X8 Drums Blog

The hand drums we see today in drum circles represent a lot more than just a gathering of hippies (or, hipsters) drumming together as an exercise in music, rhythm and creative expression. Most of the hand drums used in drum circles, like djembe drums or cajon drums are modern representations of the drums used by African slaves in all parts of the Americas. These drums have evolved over the centuries into the instruments we are familiar with today, but, there was once a time when …

Drumming is loud. It doesn’t matter if you have a whole suite of drums on a rack, or just a djembe strapped around your neck. Drumming is loud, and there isn’t a whole lot you can do to reducethe volume of your drums and still play like the maniac you are. But, there is a good reason you should be concerned about how loud your drums are: your hearing. Hearing loss is a documented problem for many drummers and musicians, from Lars Ulrich to Rod Morgenstein, and an estimated 60 percen …

Few will argue the benefit of physical activity for reducing or relieving stress, especially activity that encourages keeping a rhythm, striking an object and creating music. For these reasons, and many others, drumming is fast becoming one of the best ways for people to reduce stress, whether alone with a drum pad and headphones, during an aerobic workout with sticks and balance balls, or in a group setting like a drum circle with djembe drums. Music therapis …

Drums are a great means of communication. Drumming has been used historically as a form of communication between people. The Djembe drum was first used by tribes in Africa to communicate over large distances. They were also used in the cultural celebrations of these tribes. Drums have always been a force that brings communities together to form important relationships. In today’s corporate world connection between people can be difficult due to the fast pace and high demands plac …

Written by Solomon Masala We've made a powerful declaration: there are specific and legitimate learning outcomes from specifically designed and facilitated rhythm and drumming programs. We've seen rhythm flip the switch for disinterested learners of all ages – they always rock out and jam with each other when invited to join in on a rhythm program or drum circle! If you have ever experienced this, you have your own stories; if you've not watched, ask …

Djembe Buying Guide: Part 5, Choosing the Right Size Djembe One of the most common questions we hear from our customers is "Which Size Djembe is Right for Me?" In this video, you'll learn why selecting the correct size djembe is so important. You'll also view all of the various size drums for a clear understanding of the differences between the sizes. Instruction by Kenya Masala. Starting with the smallest size; the 7" Djembe. This drum has a 7" diameter drum …

How a Djembe is Made: Shell Carving & Painting by X8 Drums from X8 Drums on Vimeo. Producing hand-carved, hand-decorated djembe drums is not only a tradition, it's an art form that is over a thousand years old! Yet maybe you have wondered precisely how a djembe drum is made? How it goes from a individual piece of plantation grown mahogany hardwood to the beautiful hand drum shown here? The job can demand the collective skills of 4 to 6 different artisans, each one providing their very …

Drumming and communication go hand in hand. From the roots of Djembe drumming as a way for tribes in Africa to communicate across long distances to the celebration within these tribes and communities through the magic of drums, a drum has been used as a way for like-minded people to establish a method to grow together and forge important interpersonal bonds. In today’s corporate-run world, the ability for people to connect on a personal level is often made m …

In this lesson Michael Pluznick will teach you how to play basic djembe parts known as passport parts (basic djembe parts common to several different rhythms) in 6/8 time from Guinea and Mali. You'll also learn the two most popular "breaks" used to start and end the rhythms. Once you have the parts down, play along with the ensemble section and see rare footage of Michael's teacher in Mali play the parts. Once you learn all the parts that are on in this lesson you will be well o …

The CDC recently released new numbers that show one in 88 people is affected by an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the U.S. With autism rates still climbing, many parents, teachers and therapists are searching for ways to help children and adults learn skills that can help minimize some difficulties experienced by those “on the spectrum.” Drumming, in particular, has shown several benefits for autistic children and adults, and the results of integrating drumming in …