Soloing Advice for Hand drummers.

If you’re learning to solo on the djembe or congas, I have a piece of advice from my own experience that you might find useful. I’ve seen it work wonders for others as well.

Consider this: when you’re about to play a solo or take the lead, think of yourself as a surfer—even if you don’t consider yourself athletic. The rhythm you’re playing is like a wave or a series of waves.

You need to catch one at the right moment. You can hear, feel, and even visualize the rhythm or composition as waves, picturing yourself as a surfer waiting for the right moment to ride that wave. The key is to not force it.

If you jump in too soon or too late, it won’t feel as good; you have to catch it at the right spot, and this comes with time. Timing is everything. When you do catch the wave, it’s a powerful experience that propels you forward without forcing anything—it’s natural!

Remember, it’s not just about playing a solo in isolation; you’re interacting with the rhythm, either flowing with it or playing off of it, along with the other musicians, creating a cohesive piece. You’re harnessing the energy of that wave to drive you forward rather than getting pulled under, unless you wipe out!

To me, It’s not about how great you are, it’s about how you groove, feel and fit in the pocket. Less can be more.

You can have all the speed, rolls, chops, and “wow factor” in the world, but if you’re not in the groove and moving with the rhythm, it won’t mean much. What truly matters is how you ride the rhythm and where you take it, landing right in the pocket to make the most of the experience.