Michael Pluznick » conga

How To Play A Conga Solo By Yourself With A Band

admin — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 05:22:26 +0000

A conga student asked me recently, "how do I take a solo when I am playing with a band and the band stops, and I am left by myself? No one else is playing, it is just me"? This is a great question and here is how I do it. [...]

Mano Secreto; Demystifying the secret hand technique for conga drums

admin — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 07:39:55 +0000

Have you heard of the Mano Secreto? It is the secret hand technique used and first made popular by percussion legends Changuito and also Giovanni Hildago. Prior to these great conga players there was another player named tat Guines in Havana Cuba who was developing this technique. Why is it secret? Because until recently (well about 10 years or so ) no one else could do it. Now everyone is doing it but there are not a lot of great instructional videos about it unfortunately. [...]

My new DVD, How to Play Afro Cuban Congas has been released today on earthcds.com

admin — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 13:33:20 +0000

My latest instructional DVD, "How to Play Afro Cuban Congas" has just been relased today on earthcds.com. This DVD features almost everything I have learned in the last 25 years or more studying, learning, teaching and performing conga drums around the world. There is in depth looks at all the major rhythms with break down sections, slow motion and different vantage points as well. [...]

How to Play Hand Drums: Getting the Bounce technique

admin — Mon, 30 May 2011 06:01:35 +0000

My first drum teacher used to chant repeatedly, "minimum input maximum out put" when it came to the topic of playing techniques and how to hit the drum. It was true over 30 years ago and it is still true now. What he was talking about is that it is not important how hard you hit the drum but it is about the technique you use. [...]

When and when not to play drums

admin — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 05:09:44 +0000

Respect yourself, respect others. Sometimes if you are new to an area and trying to break into an unfamiliar world music scene or drumming situation a subtle approach is better then an aggressive approach. [...]

Playing cold at a hot gig in Bali, Indonesia

admin — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 05:27:30 +0000

What do you do when you are completely cold and suddenly have to play hot? Last night the islands best trumpet player performed with his band at Bali's version of Yoshis called interestingly enough, Ryopshi's! Any coincidence? Great sushi and great tunes. Rio Sadik, the trumpet player, singer and "star of the show", ( as James Brown would say), was in rare form. The venue was so packed you could not move. Raymond, my impromptu agent and good friend here in Bali, Indonesia called his long time pal Rio earlier to confirm me sitting in but I think I got there way to late and there was already another conga player there. [...]

My djembe and conga training program for developing your drumming skills quickly

admin — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 11:27:13 +0000

People often ask me about a training program. What could they do to improve their drumming and or improve more rapidly? I put together the following suggestions based on my own training program that I have followed for many years. Those of you who know me personaly know I am a bit of a fanatic so of course you can tone down the program to suit your own personal needs. So just take a few ideas from here or all of them. "Arai gor dai" as they say in Thailand ("up to you")! So pick and choose and enjoy your practice and training ritual. remember it's "playing" and playing is FUN! [...]

Avoiding injuries playing hand drums

admin — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 06:41:12 +0000

Injuries while playing drums can happen to anyone from the most beginning player to the most advanced. One of my favorite players and teachers Karmba Diabate for example is constantly in pain. His hands constantly hurt. He get’s amazing sound from his djembe, but at a price. I have seen every player at every level with hand or finger injuries.

proper hand technique

So, what do we do to not [...]

How to Play Congas: Very basic technique, position and tones

admin — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 01:26:43 +0000

“With out strong framework the house will collapse’. In this ‘follow along” video/ conga lesson we will begin to explore how to position your hands and also how to make basic sounds on the conga drum. This is part one. For more info go to: www.michaelpluznick.com

Toca Elite Pro wood conga drum review

admin — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 02:06:25 +0000

These are really nice , sweet sounding drums, and the finish is beautiful as well. They come as a set with a nice folding stand which is great if you are playing in a band. I also tried the Tumba which has a deep, rich bass tone. The drums come in a choice of two different finishes and also having matching bongos which are crisp and clean. The drums are medium to light weight and a bit shorter then Toca's other drums. I prefer the shorter drums as I like to play sitting down. [...]

The late Great Pello EL Afrokan, our teacher

admin — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 09:43:33 +0000

Pello El Afrokan

In 1985 we traveled to Cuba to learn about Cuban culture, study the music and experience the Cuban lifestyle. We were young and looking for musical and cultural adventures . While staying at the hotel in Havana we met Pello el Afrokan in our lobby. We told him about our quest to study Cuban music, rhythm and dance and he took our small group of friends on [...]

How to Play Congas: Very basic technique, position and tones

admin — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 05:20:37 +0000