repertoire at no cost. Follow the link and subscribe to the youtube channel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJCkjPKKWfs

Basic Bongo Techniques & Rhythm

World drumming specialist, Alan Dworsky, teaches us how to play the ‘habanera’ rhythm on the bongos. His teaching style is clear and methodical (moving from simple to more complex in a logical way that build skills). You’ll learn about the PULSE, the TONE and hear the rhythm pattern played with and without background music. Try this rhythm at home, then take it to the streets (or wherever you want to take it).

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Basic Djembe Technique

Master drummer, Jim Donovan, teaches us how to play the basic strokes on the West African Djembe drum. There are three basic sounds played on the djembe; the bass tone, the open tone and the slap tone. Jim also demonstrates how to produce a flam technique, which is two notes played very close together. Check out more from Jim at his website.

Alex Acuña plays the Cajon

This clip shows a master percussionist, Alex Acuña, playing a CAJON solo. The Cajon is a central and South American drum that is made from a wooden box. THe sound ranges from deep to bright and warm to edgy. Alex uses a variety of techniques to bring out all the voices of the Cajon. He also played different rhythms and grooves over a steady pulse. Notice that the basic pulse stays the same throughout his entire solo. The band members and audience clap along as he solos over the top and keeps the beat. Have you tried this? Try playing a solo while you maintain a steady beat. Don’t speed up, slow down, or stray from the pulse. Make a recording and see if you played as well as you thought you did!

Steve Gadd, Luis Conte and Alex Acuña Jam

This clip shows the importance of ACTIVE LISTENING within a musical jam session. Notice how the players support one another by playing complementary parts that help each other stay in the groove. They are also taking turns soloing (improvising) over the groove. All these players are master percussionists, but they don’t ‘show off’ or over-play. Their experience and skills in the art of drumming and music result in a very musical performance that is completely spontaneous. How did they get to be this good? They took time to learn about their instruments, played with lots of different people, listened to recordings of others and themselves and always worked to improve their drumming and LISTENING skills.

Consider ways you can take your listening and cooperative skills to the next level. Be open to feedback and improve each day.

Pandeiro Technique

This lesson shows basic pandeiro technique. Even if you don’t speak Portuguese, you’ll understand how to play this frame drum from Brasil. Use your thumb, finger tips, and the heal of your hand to play three basic sounds. The middle finger of the holding hand can be used to mute the head from below.

This video shows the Pandeiro as it is commonly played in Capoeira music. This style might be more accessible in some ways, as it uses fewer specific techniques.

Kanjira Solo

This is an amazing vocalized, then played, solo on the Indian Kanjira drum. The artist is Shree Sundarkumar. Enjoy!

Tombak Solo

This is an example of the Persian Tombak, a goblet-shaped drum that is popular in Iran and surrounding countries. The head is played with the fingers and thumbs. A wide range of tones are available.

Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez

Drummer, Horacio Hernandes “El Negro” and Percussionist, Marc Quinonez perform on Drumset and Percussion in this Modern Drummer Festival special edition from Hudson Music. The piece is call “The Octopus” and features clave, poly rhythms, and some amazing artistry. Enjoy!