Exercises

We use a simple phonetic system to describe the main sounds used in hand drumming. This system is based on Ianto Thorber's The Djembe Guide, volumes one and two, and is widely used for teaching Djembe in Europe and North America.

Gun and Dun – Bass

Bass sound: Strike the centre of the drum with the whole palm and fingers flat. Let the hand bounce off the drum to create a deep, resonant tone.

Handedness:
Right-handed players: Gun = Right, Dun = Left.
Left-handed players: Gun = Left, Dun = Right.

Go and Do – Open Tone

Open tone: Strike near the rim using the first three finger segments. Keep the fingers together and let them rebound to create a clear, ringing note.

Handedness:
Right-handed players: Go = Right, Do = Left.
Left-handed players: Go = Left, Do = Right.

Pa and Ta – Slap

Slap sound: Strike the drum edge with the hand angled so the contact point is between the thumb and the fleshy area below the main knuckle. A slight finger separation helps create the sharp slap.

Handedness:
Right-handed players: Pa = Right, Ta = Left.
Left-handed players: Pa = Left, Ta = Right.


Safety Rule

When playing Go and Do, or Pa and Ta, avoid striking the soft fleshy area under the large knuckles on the edge of the drum. Both strokes should make contact on either side of this part of the hand. Repeatedly hitting the fleshy area can cause swelling and soreness.

Start practising slowly and deliberately so your hands learn the correct position from the beginning.

Noise and Your Environment

If noise is an issue where you live, or you do not yet have a drum, you can use a plastic bucket or food tub. These usually give a usable sound and do not have sharp edges. The bass strokes might be difficult to play on a smaller surface but you can still play the other two strokes Go Do and Pa Ta. You can also practise on your knees.

Imagine:

This helps train the movement patterns and develops coordination in both hands.

If you are fortunate to be able to practice on your own drum begin slowly and focus on getting the correct sound out of the drum

Patterns to Practice

Exercise One – Six-Note Pattern

A simple pattern of six notes which produces a rhythm in three or six time:

Gun Dun Go Do Pa Ta
Repeat continuously without gaps.

Audio – Exercise One from The Djembe Guide by Ianto Thornber

Exercise Two – Four-Four Pattern

This is a pattern in 4/4 time:

Go Do Pa Ta Go Do Gun Dun
Repeat continuously without gaps.

Audio – Exercise Four

Clave

The word Clave means “key” in Spanish. In Afro-Cuban rhythms the clave is the anchor or spine of the music. Other parts interact with it through syncopation. Playing with the clave helps you stay in the flow and hold steady time. A player who maintains a reliable clave is highly valued.

The most common pattern is the Son Clave. You will recognise it from many pop and Latin-influenced songs, often played on keyboard, guitar, or percussion.

Another form is the Rumba Clave, used in rhythms such as Rumba, Conga, Mozambique and Songo. One of its strokes is placed slightly later, giving it a different feel.

Clave patterns also appear in many West African rhythms, though not all.

Son Clave – Audio

Rumba Clave – Audio