Learning to play a tongue drum can be a very rewarding experience. It is an instrument that is known for its soothing and melodic sounds and is relatively easy to learn even for those who do not have previous musical experience. The gentle sounds that it makes are often used in relaxation and meditation, but it is also a great instrument for just having fun. The steps and techniques are explained below.
Understanding the Tongue Drum
The tongue drum, sometimes called a steel tongue drum or hank drum, is a percussion instrument that is characterised by its unique sound and appearance. It has a series of ‘tongues’ or cuts on its surface that each create different notes when struck. These notes are typically arranged to be in a scale, making it easy to create melodies that sound harmonious. The instrument has been known to produce a very calming, relaxing sound that is very appealing to many.
The simplicity of the tongue drum is one of the things that makes it very accessible to everyone. There are no complex chords or difficult techniques to learn, so even beginners can start making music right away. The instrument’s design makes it intuitive to play, making the learning process enjoyable and not very frustrating. The fact that you can create harmonious music so easily makes it very satisfying, too.
Getting Started with Your Tongue Drum
Before starting to play it is a good idea to get familiar with your tongue drum. You should take some time to explore each of the tongues and listen to the sounds they produce. The different tongues will be different sizes and this is what creates the different notes. Spend some time and notice which note each tongue makes. Generally, the bigger tongues will produce a lower pitch. This will help you understand the layout of the instrument and how the different notes relate to each other.
Many people prefer to use mallets to play the tongue drum and these are often provided with the drum. However, you can also play the drum with your fingers, depending on the kind of sounds you want to produce. When using mallets, be sure to strike the centre of the tongue to get the clearest and most resonant tone. If you play it with your fingers, you can use the tips of your fingers to strike the tongues for a gentler sound. Experiment with both techniques to find the style you like the most.
Basic Playing Techniques
One of the first techniques to learn is the single note strike. To do this you simply strike each tongue individually to hear the sound it makes. You can work your way through all the tongues on the drum this way and this will help you understand the notes on the drum. Try striking the tongues gently and then try striking them harder to notice the difference in tone and volume.
Another basic technique is to create a rhythm. To do this you can create a simple beat and then repeat it. Try alternating between two or three notes that are next to each other to create a simple pattern. You can experiment with changing the speed of the rhythm to see how it changes the feeling of the music. Practice creating these basic rhythms so that you develop the necessary hand-eye coordination.
Key Takeaway: Start with understanding the layout of your tongue drum and then learn single note strikes and basic rhythms to get comfortable with playing.
Exploring Melodies
Once you are comfortable with playing basic rhythms, you can begin to explore playing melodies. The unique design of the tongue drum allows you to create beautiful and interesting melodies very easily. Many tongue drums are tuned to a specific scale, which means any combination of notes will typically sound harmonious. You can play simple songs or make up your own melodies by striking different notes in a sequence.
A good place to start is by playing simple scales and arpeggios. Start with the lowest note on the drum and go up the scale hitting each tongue in sequence, then try going back down the scale. After that, try doing the same thing with simple arpeggios. As you get comfortable with these, start experimenting with more interesting combinations of notes and rhythms to create your own melodies.
Advanced Techniques
Once you feel that you are comfortable with the basic techniques you can move on to some more advanced playing skills. One technique you can learn is using dampening. Dampening involves using your finger or the side of your hand to stop the note from vibrating immediately after you strike it. This can be used to give you a more staccato and controlled sound. Experiment with dampening different notes and rhythms.
Another advanced technique involves combining mallets with your fingers. You can strike some of the tongues with mallets and then quickly use your finger tips to strike other tongues to get different sound qualities. This can create interesting dynamics and add more complexity to your playing. By practicing these techniques you can expand the range of your musical abilities.
Tips for Practicing
Practicing consistently is key when learning any musical instrument, and the tongue drum is no different. A good approach to this is to set aside some time each day to practice, even if it is only for 15 to 20 minutes. Regular practice is far more effective that having very long practice sessions infrequently. This consistency will allow you to develop muscle memory and improve your ear for music.
When you are practicing focus on the sound that you are making and try to be very aware of the subtle nuances in your playing. Try different ways of striking the drum and try to vary the rhythm and speed. Most importantly make sure that you enjoy the process of learning the instrument. It should be fun and this will keep you motivated so that you can continue to grow as a musician.
Key Takeaway: Practice regularly, focus on the sounds, and explore the many ways to play the tongue drum to improve your skills.
Maintenance and Care
Taking care of your tongue drum will help ensure that it lasts for many years. One way to do this is to always store it in a safe place away from heat and damp. Extreme temperatures can change the tuning of the drum and moisture can cause the metal to rust. It is also important to avoid dropping the instrument or hitting it with hard objects as this could damage the tuning or the metal tongues.
From time to time it is a good idea to clean your tongue drum. You can do this using a soft cloth and some mild soap and water if needed. Make sure that you dry it thoroughly after cleaning to make sure no moisture is left on the metal. By following these simple care tips you will keep your instrument in the best possible condition and make sure it is ready to play whenever you want to.
Tongue Drum Techniques
| Technique | Description |
|---|---|
| Single Note Strike | Striking each tongue individually to produce different notes. |
| Rhythm Creation | Creating simple beats and patterns by alternating between notes. |
| Melody Exploration | Playing sequences of notes to create simple songs or original melodies. |
| Dampening | Using fingers or hand to stop a note’s vibration immediately after striking it, creating a more staccato sound. |
| Combined Mallets and Fingers | Striking with mallets and using fingers for different sounds and to create more complexity in playing. |
Tips for Practice and Care
| Area | Tips |
|---|---|
| Practicing | Practice regularly, focus on the sound, and explore different playing techniques. |
| Maintenance | Store in a safe place, avoid extreme temperatures, and clean with a soft cloth. |
Conclusion
The tongue drum is a unique instrument that is both easy to learn and fun to play. Its simple design makes it accessible to everyone, regardless of musical experience, and it is capable of producing relaxing and harmonious sounds. By understanding the instrument, learning basic techniques, exploring melodies, and practicing regularly, you can unlock the full potential of this wonderful instrument and create music that is both beautiful and fulfilling.
Key Takeaway: The tongue drum is easy to learn, fun to play, and produces harmonious sounds suitable for relaxation and music creation.
FAQ
How do I choose a tongue drum?
When choosing a tongue drum, consider the size, material, and tuning. Larger drums often have a deeper tone, while smaller ones are more portable. Also, consider the type of tuning, with some being more suitable for particular types of music.
Can you play the tongue drum with your hands?
Yes, you can play the tongue drum with your hands or fingers. You can use your fingertips to get a softer and gentler sound. You can also try using your fingers and thumbs in different ways to create a more percussive sound.
How do you tune a tongue drum?
Most tongue drums are pre-tuned and don’t require tuning, which is one of their main advantages. If your drum needs tuning, it’s a complex process and is best done by a professional. However, most drums should stay in tune over their lifetime if cared for correctly.
Is it easy to learn the tongue drum?
Yes, it is usually considered quite easy to learn. The layout and design of the drum make it very intuitive and you can start creating nice music very quickly. It is a very suitable instrument for both children and adults and requires no prior musical experience.