X8 Drums Blog

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 …

How do I learn how to play djembe? At first, the djembe seems easy to play. The first time you hit it, it feels good! It is so exciting to make your first sounds! But for 99% of us, it gets boring pretty fast playing the same one sound and rhythm. And many djembes end up becoming furniture. So how do we really learn to play? Learning to play your djembe is like learning to play any other instrument. It takes a little time and energy and what you put into it will co …

Percussionist Michael Pluznick shares a few exercises from yoga and other sources for limbering up before playing djembe. These exercises also help with increased dexterity, flexibility and also to avoid injuries. You can try these before or after drumming or when you have a break. They are also useful if you are on the computer a lot. In this video Hand and Finger Stretch Back Stretch Arm/Upper Body Stretch --------------- by Michael Pluzn …

When you first sit down to play your drum, you have to start at the root, also known as the Root System. The "root" for djembe playing starts at the feet. You want your feet planted flat. Moving up the body, now focus on the drum position. You want it between your legs with the bowl resting comfortably in the middle of your inner thighs. The drum is on a slight tilt so that the bass and tone can escape from the bottom of the drum as you play. Next, focus on you …

One of the most frequently asked questions from beginner to intermediate level djembe players is How Do I Solo on My Djembe? Today I'd like to show you a fom I've developed that will help you learn to solo, to have more fun and to play in an organized way that will be pleasing to yourself as well as others. In this video we are going to play a solo for the rhythm Diansa however it will work for any rhythm. Today's format will be in 4/4 and what we're going to d …

When a child enters middle school, their whole world turns upside-down. No longer are they given the nurturing support of the elementary school environment, but they are tasked with the responsibilities of changing classrooms and being on time throughout the day, using lockers, navigating new social waters and completing complex homework assignments. Students in middle school are exposed to different subjects and given more responsibilities than they've known previously, and …

Learn proper technique for hitting the djembe! In this digital djembe lesson, Michael Pluznick will teach you how to play the 3 basic sounds of the djembe; open tone, slap and bass. Features: Start with Triangle - The triangle hand position will set your posture and prepare you for hitting the drum Learn to play tone, bass and slap in the proper position on the drum head. Understand how to make contact with the drum. Learn to play an Open Tone Bounce (Rebound) and foll …

Taking up drumming as a hobby can help a person learn patience, dedication, and promote health and wellness. It can also present opportunities to join a community of people with the love of rhythm, music and the sharing of a unique and creative passion. Some drummers are able to pick up a djembe or other percussion instrument and start playing rhythms with little or no training; others may need a little help. If time, money or location is an obstacle to learning how to …

With the excitement that surrounds drumming, it is no wonder that there are hundreds of drums to choose from. Hand drums are deeply rooted in the history of cultures across the world. Cuba has its Bongos, the Middle East and Europe each claim the Doumbek, and frame drums are a part of Native American, Celtic, South American and many other cultures. Many popular hand drums today are easily attributed to West Africa and its tribes, as well, tying all of these cultures toget …

I discovered drumming as a teenager. I have been drumming now for probably 30 plus years. I'm not a professional; I do it for fun and relaxation. I do it to manage nervous energy, as well as deal with stress! It helps me to relax and unwind, which seems an odd thing to say because it is also great exercise as well. There is not much more exhilarating than being in amongst 20 or more drummers all carrying their own beat, yet it becomes one. The energy and the feeling is indescribable. …