X8 Drums Blog

Bongos are one of the most versatile and portable hand drums available today. These percussion instruments are played by professionals and amateurs, on the road, in a drum circle, on stage or even in the home. As versatile and adaptive as these drums are, there are basic steps that should be taken to ensure the longevity of the bongos and quality of sound. In general, a new set of bongos will not come pre-tuned due to shipping and the time spent on shelves, as well as var …

It has been five years since Paul Simon released his last album, but he has not even begun to think of retirement. At 69, Simon's career is expansive, encompassing 12 albums, including his latest, So Beautiful or So What, which has been described as, “his best album since 1990's. The Rhythm of the Saints sums up much of what makes Simon great," by Rolling Stone. Using a variety of instruments and his own preference for vintage-styled sound, Simon has produced an …

When it comes to trying out new ideas for entertainment, fun or strengthening community ties, a drum circle can be a multi-faceted exercise in the whole body-mind experience provided by music and rhythm. With a wealth of information and research available about how drumming benefits the mental and physical health of the drummer and audience, a drum circle can be a natural step on the road to self-awareness and the healing of various aspects of a person. Joining a dru …

This pattern is going to help differentiate your sounds which will develop the important skill of learning to "speak" on the djembe. The idea of this rhythm is for you to learn to how to play all the different notes in one sequence. The rhythm isn't as important as distinguishing your sound. So your tone sounds completely different than your slap (or pop) and your bass is going to sound just like a bass and your touch will be very quiet. In this video: Tone, Slap, Bass & T …

The didgeridoo is an instrument that dates back over 40,000 years and was developed by indigenous Australians of northern Australia. It was typically played only by aboriginal men during ceremonial gatherings and celebrations and is an important part of the indigenous Australian culture. The instrument is known for its beautiful and richly harmonic sound and the mastery of “circular breathing” that is needed to play the instrument properly. While the didgeridoo’s sound may seem …

First let me say this. To me, drum circles are about creating community and sharing. It is not about being the star or about ego. It is about a group shared experience. Although there are no clearly defined rules of how to act or behave at a drum circle, there is a proper etiquette or working order that I have discovered in my travels and journeys all around the world over the past 35 years. I am going to suggest and explain some guidelines. If these guidelines are maint …

So you've been turned, converted into a fan, and now a connoisseur of the warm sounds of the cajon - the delightfully storied instrument that became the most widely utilized percussive tool in Peru. Its origins lie in the dark days of the 18th century, when the slave trade was responsible for the forced expatriation of labor from Africa to plantations in the New World of the North and South American continents.Newer incarnations of the humble cajon have added a range of distinctive …

Some people are very interested to learn how to play percussion or to try and jam but are not sure which is the right style of drumming for them. Is it freestyle or traditional? Afro Cuban or West African? And which is the right instrument to play or study? A question I often hear is, "should I stay with one instrument or style or play many"? My opinion is when you are first beginning hand percussion you should try as many different instruments as possible. Don't get stuck thi …

Very few instruments can make the hair on your arms stand up in the way that a didgeridoo can.  Long and low tones escape the base as you blow into it, creating a musical sound that can't be replicated with any other pipe. Although not as popular in modern times, the didgeridoo is the world's oldest wind instrument.   A natural wooden trumpet that was traditionally fashioned from eucalyptus trees, the Didgeridoo is still widely used in traditional celebrations today.  Some …

Learn how to play the basic accompaniment parts, also called the passport parts 1 and 2 for 4/4 rhythm arrangements. Follow step by step instruction as well as easy to follow slow motion segments to make learning easy. In this free lesson Michael Pluznick will show you two very simple accompaniment parts for playing in traditional West African djembe and dundun arrangements. These are called 'passport parts' and they can be played in several different pieces. Passp …