Category: Blog
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Need skin? Heads up to a good deal on the best skins!
Ryan ‘Manito’ Wendel has been in deep research mode and now has in stock some amazing skins including cow, steer mule and even camel for your congas and bongos in a variety of thickness and sizes that are just as nice. For a limited time he is offering them at a discount for all my readers… Read More »
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Old School and New School Djembe Styles
There are many different ways to hit the djembe, to play it, to make it speak or have it speak through you. And, there are different styles with in the tradition and cultural context to play the djembe as well. When I was in Mali and Guinea on both of my trips I was amazed… Read More »
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Breaking Physical Habits
Most of us are unaware of our physical habits from our daily life that carry over when play drums.We all have ways we physically respond to everything that happens in our daily life. It’s unconscious for the most part and habitual as well. When we sit down (or stand ) to play drums we are… Read More »
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It’s easy to say “relax when you are drumming”, but how do you actually do it?
I know it’s easy to say “relax when you are drumming”, but how do you actually do it? I am always telling people to relax when they play and I also continually hear my teachers saying it to other as well. It is one of the most important things you need to do when playing… Read More »
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How to play stronger and faster
Recently several people have asked me about lifting or using a weight training exercise regimen to improve their speed when playing djembe. Specifically, arm training exercises. I have never seen weight lifting specifically for the arms or shoulders help people to gain speed. It is possible it works, I am not a weightlifting expert but… Read More »
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Wearing A Djembe Drum, Important Tips On Posture and Playing To Help You Play Easier With Out Pain
Playing the djembe drum standing up is very different then playing seated. You now have more volume but you also have a weight on your shoulders and therefore, lower back as well. Playing standing up takes time and patience to get used to and to learn and special training can help for this as well.… Read More »
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Holistic Drumming, Simplifying The Learning Process
Learning west african djembe and dunun compositions. Instead of watching every different Youtube video, lessons, buying every DVD and gathering and storing mass amounts of information with the intention of learning evertyhing, try and focus on one rhythm at a time. Just one. Come up with a plan of attack. All the information in the… Read More »
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Speaking of Drumming
When we sit down to play drums or music with other people it is the same as having a conversation verbally with others. Drumming especially, is an oral tradition and a means of communication. When you are with friends and have a conversation you look at the other peoples eyes and you all don’t talk… Read More »
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Keep aware of your surroundings when you are playing drums
Keeping aware of your environment. A short survival guide for drummers. When you are playing in public …which I have since the early 70’s.. you learn to keep your eyes open and be aware of who and what is around you at all times. It is not paranoia it is awareness. Knowledge will keep you… Read More »
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Using the bass note, the sometimes forgotten note on your conga or djembe drum
I was talking to a friend the other day about a drum I had mentioning that the new skin did not leave it with a lot of bass tone. He mentioned to me, “that’s O.K. because I don’t really use the bass note too often anyway”. Of course I schooled him and shared with him… Read More »
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Balance your studies between and east and west if you really want to learn and grow
There are several different ways to learn to play or express yourself on drums originating from the african diaspora be it afro cuban, west african or other areas. Here is a short overview. It does not matter which style of drumming you choose to play in be it traditional drumming or freestyle, if you balance… Read More »
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eBay and Craigslist drum buyers beware!
Many people find great deals on used conga and djembe drums on line. I know I have and you can too. However, so much of the stuff out there is junk. eBay new and used djembe and conga drum buyers beware. I am constantly on the look out for great deals on drums on the… Read More »