A hand drum is a percussion instrument that is played with the hands rather than with sticks or mallets. Hand drums come in various shapes, sizes, and materials. They produce a wide range of sounds and are used in various styles of music around the world. In this article, we will discuss some of the most popular types of hand drums.

Djembe

The djembe is a drum from West Africa. It is made of a hollowed-out piece of wood with a drumhead made of animal skin. The djembe is played with the hands, and the player can produce a wide range of sounds by striking the drumhead with different parts of their hands. The djembe is used in many styles of West African music and has become popular around the world.

Bongo

The bongo is a small drum from Cuba. It is made of two drums of different sizes, attached to each other. The bongo is played with the hands, and the player can produce a wide range of sounds by striking the drums with different parts of their hands. The bongo is used in many styles of Cuban music, including salsa, rumba, and son.

Tabla

The tabla is a drum from India. It consists of two drums of different sizes, one made of wood and one made of metal. The tabla is played with the hands, and the player can produce a wide range of sounds by striking the drums with different parts of their hands. The tabla is used in many styles of Indian classical music.

Cajón

The cajón is a box-shaped drum from Peru. It is made of wood and has a drumhead made of thin plywood. The cajón is played by sitting on it and striking the drumhead with the hands. The player can produce a wide range of sounds by striking different parts of the drumhead. The cajón is used in many styles of Peruvian music, including Afro-Peruvian music and cumbia.

Ashiko

The ashiko is a drum from West Africa. It is made of a hollowed-out piece of wood with a drumhead made of animal skin. The ashiko is played with the hands, and the player can produce a wide range of sounds by striking the drumhead with different parts of their hands. The ashiko is used in many styles of West African music and has become popular around the world.

Doumbek

The doumbek is a drum from the Middle East. It is made of a ceramic or metal drumhead and a body made of wood or metal. The doumbek is played with the hands, and the player can produce a wide range of sounds by striking the drumhead with different parts of their hands. The doumbek is used in many styles of Middle Eastern music, including belly dance music.

Frame Drum

The frame drum is a drum that has a drumhead stretched over a frame. The frame can be made of wood, metal, or other materials. The frame drum is played with the hands, and the player can produce a wide range of sounds by striking the drumhead with different parts of their hands. Frame drums are used in many styles of music around the world.

Conclusion

Hand drums are an essential part of many styles of music around the world. They come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, and produce a wide range of sounds. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, there is a hand drum out there for you. So, explore the different types of hand drums and find the one that speaks to you.

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