| Djembe
A Djembe (pronounced JEM-bay)
also known as djimbe, jenbe, jembe, yembe or sanbanyi in Susu;
is a skin covered hand drum, shaped like a large goblet, and
meant to be played with bare hands.
It is a member of the membranophone family of musical instruments:
a frame or shell (in the djembe's case it is a shell) covered
by a membrane or drumhead made of one of many products, usually
rawhide.
The djembe originated in West Africa, and is an integral part
of the region's musical tradition and culture. The djembe
is now popular all over the world.
Djembes are commonly about 12" (30 cm) in diameter and
24" (60 cm) in height, varying a few inches. They can
also be found at many smaller sizes, from 5" (13 cm)
up to 18" (46 cm) in diameter. As a result of the goblet
shape, the density of the wood, the internal carvings, and
the skin, there is a wide range of tones that can be produced
by the djembe. The rounded shape with the extended tube of
the djembe body forms a device known in physics as a Helmholtz
resonator, giving it the deep bass note. The primary notes
are generally referred to as "bass," "tone"
and "slap", though a variety of other tones can
be produced by advanced players. The slap has a high, sharp
sound and the tone is more "round" and full. The
bass is the lowest.
Technique
The proper sound is achieved
with minimum effort for maximum effect. The key is to either
focus or disperse the hand's energy, and position the hand
in the correct place. The bass and tone notes require focused
energy (a beginner will have the most success by holding their
fingers firmly together), while the slap requires dispersed
energy (fingers are relaxed).
Striking the skin with the palm and fingers toward the drum's
center produces a bass note; striking the skin near the rim
(with the fleshy part of the palm just above the rim) produces
the tone and slap. Beginners may think of the tone and slap
as fingers "together" and "apart." Advanced
players will not take the time to make that obvious physical
change, but rather make a less visibly obvious change from
"focused" to "dispersed."
It can take months to years of practice to consistently create
distinct sounds on the djembe. |
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