The Exciting Art of Playing Bongo Drums
Bongo drums are a type of percussion instrument that is popular in many different styles of music. They are often used in Latin and Afro-Cuban music, but can be found in other genres as well. Bongo drums are typically played by striking the skin of the drum with your hands, and they can be quite fun and exciting to play! In this blog post, we will discuss the history of bongo drums, how to play them, and some of the different styles that you can explore!
History
Bongo drums have a long and rich history, dating back to the 16th century. They are believed to have originated in Cuba, and were originally used as a part of religious ceremonies. Bongo drums eventually made their way to other parts of the world, including Africa and South America. Bongo drums are now commonly used in many different genres of music, and are enjoyed by people all over the world! Bongos first enjoyed a huge following in the USA during the 1940’s, and were made even popular by Hollywood actors like James Dean and Marlon Brando. With the lively beat of bongo drums, Salsa dancing is inevitable.
How do you play them?
Playing bongo drums is relatively simple, and can be a lot of fun! To play, you will need two drums – one small drum called the hembra, and one larger drum called the macho. You will also need a beater for each drum. To start playing, sit down with your drums in front of you and place the hembra between your legs. The macho should be placed to the side of your body, and you will strike it with your right hand. The beater for the hembra is held in your left hand, and you will use it to strike the drum. To create a basic rhythm, alternate between striking the two drums with your hands. You can also experiment with different strokes and rhythms to create different sounds!
Different styles of playing
There are many different styles of bongo playing, and you can explore as many or as few as you like! Some popular styles include Cuban style, Afro-Cuban style, Brazilian style, and jazz style. Each style has its own unique sound, and can be a lot of fun to play!
Learning about the various styles?
If you are interested in learning more about the different styles of bongo playing, you can also find many instructional videos on YouTube that can teach you the basics of playing bongo drums. Finally, there are several books that have been written on the subject, such as Bongos For Dummies by Mike Crawford.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, exploring the world of bongo drums can be a lot of fun! We hope that this blog post has inspired you to pick up a pair of drums and give it a try! Who knows, you may just find yourself falling in love with this fun and exciting instrument! Bongos For Dummies by Mike Crawford.
Bongo drums are a great way to add some excitement and flavor to your music, so be sure to give them a try! Thanks for reading, and happy drumming!
There’s a range of Bongo’s available below.
