Beginning Djembe

"Buy Now" to view and securely purchase the available paperback / digital editions at our publishing partner Hal Leonard LLC.

Related Online Courses & Programs

Afro-Cuban Drums

Strengthen your overall versatility as a drummer by learning the rich grooves and rhythmic concepts of Afro-Cuban music.

Specialist Drums Certificate Program

Successful modern drummers are versatile, creative players with a keen sense of touch, dynamics, and coordination. Focusing on rock, funk, and R&B settings, this program will advance your skills in these areas, starting with the basics of musicianship and technique and concluding with forays into advanced improvisation. Whether you aim for a smooth “in the pocket” sound like John “Jabo” Starks of the J.B.’s or a rough rock sound like Jose Pasillas of Incubus, you'll further your development as an excellent and expressive drummer who can effectively bring multiple styles to the table.

Learn to play djembe!

This hands-on workshop will help you produce a good sound, play with healthy technique, and learn the essential concepts, sounds, and rhythms of West African djembe drumming. Extensive play-along online videos will help you practice every technique in the context of a traditional African djembe ensemble. You will learn:

Correct, effective djembe playing technique and posture
The three fundamental sounds on the djembe: bass, slap, and tone
Exercises and play-along videos to help you develop good tone, facility, and memorize essential rhythms and their variations
Traditional djembe rhythms from different regions: Sofa, Dundungbe, Soli, Guinea Fare, Kuku, Mane, and Sinte
Notated djembe ensemble parts, including for djembes and dunduns
Techniques for soloing
The historical, regional, and traditional cultural context of the djembe
How to tune, maintain, and care for your djembe

“Excellent for the beginner to learn how to play the djembe. Joe and Michael are clear and easy to follow. The playing is correct and clean. A wonderful workshop!”

—M’bemba Bangoura, Master Drummer (Guinea, West Africa)