Learn how to drum

THE drum is an ancestral percussive musical instrument, used in many cultures around the world. Shamanic drums, steel tongue drums, hank drums, Tibetan bowls… there are many types of drums, all carrying unique rhythms and vibrations. Learning to play the drum means connecting to the language of heart and rhythm, and traveling through the spiritual world. In this article, we invite you to discover the basics for mastering this ancient instrument and introducing you to drumming.
Summary
The different types of drums and their specificities
THE drum is a generic term for a wide range of percussion musical instruments. There are many types of drums, each with their own specificities in terms of sound, technique and use. Here are some of the main types of drums that you can meet and learn to play.
Shamanic drums
THE shamanic drum is an instrument used during shamanic ceremonies and rituals, to accompany songs, dances and spiritual journeys. THE shamanic drums are generally circular in shape, with a skin stretched over a wooden frame. They are played using a stick, called a mallet, and they produce a deep and powerful sound, which promotes concentration and meditation.
Steel tongue drums and hank drums
THE steel tongue drums and the hank drums are melodic percussion instruments, which can be played with the hands or with specific mallets. They are made from a metal container, usually steel, whose surface is cut into tongues (or flip flops) of different sizes and shapes. Each tongue produces a different note when struck, allowing melodies and harmonies to be played.
Tibetan bowls
THE Tibetan bowls are traditional musical instruments used in meditation and relaxation. They are made of metal, usually an alloy of copper and other metals, and have a bowl or bell shape. They are played by striking the rim of the bowl with a wooden or leather mallet, or by sliding the mallet around the rim to produce a continuous, soothing sound.
Basic techniques for playing the drum
For learn To play the drum, it is important to master some basic techniques, which will allow you to develop your own style and explore the different sounds of the instrument. Here are some tips to get you started.
Posture and holding of chopsticks
Posture is an essential part of playing the drum comfortably and effectively. Sit on a suitable seat, with your back straight and your feet flat on the floor. The knees should be slightly bent, with the legs forming an angle of approximately 90 degrees.
The holding of chopsticks is also important for playing the drum with precision and ease. Hold the chopsticks between your thumb and index finger, letting the rest of the fingers wrap around the chopstick for greater control. The chopsticks should be held at a distance of approximately one third of their length from the end.
Hand movement and placement
Hand movement is essential for playing the drum accurately and fluently. The hands should move back and forth, up and down, to strike the surface of the drum with the tips of the drumsticks. It is important to use not only the wrists, but also the forearms and shoulders to ensure a precise and consistent strike.
Hand placement on the drum varies depending on the type of drum and the technique used. On a shamanic drum, for example, the left hand should be placed near the center of the drum to ensure a stable, deep sound. On a steel tongue drum, the hands must be placed in a balanced manner around the instrument, depending on the notes you wish to play.
Rhythm and training exercises
Rhythm is the key element to playing the drum with expressiveness and musicality. To develop your sense of rhythm, start by practicing simple exercises, hitting the drum at a regular tempo and marking the strong beats (beats “1” and “3” of a four-beat measure, for example). You can also work on exercises rolling of the drum, alternating right and left strikes to produce a continuous, smooth sound.
It is important to train regularly to progress and develop your technique. To do this, you can use learning methods specific to each type of drum, or draw inspiration from pieces of traditional music and rhythms to explore the different sounds of the instrument.
Conclusion: the drum, a universal and timeless instrument
Learn to play drum is an exciting and enriching adventure, which will allow you to immerse yourself in the heart of the rhythms and vibrations of the world. Whether to introduce yourself to the practice of shamanic drumming, to explore the melodies and harmonies of the steel tongue drum, or to meditate with the soothing sounds of a Tibetan bowl, the drum is a universal and timeless instrument, which will accompany you throughout your musical and spiritual journey. So, don’t hesitate any longer and enter your chopsticks to start learning this fascinating instrument!