First some music terminology that will be helpful
A time signature is a notational device used in Western musical notation to specify how many beats (or pulses) are in each bar (or measure).
These are western musical concepts, but can West African drum rhythms can generally be notated as either a either 4/4 ("Four-four") or 6/8 ("Six-Eight") time signatures.
4/4 time means 4 quarter-notes (Or "Crotchets") per measure and 6/8 means 6 eighth-notes (Or "Quavers") per measure.
The latest way to learn djembe:
These 2 signatures give completely different feels to the rhythms. There are limitations to this because of the complexity of traditional rhythms but they are useful in most cases.
There are other time signature outside the 2 mentioned above. For example, if you're counting quarter notes, for example in 4/4, to a steady beat (say the ticking of a clock) you would count it with the "ticks" of the clock:
1...2...3...4.../1...2...3...4... etc.
If you were in 4/8 at the same tempo, you'd count twice as fast:
1..2..3..4..5..6..7..8../1..2..3..4..5..6..7..8.. etc.
So the 1, 3, 5 and 7's would be with the tick.
That's all need to know about time signatures for the moment. If you have any questions or feedback we'd love to here from you.
Beginners (and way beyond) djembe exercises
These exercises will improve technique, co-ordination, strength, stamina and quality of sounds you make on your djembe. Your hands and your brain will get used to moving between tones and slaps in various orders and combinations.
The beauty is in their simplicity. Start slowly and a keep the tempo constant.
Aim for clear sounds and expecially for distinction between tones and slaps. Slowly increase the tempo while trying to keep your sounds clear.
These exercises are very good for strengthening your weak hand. In most cases the left hand. You can move between left hand leading and right hand without stopping the pattern by using roulements or flams.
Exercise 1
| B | B | T | T | S | S | T | T | B | B | T | T | S | S | T | T | ||||
| r | l | r | l | r | l | r | l | r | l | r | l | r | l | r | l |
Exercise 2
| B | B | S | S | T | T | S | S | B | B | S | S | T | T | S | S | ||||
| r | l | r | l | r | l | r | l | r | l | r | l | r | l | r | l |
Exercise 3
| B | B | B | T | T | T | S | S | S | ||||
| r | l | r | l | r | l | r | l | r |
Exercise 4
| B | B | B | T | T | T | S | S | S | T | T | T | ||||
| r | l | r | l | r | l | r | l | r | l | r | l |
Exercise 5
| B | B | B | S | S | S | T | T | T | S | S | S | ||||
| r | l | r | l | r | l | r | l | r | l | r | l |
Beginner djembe
Learn some music terminology you'll need.
More djembe exercises to develop your co-ordination, technique and sounds.
Improving djembe
Inner metronome 1- A basic pattern and shifting the pulse about
Inner metronome 2- Playing with other combinations of notes
Inner metronome 3- Placing 2 quarter notes
Inner metronome 4- Ghosting and creating space
Inner metronome 5- Filling space and freeing your hands
Djembe solo
Djembe solo ideas - A concept