Hot Percussion Posts
How To: Play a Turkish double dumbek with Raquy Danziger
Drum artist Raquy Danziger teaches the basics of playing a Turkish double dumbek. Raquy demonstrates how the index and ring fingers of the drumming hand should move in counter-harmony to each other, as the first step. Next she shows how to accent every third beat while drumming. Then, the other hand is used to add a third sound to the two being produced by the first hand in the up-down movement. The next step involves producing two different sounds with the second hand, by alternately hitting...
How to Play conga: modern tumbao variation
Musician David Ortiz shows how to play a Modern Tumbao beat on the conga in this instructional video. Learn at what tempo and beat this variation should be played at. In this lesson Ortiz shows what pattern the beat uses first showing how to play it at the regular tempo and then slowing down so that you can figure out how to do it yourself. To learn how to play a Modern Tumbao variation on the conga, follow the steps in Ortiz's tutorial.
How to Play conga: old school tumbao
LaMoleOrtiz teaches you how to play conga. Following the hand movements you will learn the old school tumbao technique, as well as the new one. In the process, you will identify the differences between the two. The video is slowed down a number of times so you can get the exact beat for each movement. Learning the rhythm takes time and practice. You really need to learn the movements and use your whole body to play. Also remember to have fun with it.
How To: Play a basic conga drum sequence
In this video are the Afro-Cuban Percussion Class at Grossmont College, with instructor Manny Cepeda to show us how to play a Meringue rhythm on the Conga Drums. He starts off with a slow beat by beat demonstration and then moves on to a faster beat. The camera changes the view so that you can see both a front and back view of him drumming. Once he has shown the basics he shows the different variations you can use and the various counts that you can start on.
How To: Understand time signatures & BPM (beats per minute)
Walt Ribeiro shows you how beats per minute work along with time signatures. This video takes you through the steps with a detailed explanation of how they work together and is executed using a drum along with a handy saying to help you keep your time signatures going steady to the beats per minute. Walt explains this using an electronic tempo clock while changing up the time signature. If you have ever had a music question with how these two things relate to each other then video is for you.
How To: Drum an easy swing beat for a beginner
For anyone who is new to the drums or is an aspiring professional drummer, this video will show you a simple beat that could help you build rhythm--the swing beat. Jonathan, the drum tutor in this video, demonstrates how to perform the easy swing beat using the cymbal, bass drum and snare. First, Jonathan shows you the how to hit the cymbal three times--only not in a consecutive manner. You have to hit the cymbal once and then two more times closer together. Then Jonathan demonstrates how to ...
How To: Play various rhythms on bongos
Itching to start slapping some bongo skins? In this three-part bongo tutorial, learn how to play various bongo rhythms. Hosted by Manny Cepeda (a composer, songwriter, & performer), you will learn the Son Rhythm (4/4) Martillo, the Borello Rhythm, and Guaguanco Rhythm.
How To: Improve your Darbuka/Doumbek Turkish solo technique
This is an instructional how-to video on how to play solo phrases while keeping the Malfuf. Improve you Darbuka or Doumbek Turkish solo technique with these lessons from Percussion Net.
How To: Add sounds in lap style frame drum playing
This is episode 18 of the Frame Drum Video Podcast. Using shakers, jingles, rings and chains in lapstyle frame drumming can expand you sound. FramedDrums.net show you how to add these noise and sound makers to your percussion set.
How To: Practice snare drum stick trick
This is a basic drumstick twirl trick. It goes through proper hand placement and finger movement. It's really easy and pretty cool.
How To: Perform with the Timbrel percussion instrument
Learn how to play the Manhattan Timbrel percussion instrument. This is a step by step that also includes parts with music and non-music instruction. The timbrel is used in military performances.
How To: Make a Djembe African hand drum
Fallou Sy Somone of Senegal West Africa shows how to make a homemade Djembe hand drum. He uses animal hide and shows the technique in two steps.
How To: Tune a Djembe African hand drum
Step by step guide for tuning a traditional rope djembe. Instructed by X8 Drum's Raphael Torn.
How To: Play relas on the tabla
Interested in learning how to play the tabla? In this installment from his video series of free tabla lessons, Debu Nayak introduces the rela and demonstrates how to play one. While these tutorials are geared towards absolute beginners, even seasoned percussionists are likely to pick something up. To get started playing relas on your own tabla, take a look.
How To: Play kaidas on the tabla
Interested in learning how to play the tabla? In this installment from his video series of free tabla lessons, Debu Nayak introduces the kaida and demonstrates how to play it. While these tutorials are geared towards absolute beginners, even seasoned percussionists are likely to pick something up. To get started playing kaidas on your own tabla, take a look.
How To: Perform a peshkar on the tabla
Interested in learning how to play the tabla? In this installment from his video series of free tabla lessons, Debu Nayak introduces the peshkar. While these tutorials are geared towards absolute beginners, even seasoned percussionists are likely to pick something up. To get started writing your own peshkars on the tabla, take a look.
How To: Play the teen tall, or 16-beat, theka on the tabla
Interested in learning how to play the tabla? In this installment from his video series of free tabla lessons, Debu Nayak demonstrates how to play the teen tall, or 16-beat, theka on the tabla. While these tutorials are geared towards absolute beginners, even seasoned percussionists are likely to pick something up. To get started playing the teen tall theka on your own tabla, take a look.
How To: Play an uthan, or opening flourish, on the tabla
Interested in learning how to play the tabla? In this installment from his video series of free tabla lessons, Debu Nayak instroduces the tabla and demonstrates how to play an uthan, an opening flourish. While these tutorials are geared towards absolute beginners, even seasoned percussionists are likely to pick something up. To get started playing uthans on your own tabla, take a look.
How To: Make a Guinean bolong bata drum
This instructional drum video shows you how to make a Guinean bolong bata drum. The Bolong Bata comes originally from Guinea. The base is made of two half calabashes. One half is covered with goat hide, tied with rope to the bottom of the other calabash. The hole in the upper half is made for acoustic purposes. And if you like the music, you may put some money in it. The Bolong has three or four strings, made of rope, tied to a wooden stick on one side and a wooden keg on the other. The strin...
How To: Twirl a drumstick
Ever wanted to learn how to spin a drumstick? Now is your chance. This how-to video breaks down some basic drumstick spins into simple steps. Watch this video tutorial and learn how to twirl a drumstick. Get practicing.
How To: Get a better bass drum sound
Playing the drums can be pretty easy, all you need is a drum set, a decent sense of rhythm and a lot of practice. In this how to video you can learn how to get a better sound out of your bass drum. This will help your bass drum from sounding too echoed. Watch this how to video and you will be able to get a better tone from your bass drum.
How To: Play a basic rock groove with the hi hat on the drums
Playing the drums can be pretty easy, all you need is a drum set, a decent sense of rhythm and a lot of practice. In this how to video you can learn how to play a basic rock groove using the hi hat and the snare drum. This basic rock groove is a pretty common drum rudiment. It is necessary for the beginner drummer to learn this basic rock groove with the high hat. Watch this how to video and you will be able to play a basic rock groove with a high hat on the drums.
How To: Play the "Four Sticks" groove on drums
Check out this music tutorial video that demonstrates how to play the "Four Sticks" groove on drums. Led Astray drummer "Fronzo" explains his approach to the Four Sticks drum groove. John Bonham of Led Zeppelin played this song with two sets of drum sticks, which is where the title of the song comes from. Learn how to play with Four Sticks by watching this instructional drum playing video.
How To: Play John Bonham's "Fool In The Rain" on drums
Watch this music tutorial video that shows you how to play "Fool in the Rain" by John Bonham of Led Zeppelin on the drums. Led Astray drummer Fronzo breaks down the half time shuffle to help other drummers trying to play this amazing groove! It may not be exactly what Bonham played but this is a pretty close rendition! Play "Fool in the Rain" by watching this instructional drum playing lesson and improve your drum skills!
How To: Properly hold drumsticks
Holding your drumsticks correctly will reduce tension and give you greater speed and control in playing while reducing fatigue. In this video tutorial, DRUM! Magazine music editor Wally Schnalle demonstrates how to properly hold drumsticks and provides tips for best performance. Get a handle on drumstick grips with this how-to.
How To: How to Play "American Idiot"
In this video tutorial from DRUM! Magazine, Jeff Bowers demonstrates how to play "American Idiot" by Green Day on the drums. While this tutorial is geared towards intermediate drum players, drummers of all skill levels can play along. Take a look and learn how to play "American Idiot"!
How To: Play "Back in Black" by ACDC on the drums
In this video tutorial, DRUM! Magazine music editor Wally Schnalle demonstrates how to play "Back in Black" by ACDC on the drums. While this tutorial is geared towards intermediate drum players, drummers of all skill levels can play along. Take a look and learn how to play "ACDC"!
How To: Play "Seven Nation Army" by the White Stripes on drums
In this video tutorial, DRUM! Magazine music editor Wally Schnalle demonstrates how to play the White Stripes' "Seven Nation Army" on the drums. While this tutorial is geared towards beginning drum players, drummers of all skill levels can play along. Take a look and learn how to play "Seven Nation Army" like Meg White!
How To: Play "Satisfaction" by the Rolling Stones on the drums
In this video tutorial, DRUM! Magazine music editor Wally Schnalle demonstrates how to play the drum part to "Satisfaction" by the Rolling Stones on the drums. While this tutorial is geared towards intermediate drum players, drummers of all skill levels can play along. Take a look and learn how to play "Satisfaction"!
How To: Play "The Ocean" by Led Zeppelin on the drums
In this two-part video tutorial series, DRUM! Magazine music editor Wally Schnalle demonstrates how to play "The Ocean" by the Led Zeppelin on the drums. While this tutorial is geared towards intermediate drum players, drummers of all skill levels can play along. Take a look and learn how to play "The Ocean" (and remember to stay tuned for the second part)!
How To: Play "Hard to Handle" by the Black Crows on drums
In this video tutorial, DRUM! Magazine music editor Wally Schnalle demonstrates how to play "Hard to Handle" by the Black Crowes on the drums. While this tutorial is geared towards intermediate drum players, drummers of all skill levels can play along. Take a look and learn how to play "Hard to Handle"!
How To: Play bass drum triplets on the drumset
Vic Firth presents the 4th installment of the Drumset Lesson Series with Jeremy Hummel to learn how to play bass drum triplets. Try to give a right foot a workout. Once you get it going at a good speed, it can be really good. Watch this drum playing tutorial video and improve some of your basic skills. Play bass drum triplets on the drumset.
How To: Use a Moeller stroke technique on the drums
Check out this simple instructional drum video on how to use the Moeller stroke on the drums. This video tutorial explains the Moeller stroke as well as provides a few exercises to practice this technique. Improve your drum playing skills by learning a few tips from this drum playing video by watching this instructor guide you along the way.
How To: Play the double stroke, or long, roll drum rudiment
To play music, your hands should be able to do anything your mind asks of them – and rudimental technique is one great way of making sure that can happen. In this installment from the Vic Fith video tutorial series dedicated to snare rudiments, Dr. John Wooton demonstrates how to play the double stroke roll (or long roll) on the snare drum. Play the double stroke, or long, roll drum rudiment.
How To: Play the flam tap drum rudiment on the snare
To play music, your hands should be able to do anything your mind asks of them – and rudimental technique is one great way of making sure that can happen. In this installment from the Vic Fith video tutorial series dedicated to snare rudiments, Dr. John Wooton demonstrates how to play the flam tap drum rudiment on the snare drum. Play the flam tap drum rudiment on the snare.
How To: Increase psycho-motor independence
It's a simple principle of drumming: you'll often need your limbs to be doing different things at different times. In this video, you'll learn how to develop foot and hand independence.
How To: Grip a drumstick properly
Whether you're a first day beginner or have been playing the drums for several years, learning the fundamentals of technique, rudiments and music reading is very important. In this installment from his video tutorial series on the fundamentals of snare drumming, Mark Wessels demonstrates how to properly grip a drumstick.
How To: Land on your feet after drum fills
This tutorial will teach you to get in and out of drum fills without derailing your drum pattern. Playing along with a drumless track with spaces for drum fills can test your ability to maintain a steady tempo through fills and transition back into the groove. The song from this tutorial, Canyon Jump, can be downloaded at unirunner.com/drumlesstracks. It has one, two and four-bar spaces for fills.
How To: Set up your drum kit
Whether you're a first day beginner or have been playing the drums for several years, learning the fundamentals of technique, rudiments and music reading is very important. In this installment from his video tutorial series on the fundamentals of snare drumming, Mark Wessels will guide you through the process of setting up your drum kit.
How To: Tune the snare drum
Whether you're a first day beginner or have been playing the drums for several years, learning the fundamentals of technique, rudiments and music reading is very important. In this installment from his video tutorial series on the fundamentals of snare drumming, Mark Wessels will teach you how to tune your snare drum.