Right or Wrong way to Djembe

[RevMichael]

I am new to djembe, like I ordered my 1'st Djembe a 16X8 (I know it's a bit smaller than what I'm seeing as a good one to really use) yesterday and received it today.

I have a nonprofit metaphysical church and we are going to start offering drum circles weekly and once a month will be a circle for healing. I figured I needed to get something to play and was drawn to Djembe, or djembe was drawn to me depending on how you look at it.

I figured that I needed to get a drum if I was going to offer drum circles. Had a friend mention djembe so I did some research and read up on so many different types of drums and was lead to djembe. Even though my hands are big, literally when spread out can cover the head of my new djembe, I can get base, tone and slap by adjusting my fingers a bit. I've spent all day yesterday, last night and today looking at video's on basic lessons in anticipation to getting my drum.

I played around a bit when I got it and to my and my other half it sounds great, I have rhythm, at least I think I do. You can hear the base, tone and slap sounds loudly and clearly.

I have seen some posts on the board, one in particular came from a professional djembe player and they evidently were at an event and they said someone came over, took out their djembe and started playing "badly".

My question is - can one really play badly? We're holding our first drum circle this friday and I don't want to sound like I'm playing badly. All ideas are greatly appreciated.

[michi]

Hi Michael,

welcome to the forum!

Hmmm... There are so many ways to play "badly", I don't know where to even start...

One can play too loudly. One can play too quietly. One can play with unsteady tempo. One can play with timing that's almost, but not quite, correct. One can play with poor pronunciation (no clear distinction between bass, tone, and slap). One can play an accompaniment part that doesn't belong with the rhythm that's being played. One can play solos that clash with the dundun melody. One can play technically well, and still play badly because the musicality isn't there.

So, plenty of ways to do it wrong

My suggestion would be that, if you are serious about the djembe, to take some lessons with a good teacher to get an idea of what this music is all about. I have to warn you though: it's a journey of many years, and a highly addictive one for some people

Another idea is to see whether you can find a drum circle or two in your area and go along to have a listen (and a play!). Just by being around and observing, you will get an idea of what works and what not.

Other than that, don't worry too much about how you play. Instead, just enjoy the experience and have fun. Chances are that, if you are having fun, you won't play badly, no matter what your skill level.

Cheers,

Michi.

[RevMichael]

I know a few things already

1 - I won't interrupt and just start playing with anyone else unless I'm asked
2 - I'm not looking at becoming a professional player (unless a higher power leads me there)
3 - I'm planning on having a lot of fun both in the drum circle that my center is going to put together and at home

Thank you for helping me to understand how one can play badly. After reading your post it made me a bit nervous and wondering what am I getting myself and my center into with drum circles. But then I remember your last part of the post, to have fun!

I am looking forward to learning what I can from this great site as well as other places.

[Waraba]

You know, here's a story.

Some friends of mine were having a small group lesson with a master we were all close to at the time. Everyone was trying their hardest. Finally, at one point in the lesson, he stopped the rhythm. The students awaited his judgement, while he sat for a long while in silence. At last he said, "It is supposed to be music."

But he was right. Whatever you do should feel like music, and sound to you like music. If people can make music from all sorts of junk, and if John Cage can make music from silence, then unusual and untutored hands can turn djembe noise into music as well.

If that weren't true, I'd have had to turn in my djembe long ago.

[michi]

But he was right. Whatever you do should feel like music, and sound to you like music. If people can make music from all sorts of junk, and if John Cage can make music from silence, then unusual and untutored hands can turn djembe noise into music as well.

That's a great quote!

And I completely agree. On occasion, I've heard people with only moderate or low technical skill produce magic at drum circles. There are these rare moments where things gel and, suddenly, you have this unbelievably nice groove happening. Skill is not a necessary prerequisite for making music (although skill will help). And I've come across a number of drummers who are skilled, but never manage to make music…

Michi.

[rachelnguyen]

This is a great thread!

Michael, I totally agree with Michi that you should check out a drum circle or two to see how they work. I have been to some great ones and some not so great ones.

A friend started one at a church in the area a couple years ago and the first few times were PAINFUL. About 4 people showed up, all of whom were shy because they didn't have any experience. They mostly spent the evening chatting rather than playing, which is death at a drum circle, LOL. (Taking breaks is fine, but the drumming has to be the primary focus.)

I'd say to get yours going, you might reach out to more established drum circles and make an effort to invite them to your new one. If you ask, they probably will come and that will help get it rolling.

That finally happened with the church one and it is now huge, with 30 or 40 drummers every month and a ton of energy.

[RevMichael]

Thank you for the advice.

I am already reaching out to quite a few groups in the area and am listed online in a few places that lists drum circles from around the country. Even on some meetup.com groups and listed with them.

I know the holidays will make it rough to get it going but I'm sure one of these Friday evenings people will show up and it will be fun.

Next Friday we have a local group that wants to hold a Healing Drum Circle and they are friends of mine, they want to hold it at the center to help promote it. We're already looking at over 20 people who say they will come, plus I know a handful of people who are curious and they will show up as well. Here in Florida, the weather is still nice to have it outside. If not, I can easily fit 50 drummers inside the building.

I've been practicing different lessons for the past few days so that I won't sound too bad when we get it going.

[Waraba]

Have fun, man!

[Signe]

Where are you in Florida, RevMichael? I just relocated from upstate NY to Cape Coral and have been reaching out to find drummers in my area. Giving a few people lessons to try to build the drumming community.