How to Play the Cajon Drum

The side of the Cajon drum that is crafted out of plywood materials is the actual playing area of the drum. The side with a hole cut into it is always the back siding of Cajon drums and is the portion that is positioned perpendicular to the Cajon drum head or parallel to the head depending on the drum style. The tapping region on the Cajon drum is further identified as tapa or drum head.

When an individual plays Cajon drum, he or she positions their body above and over the box; some drummers straddle the box while playing, and others sit upon it when they play. The drummer will take the Cajon drums and tip them or tilt them inward in order to begin playing. The surface of the drum is then tapped with the open palm to derive different sound effects from the instrument.