Unique Content Article: Percussion and African Drum Guide

Percussion and African Drum Guide

by Ruth Williams

Currently many drums and musical instruments come from Africa. Traditionally, African instruments such as drums and percussion were used for communication as well as celebration. A number of kinds of percussion instruments and drums are still in widespread use across the African continent, while some versions are more popular than others. There are many drum styles available, plus unique drum decorations, so you can customize your instrument.

The Djembe Drums

Traditionally djembe drums are carved from one hollowed block of wood. The drum is shaped something like an hourglass, with a head that is usually constructed from goat skin. Traditional djembe drums are tuned using a rope braided around the drum shell, while more contemporary styles are made from synthetic materials. This drum has a lot of versatility, with many sounds coming from a drum with one single head.

Dundun Drums Explained

Dundun drums are a shaped like a hollowed cylinder. They are rope tuned and use two heads. The tonal qualities of the drum are determined by the diameter, length and thickness of the drum's walls. The sound of the drum is also impacted by the head's thickness and material. Dunduns are played with either a stick or bare hands. Frequently, a bell will be connected to the side of the drum instrument. Traditionally, it is played sideways; one hand plays the head while the other hand plays the bell.

The Kpanlogo Drum

Tracing back to Ghana in Africa, kpanlogo drums are distinguished in appearance from the rest of the drums originating on the continent. While in shape, the body of the drum resembles a contemporary conga instrument, in reality, pegs are used to secure the ropes. This drum is distinctive in appearance, due to the ropes lining it from the drum head to its pegs. In its dimensions and tone, variations in the drum are possible; bigger drums yield lower tones. When they are grouped together, up to four kpanlogo drums can be played at once by one player.

Hand Percussion

Small percussion instruments that are hand held have a lot of variability. Agogo bells, blocks made of wood, different types of shakers, cabassas as well as maracas all initially came from Africa. These special instruments offer flavor plus sound variety when a group is playing, bringing the ensemble to a higher level. The hand percussion helps to involve everyone present in the playing of the music. Children, older people and those that are handicapped can play an auxiliary percussion as part of drum circles, renditions and parties.

<a href="http://www.djembedrumshop.com/">Djembe drums for sale</a> online at the Djembe Drum Shop, for more information visit <a href="http://www.djembedrumshop.com/">www.djembedrumshop.com</a>.

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New Unique Article!

Title: Percussion and African Drum Guide
Author: Ruth Williams
Email: paulwebmarketing@gmail.com
Keywords: djembe drums,musical instruments,african instruments,percussion,traditional djembe drum,synthetic,rope tuned,dundun drum,ghana,kpanlogo,drum head,hand percussion,agogo,shakers,ensemble
Word Count: 420
Category: Music
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