Introducing the Percussion Plus Slap djembe - djun djun Djembe groups and circles are a popular activity in schools, music hubs, festivals, and your local community centre. Nothing matches the joy of making music together and these classes are not only great as music education for youngsters, but also as a fun and therapeutic activity for all ages. The djun djun is the bass voice of the djembe ensemble, serving as the rhythmic backbone of the ensemble and underpinning the more complex, syncopated rhythms of the smaller drums. Beyond its musical role, the djun djun holds cultural significance in West African societies, often being used in ceremonies and celebrations as a means of communication and cultural expression. It can be worn over one shoulder and played in either a sitting or standing position, typically with a pair of beaters. It produces a booming bass tone, and can be played with or without a beater. Please note: this does not come with a beater. If you require beaters, consider purchasing a pair of PP287 or PP134 beaters, depending on your playing style. Let's play together With these Slap Djembes from Percussion Plus, you get a great looking high-quality instrument with an innovative 'how to play' guide printed on the drum skin. There are many different techniques used to produce tones on a djembe and any of these can be used on our djembes. The printed graphic on the head of the drum offers suggested hand positions for the three main tones on a djembe: slap, tone, and bass. With this easy method, teaching and learning is simple and allows you to tailor your class to include visual as well as instructive and aural learners, providing an inclusive way into music making for all levels and abilities. Fun look, vibrant sound The colourful pattern wrapped around and bonded to the drum gives a fun look suitable for classes and personal use, as well as festivals, demonstrations, and events. Their lightweight body and carrying strap also allows for easy transportation between and during playing sessions or events. The design on the drum head shows examples of hand positions that can be employed to obtain a fabulous variety of tones from the drum, from punchy bass to cracking highs. When you hit the skin, let your hand bounce back allowing the sound to ring. The Bass The best sound is achieved in the centre of the drum. Keep your palm flat and stiff and strike the drum firmly. The Tone Straighten all your fingers at the same time. There are numerous hand positions that can be used to create the tone. Think of your hand as a straight extension of your arm, and you should get a solid ‘thud’ sound. The Slap This stroke can be played in the same position as the tone, the difference is that one relaxes the hand and arm to hit the drum with a slap-like motion. Spreading your fingers out slightly when they strike the djembe helps create a crisp clear sound.
