"Down" symbol in a djembe rhythm

[8ktopus]

Good morning,

I am trying to read the rhythm of this webpage http://www.kawienbi.nl/balaku.onno.htm but I do not understand what the "down" symbol means.

If you go down the page you can hear the rhythmic pattern by clicking on the ear, you will see that some instruments start after others. Do you know why?

At last, I would want to ask something more: dununba has two different lines, should I start reading the first one and continue with the second one?

Sorry if my questions are too simple, but I have to compose a musical work modyfying those rhythmic patterns for tomorrow and I have no idea on how to read them.

Thanks indeed

[bkidd]

Hello 8ktopus,

I do not understand what the "down" symbol means

Generally the "down" symbol indicates where a particular instrument starts its pattern after some sort of signal or break.

If you go down the page you can hear the rhythmic pattern by clicking on the ear, you will see that some instruments start after others. Do you know why?

Recordings for teaching are typically layered in to make it easier to hear the different instruments.

At last, I would want to ask something more: dununba has two different lines, should I start reading the first one and continue with the second one?

Typically yes. Although in this case you're going to start where the down arrow is in the second line and then go up to the first and continue.

Welcome to the forum. Hopefully you stick around to post more.

Best,
-Brian

[djembeweaver]

Careful though. The notation and the audio don't quite match up.

Firstly the dunun in the notation is the sangbang on the recording and vice-versa. The dunun is the lowest pitched drum so just switch the labels over in the notation and you'll be OK.

Secondly the notation for dunun and sangban repeats over a four-bar cycle but in the mp3 file they play a basic pattern for many bars then throw in a variation. The basic pattern for each part is contained in the first bar (half of the first line) and the rest is a variation that wouldn't necessarily be played every round.

[8ktopus]

Dear bkidd and djembeweaver,

And I feel so happy about having entered this forum, African music is something that attracts me and I am doing an investigation about how could progressive and experimental metal be mixed with african rhythmic patterns. I with no doubt know that I will find everything I need to learn in this webpage.

Again, thanks indeed for your help! =)

[Drlbpgtjdomt]

Careful though. The notation and the audio don't quite match up.

Firstly the dunun in the notation is the sangbang on the recording and vice-versa. The dunun is the lowest pitched drum so just switch the labels over in the notation and you'll be OK.

Secondly the notation for dunun and sangban repeats over a four-bar cycle but in the mp3 file they play a basic pattern for many bars then throw in a variation. The basic pattern for each part is contained in the first bar (half of the first line) and the rest is a variation that wouldn't necessarily be played every round.

Yeah it is.And thanks for this post,it helps.

[Daniel Preissler]

hello, just a little advice:
in this case it's the notation that's "right": The dundunba and sangban lines have been changed in this computer tune. I still find it a strange way to teach the rhythm (this notation) - the problem of basic rhythm and variation has already be mentioned. You should have a look at Paul Nas' wap pages or even better ask someone who can show you a clear and logical line to start with. Than you can add variations later.

The basic pattern for each part is contained in the first bar (half of the first line) and the rest is a variation that wouldn't necessarily be played every round.

very true!
Greetings, Daniel