Learn to play the djembe: part 2
Welcome to Part Two of our three-part mini-series, where we’ll learn how to play the djembe.
In this installment, we’ll explore:
Seat position and drum position
Body-to-drum relationship
Hand posture and technique
The importance of relaxation and breathing
Practice habits for success
And the basic rudimentary sounds to help you establish your ABCs
1. Seat and Body Position
When sitting to play, you might be in a classroom, on a stool, or even on a chair. If possible, use a drum throne — it’s adjustable, and the height makes a big difference.
The goal is to have your elbows just above the drumhead, and your hips and knees nearly parallel to the floor (or slightly above/below depending on height).
If your elbows fall below the playing surface, your hands will struggle for leverage. If they’re too high, your motion becomes tight and restricted.
Sit toward the edge of your seat, upright yet relaxed.
2. Positioning the Djembe
Tilt the djembe slightly away from you, then draw it back toward your body until your knees rest about halfway over the drum.
If the drum is too far away, your shoulders will round forward, creating tension.
If it’s too close, your elbows will bend tightly at 90°, restricting movement.
The ideal setup:
Elbows slightly forward of the shoulders
Arms relaxed and rounded
Shoulders loose and natural
3. Holding the Djembe
There are a few common ways to secure your drum:
Natural Weight: Let the drum rest lightly between your knees, tilted toward you.
Feet Support: Cup the bell of the drum lightly with your feet to keep it steady.
Leg Grip: Hold it gently between your thighs or wrap one leg around it for extra control.
Strap Support (Recommended): Use a djembe strap to free your legs for movement — especially useful for teachers or performers using foot bells to mark time.
Relaxation is key. Whether standing, seated, or strapped in — you want to play without tension.
4. Hand Technique
Learning to play the djembe is like learning a new language.
Clarity of tone is your enunciation, and rhythm is your sentence structure.
There are three core sounds — your djembe “ABCs”:
Bass
Tone
Slap
A. The Bass
Use an open, relaxed palm — not tense or rigid.
Strike the drum in the center, anywhere inside the wooden lip under the skin.
The motion should be light and quick, like a blink of an eye.
🎵 Bass = Deep, warm, centered sound.
B. The Tone
For tones and slaps, only part of the hand makes contact — from the fingertips to the mid-palm.
Keep your thumb open and your wrist angled slightly.
Strike near the edge of the drum.
Close your fingers together to produce a clear, ringing tone.
Lift your hand immediately — don’t leave it on the skin.
🎵 Tone = Bright, open note.
C. The Slap
For slaps, keep the same hand angle but relax your fingers.
Let your wrist and hand move like a gentle whip — no forced power, just a loose, fast motion.
🎵 Slap = Sharp, high-pitched pop.
5. Rudimentary Exercises
Let’s build your foundation with one-handed rudiments.
Use these to develop balance and clarity between hands.
“Playing djembe is about awakening the left hand.”
— Kasey Jones
You’ll often find one hand stronger or more dominant. The goal is to make them sound identical.
Practice in front of a mirror to observe your posture and symmetry.
Keep your eyes forward or slightly upward — this helps relaxation and sound quality.
Rudiment #1
Pattern: Bass – Tone – Slap – Rest
Repeat slowly, one hand at a time.
Then switch hands and repeat for equal time.
Use a metronome to maintain steady timing.
Rudiment #2
Pattern: Bass – Tone – Slap – Tone
Loop continuously with no pause between sounds.
Start slowly and alternate hands after several repetitions.
Rudiment #3
Pattern: Bass – Slap – Tone – Slap
This variation inverts the second pattern to challenge coordination and control.
6. Two-Handed Rudiments
Now combine Rudiments 2 and 3:
Bass – Tone – Slap – Tone – Bass – Slap – Tone – Slap
You can start one-handed, then alternate between hands, building even sound and timing.
Eventually, this evolves into your two-handed warm-up.
Play slowly first, then gradually increase tempo with a metronome.
Kasey recommends starting around 75–100 BPM, practicing daily for 10–20 minutes.
“Ten minutes every day is better than one long session once a week.”
— Kasey Jones
As you build confidence, you can push up to 120 BPM and beyond.
7. Breathing & Relaxation
Throughout every exercise:
Keep your body relaxed.
Let your breathing remain natural.
Avoid tightening your stomach or shoulders.
The goal is flow — effortless motion, clear sound, and steady breath.
Closing Thoughts
Thank you for joining Part Two of the HoloRhythm Djembe Basics Mini-Series.
You’ve learned:
Proper seating and posture
Drum positioning and grip
The three basic tones: Bass, Tone, and Slap
Foundational rudiments and practice habits
In Part Three, we’ll combine everything into a beginner rhythm that brings your skills together.
Stay tuned — and keep drumming with intention, awareness, and joy.
