WHAT IS A GOOD DRUM TO START WITH?
As a drum circle facilitator, I get asked lots of different questions about drums and drumming. One question that has been asked and seems to come up at many of my rhythm-based events is, “What is a good drum to start playing with?” Well, there are a lot of things to consider here so I will try to address a few of the questions to help you make a great purchase choice.
Before we begin, I want to address one of the best things , but most misunderstood things, about playing drums for recreational purposes…they are extremely accessible. What do I mean by this? Most drums can be enjoyed by the player without a lot of instruction. This is not to say they are easy instruments to master. Mastery of a percussion instrument takes years of dedication, practice, and experience. However, a new drummer does not have to spend years of arduous practice before reaching a level where they can enjoy the instrument. So, having said that, lets talk about a few different drums that make great starter instruments.
Frame Drums
Frame drums come in many different varieties…large and small, with jingles or without, etc. A frame drum is typically a single headed drum with a very shallow shell (2” – 3”). Usually, it is held with one hand and played with the other. There are a variety of different techniques (from all over the world) that include using your palm, fingertips, thumb and even mallets or sticks. Some frame drums are great for practicing in situations where volume is a big concern. You can practice at a relatively low volume, which can be a big bonus if you live with others or in an apartment complex. Also, frame drums are very affordable.
Djembes
Djembes are fabulous instruments for the recreational player. They offer a wide range of sounds from big, booming lows to piercing and crisp highs. This makes the djembe a very versatile instrument. The djembe comes from West Africa where it (along with other percussion instruments) is played in a variety of situations from cultural gatherings to religious ceremonies. The djembe also comes in a variety of sizes. For an adult or teenager, I would suggest a 12” head diameter, or larger. You will want to be able to get the big fat bass tones that aren’t possible with the smaller drums.
The djembe has become one of the most popular hand drums on the market today. They can be played effectively in so many different settings. Also, it doesn’t take that much work to be able to play the basic sounds. Now, if you want to really learn the roots of the djembe, you will need to spend a lot of time and effort practicing and researching the instrument to get a handle on all of the techniques, patterns and its cultural relevance.
These are great drums if you plan on playing with other drummers in recreational settings. They can be played loudly enough to be heard over other players, but can also be blended into a group very easily. Unlike the frame drum, it might be a little difficult to practice late at night if you live with others or in an apartment complex. Don’t be discouraged by that, just adjust your schedule.
Cajon
The cajon was my first hand percussion instrument. It is a great point of entry to the world of hand percussion, especially if you are a drum set player. The cajon is basically a box that you sit on and play the front surface (the “head”) with your hands. I affectionately call the cajon my “drumset in a box”. Big full lows and nice high tones make this a very versatile instrument. I love playing mine with other instrumentalists (guitar, bass, etc.). Many of them have strings or wire strung against the head to create a buzz or “snare” sound when you strike it. Techniques can be learned fairly quickly and then it is up to the individual player to bring his or her own creativity.
The cajon can be heard in Afro-Peruvian music and in Flamenco music. The parts played by great cajon players can seem deceivingly simple, but to really get the feel and understanding of what is happening can take a lot of work. That being said, the “entry price” (practice time) required to enjoy playing a cajon is relatively low.
How to choose
I have barely scratched the surface in this discussion of these three percussion instruments. And, the number of available drums is seemingly limitless. So, how do you choose which instrument to start with? I would suggest taking a little bit of time to research the different drums. Go to YouTube and check out some of the instruments being used in different contexts. If you decide you want a frame drum, you will need to determine if you want a South Indian kanjira, a Middle Eastern Daf or an Irish Bodhran. Listen to the music and let it call you. Same goes for the djembe, cajon or any other hand percussion instrument.
Once you have an idea of the type of drum you want, purchase one!!! Get started, listen to the music, play with records and most importantly, with other people!!! This is music….it is meant to be shared!!!
Kevin Cooley
