Explore More About Hand Drum Types

It is always exciting to learn about new instruments.  What are hand drums? Why do they matter? I would like to introduce you to the world of different hand drum types. Hand drums come from all over the world with different sounds, sizes, shapes, and styles. Hand drumming is an ancient art form that has been used in ceremonies, rituals, and celebrations for centuries.

There are many different types of hand drums, and each one has its unique sound and purpose. In this blog post, we will explore the different kinds of hand drums and discuss their features. We will also provide a few tips on how to choose the right-hand drum for your needs.

What Is Hand Drum?

The hand drum is a percussion instrument played by holding it in one hand and hitting the head with the other hand. It may be made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, or plastic. Hand drums have been used for centuries in various cultures around the world.

The first-hand drums were probably made from animal hides or hollowed-out tree branches. They were used by tribal cultures to communicate and signal warnings. Over time, hand drums began to be used in musical performances as well.

Today, hand drums come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are often used in traditional music styles, such as African drumming, Latin percussion, and Indian classical music. Hand drums can also be found in popular music genres, such as rock and hip-hop.

How Can Hand Drum Work?

How does a hand drum work? Hand drums are played by pressing your hand on the drum head and then hitting it with a stick or other implement to make a sound. Hand drums come in all shapes and sizes, from small frame drums to giant tribal drums.

There are many different ways to play hand drums. One of the most basic techniques is known as “the beat.” You hit the drum head with your hand in a steady rhythm. This is the basic beat that underlies all other hand drum rhythms.

Finger-drumming can be used to create simple rhythms or complex melodies. You can also play hand drums by tapping your fingers on the drum head in different patterns. This is called finger-drumming.

hand drum types

Another popular technique is known as “the groove.” To play the groove, you move your hand around the drum head, hitting different parts of it to create a varied sound. This technique is often used in jazz and blues music.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to playing hand drums. With a bit of practice, you can learn how to create your rhythms and melodies on these versatile instruments.

Introduce Some Hand Drum Types

Frame Drums

Frame drums are a hand drum type that is round and has a thin frame. This type of drum is often played with the hands but can also be played with a drumstick. Frame drums come in many different sizes and can be made from a variety of materials, such as wood, metal, or plastic.

They are typically round with a wooden frame and have a membrane on one or both sides that is hit with the hands to produce sound. They come in a variety of sizes and can be used for a variety of purposes, such as making music, signaling, or communicating over long distances. They are often used in music genres such as world music and folk music.

Djembe

One of the most well-known frame drums is the djembe. The djembe is a West African drum made from a section of hollowed-out tree trunks. It has a goatskin membrane stretched over one end and is hit with the hands to produce sound.

Djembes are typically played with hands, and they produce a variety of sounds that can be used to create rhythms. They are often used in music from Africa and the Caribbean, and they can be found in many different styles of music.

Tabla

The tabla hand drum type is a percussion instrument from the Indian subcontinent. It consists of a pair of drums, one larger than the other. The smaller drum is called the dayan, and the giant drum is called the bayan. The drums are played together, with the dayan being played with the dominant hand and the bayan being played with the non-dominant hand.

The tabla hand drum type is believed to have originated in the Middle East and was brought to India by Muslim traders. It is used in Hindustani classical music, as well as in popular music. The tabla hand drum type is considered to be one of the most complex percussion instruments in the world. It has a wide range of tonal possibilities and can play a variety of rhythms.

hand drum types

Kanjira

The kanjira hand drum type is a South Indian frame drum. It has a small, round body made from a single piece of wood. The shell is covered with goatskin, and the head is tightened with screws or bolts. Two small metal jingles are attached to the bottom of the skin, which produce a metallic sound when the drum is played.

The kanjira is usually played with the fingers and is often used as an accompanying instrument in South Indian classical music. It can be used to provide a rhythmic backing for vocalists or other tools or to solo over. The kanjira’s sound is bright and metallic, and it can be used to create a wide variety of rhythms.

Bongos

Bongos are a hand drum type that is typically played in pairs. They are round and have a goatskin head on each side. The players hold the drums between their knees and are struck with their hands. Bongos are popular in Latin music and are often used in salsa and other styles.

Playing bongos is relatively easy. The basic beat is played on the left drum and consists of four strokes: hit the drum once with your left hand, then hit it again with your right hand, then hit it a third time with your left hand, and finally hit it again with your right hand. To add variety, you can also play the basic beat on the right drum or mix up the strokes however you like.

Congas

The conga is a hand drum type that has been used in Latin American music for centuries. It is a tall, narrow drum that is played with the hands and fingers. The conga is made of wood and has a skinhead attached to the drum with screws or nails.

A conga is a hand drum type that originated in Cuba. It has a cylindrical shape and is typically played with the hands. Congas are often used in Latin music, as well as in other styles of music. They can be played solo or in a group setting. There are various sizes and shapes of congas, which allows for a range of tones and sounds.

The conga is held by the player’s left hand, which is placed in the center of the drum. The right hand is used to play the drum head. The player’s fingers are used to produce sound, and the thumb is used to dampen the drum head.

Cajon

A cajón (Spanish pronunciation: [kaˈxon], “box”) is a box-shaped percussion instrument originally from Peru. It is often played as a solo instrument or in small ensembles. The cajón is made of wood, with the head made of soft goatskin.

The cajon hand drum type is a percussion instrument that originates from Peru. It is a wooden box with a hole in the front and is played by sitting on it and hitting the show with your hands.

The cajon is a hand drum that originates from Peru. It is a wooden box-shaped percussion instrument that has been used in Latin American and Caribbean music for centuries. The Cajon is played by striking its front surface with the hands, fingers, or palms.

This instrument has a snare wire inside that creates a sharp snapping sound when the drum is played. The Cajon can be used to play a variety of genres, such as reggae, salsa, and calypso. It is also popular in European and American music genres. Some well-known cajon players include Giovanni Hidalgo, Arturo Sandoval, and Giovanni Bottesini.

hand drum types

Doumbek

A Doumbek is a hand drum type often used in Middle Eastern and North African music. It is a hand drum that is common in North Africa and the Middle East. It has a round, thin body and is usually made of wood or metal. It has a relatively thin shell and is played with the fingers or hand.

It is a single-headed drum that is cylindrical in shape. The shell is made out of wood, metal, or plastic. The head of the drum is made out of goatskin, deerskin, or synthetic material. The Doumbek is played with the hands and is used to produce a wide range of sounds.

The Doumbek is typically held with the left hand at the bottom of the drum and the right hand at the top. The hands are then used to play different rhythms on the drum.

Tar

Tar hand drums are a type of percussion instrument played by holding the drumhead in one hand and striking it with the other. The term “tar” comes from the word “tara,” which is Hindi for “palm.” Tar hand drums are popular in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

Tar hand drums are made from a wooden frame and a piece of stretched animal skin. The skin is usually from a deer, buffalo, or elk. The skin is attached to the frame with screws or nails. The drum is played by rubbing your hands on the skin. Tar hand drums are played in a variety of styles, including dholki, ghatam, and mrdanga.

Finger Cymbals

A finger cymbal is a type of hand drum that is played by striking it with the fingers. They are typically small and cylindrical and produce a high-pitched ringing sound. Finger cymbals are often used in pairs and are usually played with other hand percussion instruments such as maracas or tambourines.

Finger cymbals are a great addition to any percussion ensemble and can be used to create a wide variety of sound textures. They were first used as an accompaniment to belly dancing and have since become popular in other genres of music as well. The history of finger cymbals is uncertain, but it is believed that they originated in the Middle East or North Africa.

Tambourine

The tambourine hand drum type is a percussion instrument that consists of a frame, usually of wood or metal, with jingles, or small metal cymbals, attached to the edge. The drummer holds the instrument by inserting one end of the frame into the palm of one hand and striking the jingles with the other hand.

The tambourine hand drum is used in various musical styles, such as Latin, rock, and folk. It is often played in pairs, with one instrument providing a “straight” backbeat and the other providing syncopation. The tambourine hand drum type can also be played solo by striking the jingles with one hand.

hand drum types

Handpans

Handpans are a type of hand drum that is gaining in popularity. They are made of steel and have a unique sound that is difficult to replicate with other instruments. Handpans can be played solo or in a group setting, and they are often used in meditation and relaxation exercises.

Handpans are made out of steel, and they have a very unique sound. They are often used in place of traditional drums because they provide a more mellow sound. They are also great for meditation and relaxation because they create a calm and peaceful atmosphere.

Pandeiro

The pandeiro hand drum is a type of hand drum commonly used in Brazil. It has a round, shallow body and is played with the hands. The pandeiro is made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and plastic. It is often decorated with beads or tassels.

The pandeiro is used in a variety of styles of music, including samba, bossa nova, and forró. It can also be played solo or in a group and is often used to add rhythmic accompaniment to songs.

The instrument has a goatskin head that is attached to the frame with a cord and resin. The player holds the drum by the handle, which is located on the side of the drum. They then use their hands to play the head of the drum.

Tamborim

The tamborim is a small, round hand drum that is held between the player’s hands and played with the fingers. It has a thin head made of animal skin stretched over a wooden frame. The tamborim is used in Brazil as well as other countries in South America and the Caribbean.

The tamborim has a high pitch and a sharp sound. It is generally played with a light touch and often provides a high-pitched accompaniment to other instruments. It is small enough to be played easily by hand and has a bright sound that adds flavor to any musical ensemble.

hand drum types

Guide On How To Choose Suitable Hand Drum Types

When choosing a hand drum, the first thing you need to consider is the size of the drum. A hand drum should be big enough so that you can reach all the fingers around the edge of the head. You should also consider the weight and portability of the drum. Some drums are lightweight and easy to carry around, while others are pretty bulky and heavy.

The type of drumhead is also essential to consider. There are two types of drumheads: synthetic and natural. Synthetic heads are made of plastic or other synthetic materials, while realistic charges are made of animal skin, such as cowhide. Legitimate authorities provide a more muscular sound than synthetic heads and often prefer professional drummers. However, synthetic heads are more durable and less likely to tear than natural heads.

The material of the drum shell is also important to consider. There are three types of materials: wood, metal, and plastic. Wood is the most traditional material for hand drums, and it provides a warm, mellow sound. Metal is a newer material that provides a brighter, sharper sound. Plastic is the least expensive material and provides a weaker sound than wood or metal.

Finally, you should consider the price of the drum. Hand drums vary in price from a few dollars to several hundred dollars. Choose the drum that is best suited to your needs and budget.

Make Some Q&A

hand drum types

Q: What is the difference between a hand drum and a djembe?

A: The main difference between a hand drum and a djembe is that djembes are made from goatskin, while hand drums can be made from various materials. Djembes also tend to be bigger than hand drums, and they have a higher pitch.

Q: Which hand drum types are suitable for beginners?

A: There are a few hand drum types that are suitable for beginners. A conga is a good option because it has a low pitch and is easy to play. Another good choice is the bongo, which is also easy to play and high rise.

Q: Do you need any special training to play a hand drum/djembe?

A: No, you don’t need any special training to play a hand drum or djembe. However, it may take some time to learn to play them correctly. If you are a beginner, it is a good idea to start with a simple hand drum or djembe first. This will allow you to get used to the rhythm and the way the drum sounds.

Q: Which is the most popular hand drum type?

A: The most popular hand drum type is the djembe. Djembes are easy to play, they have a low pitch, and they come in a variety of different sizes. They are also relatively affordable, making them a popular choice for beginners.

Q: How do you hold a hand drum?

A: The way you hold a hand drum depends on the type of hand drum you are using. For example, if you are using a conga, you would have it horizontally with the head facing downwards. If you are using a djembe, you will hold it vertically with the head facing upwards. This is just a general guide – you may need to adjust your grip depending on the type of hand drum you are using.

Q: What are some everyday hand drum rhythms?

A: There are many different hand drum rhythms, but some of the most common ones include the cha-cha, the samba, and the rumba. These rhythms are typically used in Latin music.

Conclusion

In this blog post, we have covered all the basics of hand drum types and must-know drumming terms. The next step is to pick out a hand drum that suits your needs and interests best!

 We hope that you now have a better understanding of which type of drum is best for your needs.

If you want to learn more about specific drums, leave your option in the comment box, we will try our best to update you more.

Thanks for reading.

See you soon.

Leave a Comment