I’ve always felt that tabla was the most demanding discipline of all hand percussion instruments. I’d would like to hear what you think. What are the most demanding hand drumming techniques to master?

Probably agree with you on that one Andy. Another two would be the riq or kanjira. I have noodled with tablas but I really like either a riq or kanjira. Routinely I get stuck in traffic for 3-4 minutes at a time, then I move up 30 meters and wait another 3-4 minutes. During the wait, I play my riq; it keeps me groovy rather than stressed over traffic.

GJS

a Djembe is as far as I’ll go. there just so much fun. I was taught by Jim Donovan of Rusted Root and he made it so much fun for me.

guarilio989 - 11 October 2010 05:28 AM

a Djembe is as far as I’ll go. there just so much fun. I was taught by Jim Donovan of Rusted Root and he made it so much fun for me.

WOW, Jim’s top notch. I am glad you get so much enjoyment out of the djembe. My only lessons were from Mamady Keita. Here is one of his solos at a workshop:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpQmOMQmOAw

Watching this guy always brings a smile to my face.

Best

GJS

Wow! thats all i can say is just wow! your right! definitely a joy to watch!

guarilio989 - 13 October 2010 07:26 AM

Wow! thats all i can say is just wow! your right! definitely a joy to watch!

Ya I agree with you! I have never drummed so much with my mouth wide open when I was in his workshops. He travels a lot, so you he might be giving a workshop near you. (Or you might consider attending a workshop in some far away country as your educational vacation!) You can find his schedule on his website:

http://www.mamadykeita.com/

Cheers

GJS

p.s. He also has some pretty good learning materials.

Love Mamady Keita… he’s so chilled and approachable even though he’s practically a legend….

djembefola - 02 September 2011 08:57 AM

Love Mamady Keita… he’s so chilled and approachable even though he’s practically a legend….

Exactly. He is an old soul and a true gentleman. Pretty amazing sense of rhythm.

GJS

I think mridangam has the most complex hand technique:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wo2jjIamYOE

I’d have to say that each instrument has it’s own challenges.  Any hand drum requires precise technique in order to get the best sound.  Even though I haven’t studied them, I’d agree that Indian percussion instruments are among the most highly nuanced.  I’ve always found tama (talking drum) to be really tricky, due to the way you bend your wrist while squeezing the cords to increase the pitch.

Djembe requires a lot of strength and speed in the arms and shoulders, but it also requires a solid groove, which is perhaps why so many people find it to be a natural fit.  I’d say that learning djembe will improve your overall feeling and tempo as a drummer.

Love Mamady Keita… he’s so chilled and approachable even though he’s practically a legend…. smile

No doubt.  He’s one of the great ones, for sure.

Greetings, I would say a love, Tabla players and i have performed with several Indians percussionists and a great,  Sitar Player. There is no question of the skills of the tabla players, but,  as it is always said you have to see it all. There is a complex Yoruba patterns, ( 6,8 signature), which is played with three congas. I did it one time, for a show at the,  Rice University Festival and for my students several times.  It have to be observed to graded it.  But the, Tabla, has its own star in the percussion world.  Gerry Zaragemca