I just bought a cajon

[michi]

They're a great instrument when the player knows what he/she is doing, but when not...!!!

This instructional video might help

Michi.

[e2c]

Hey - Aaron Plunkett's video! I have it, and there is so much material there it's not funny. Very "dense"; could keep anyone busy for years and years.

Probably the best instructional vid for bones is - unfortunately - out of print. It features an elderly American gent named Percy Danforth. He learned to play 2-handed, in the old American minstrel style, during the early years of the last century, and he was a great teacher. (Apparently a regular on the folk festival circuit for many years.) I have an audio-only version of one of Percy's workshops and wish I had been able to meet him and take one of his classes.

The other supposedly great intro. to bones - Irish style, this time - is by Mel Mercier, and has also not made it from VHS to DVD.

There are some capsule reviews here: http://www.rhythmbones.com/video-reviews.html

I've found a lot of good vids on YouTube, but really, the only way to learn is to do it yourself. It would be hugely intimidating to me if I didn't have a lot of experience with other kinds of percussion instruments, and even then... it takes time to develop basic chops, as well as the stamina needed to play well.

For me, it's equal parts fun and frustration. One thing I've really been enjoying is playing bones made from different materials - natural bone bones + different kinds of woods. (I even have a pair made of roofing slate - they make a nice sound but I'll probably never be able to play them as well as I'd like, 'cause they're heavy.)

All that said, wooden bones - especially bones made from tone woods (like cocobolo and granadillo) are my favorites, and that's given me some ideas about what kinds of woods I'd like to have for the playing face (or faces) should i ever get another cajon...

Edited to add: the Percy Danforth audio workshop and booklet can be bought here: http://www.andysfronthall.com/paypal/fhbooks.html (This store is literally the only place that sells it.)

here's Percy Danforth, at age 88:

[michi]

It's amazing what you can do with two pairs of bones and a brown paper bag

Michi.

[e2c]

Isn't it, though?

I really love that clip.

[freefeet]

Bones are quite hard to play well. Much like anything else I suppose, but for those with a 'casual interest' in sitting in on sessions, a pair of spoons will provide the required annoyance to the other musicians without the hassle of having to make any attempt at rhythm. anyone who is actually interested in learning bones properly will have enough sense not to take them out in public until they actually know how.

Cause this is what happens...

http://www.TipsyHouse.com/spoonsmurder.mp3

I've been learning to play Irish trad on concertina for over 3 years now (coming on nicely). It's beautiful music but easily slaughtered by fools.

Now, where's me bicycle?

[michi]

Cause this is what happens...

http://www.TipsyHouse.com/spoonsmurder.mp3

That's really funny, thanks for that!

Michi.

[e2c]

I want equal time for the demise of bad fiddlers, mandolin players, singers - etc.

Bones are quite hard to play well. Much like anything else I suppose, but for those with a 'casual interest' in sitting in on sessions, a pair of spoons will provide the required annoyance to the other musicians without the hassle of having to make any attempt at rhythm. anyone who is actually interested in learning bones properly will have enough sense not to take them out in public until they actually know how.

Cause this is what happens...

http://www.TipsyHouse.com/spoonsmurder.mp3

I've been learning to play Irish trad on concertina for over 3 years now (coming on nicely). It's beautiful music but easily slaughtered by fools.

Now, where's me bicycle?

[closetdrummer]

Had one before. Loved it!
Just beat it!

[James]

Bones are quite hard to play well. Much like anything else I suppose, but for those with a 'casual interest' in sitting in on sessions, a pair of spoons will provide the required annoyance to the other musicians without the hassle of having to make any attempt at rhythm. anyone who is actually interested in learning bones properly will have enough sense not to take them out in public until they actually know how.

ha ha, that's hilarious

[the kid]

Thats Dermo for ya. It's true people have a disliking to bones in Irish trad. Even Bodhran players get a hard time and just forget about bringing a djembe to a session. There is a trad forum where they give all there practical uses for a djembe including table for drinks or simply upside down as an ashtray.

[rachelnguyen]

I find that quite hilarious. I went to a bodhran workshop once. It was the longest 2 hours of my life. LOL.