X8 Drums Blog

Confidence is an important part of our lives, one of the more important aspects of a personality that affects all types of relationships and endeavors. However, finding ways to build confidence can be a challenge in itself, especially when the first step in confidence building requires a strong belief in the very self that needs that strength. There are ways, however, that a person can find an inner strength, especially with the help of others. Drumming, for instance …

There you are, sitting in the food court at the mall, sipping a latte when suddenly, out of the crowd, come a few dozen dancers and vocalists performing a song for the amusement of innocent bystanders. Shock, amusement and wonder flow through the crowd as these daring performance artists create magic and inspiration through choreography and timing that rivals any High School Musical movie scene. The audience cheers and the flash mob withdraws, waiting for the next opportunity …

Shopping for a djembe drum can seem a bit overwhelming especially if you're new to the market or not sure what questions to ask. As a hand drum store owner and percussion enthusiast I'm frequently asked questions from customers regarding the best djembe to purchase for beginner players. Let's face it; there are many djembe drums in the marketplace all vying for your attention. However, the unique differences in each djembe can make a big difference in playability, sound, and overall enjoym …

You did it as a kid; you did it with your friends. Maybe you had the one that rattled while it whirled around, one with battery-operated, flashy lights, glitter-filled or the kind that glowed in the dark. No matter what yours looked or sounded like, you had one and you weren’t cool unless you knew how to use it. Hula hooping is an art that dates back to ancient Greek and Egyptian civilizations, but we know it best from 1950’s America where girls in poodle skirts hula hooped ou …

Ever pondered on playing an instrument like the djembe or a guitar, but thought it was not worth your time? Think again! Music is beneficial to everybody. There are thousands of reasons to convince yourself that playing an instrument is worth every minute. Several studies show that playing music helps develop the cognitive skills of children and adolescents. It also instills self-discipline, builds confidence, increases productivity and socially connects kids and teens with their peers. Mus …

Drumming can be therapeutic, healing, invigorating or just fun for one person, or an entire group. Many drummers begin drumming and develop a relationship of sorts with their drum, giving it a name or defining its personality that comes out during play. Some drummers take this connection a step further by creating their own drum from basic materials, pouring their hearts, souls and talent into the construction of an instrument that becomes an instant treasure.If you have ev …

Learn your first (or a new) Djembe Rhythm! In this digital djembe video lesson, Michael Pluznick will teach you how to play a rhythm called Calypso with Caribbean roots from Trinidad. While this isn't a traditional djembe rhythm, it is very useful to learn as your first rhythm. Features: Learn how to keep the pulse of the djembe rhythm with your left hand using a light foot tap as a guide Right hand leads the tone Understand how to enter the rhythm …

In this lesson Michael Pluznick will show you how to play the traditional Konowulen Rhythm on Dununba. The lesson runs just over 17 minutes and shows how to play the dununba ballet style so that you can play it with less players while still getting the full sound spectrum. In this video: How to play all the djembe accompaniment parts Solo technique Exercise for learning the feel of this rhythm How to play the dununs ballet style and one at a time Slow mot …

In this lesson Michael Pluznick will show you how to take the traditional Kakilambe Rhythm arrangement and play it on one drum. You will learn three different parts of the Kakilambe rhythm that can be played on djembe. In this video: Introduction to Kakilambe Rhythm with three djembe players Breakdown of the rhythm parts Kakilambe Call/Break Kakilambe accompaniment part 1 Kakilambe dundunba part on djembe Combination of the traditional djembe part wit …

In this video djembe lesson, Michael Pluznick shows the basics of how to do a six stroke roll, which is very useful in soloing. A six stroke roll refers to the number of beats or hits your hand makes per phrase when making a roll. The drum roll starts on "the one" or first down beat and and ends before the second downbeat. In this video: Rear view of the basic phrase. Watch Michael's left leg it is holding the four count or beat. The next section shows the phrase in sl …