How djembe solos.

(Lesson 1)
"The djembe is not only a musical instrument, he speaks" as likes to say, Mamady
Keita, the great master of this instrument. To make him talk, one must know the
vocabulary, words into sentences. That's how you can do about the djembe, other
wise you will only noise. These articles will aim to explain how to get to do so
los djembe. I'll give you some exercises, I'll explain how to construct a good s
entence solo and I'll give solo phrases. To learn how to do solos, you must use
three different paths. First, you must learn the vocabulary, you will see some e
xamples in this lesson. This also includes the work of sound, speed, accuracy an
d endurance. Second, you should try to imitate the masters of the djembe, try to
resume phrases you hear from them. This also means that you must listen a lot!
Third, you have to dive and try to create your own solos. When you make a good s
entence, repeat it and take it in a footnote. This will allow you to reuse it wh
en inspiration will not be at the rendezvous. Knowledge of rhythms is very impor
tant. Before making a solo on a rhythm, you must first know a few dishes, the me
lody of Dunduns and of course you have to place the call. The appeal is somehow
the key rate, it is the start signal and end. Where are the dancers, the call te
lls them when to change motion. In addition to being a good soloist, the clarity
of sound is paramount. The blow open and slam must be very distinct.
Exercises:
This is the first year that I suggest. This exercise does not only apply to the
improvisations, it is also very beneficial to your game in general and it will i
mprove your timing and your accuracy. 1. Count out loud and tap your foot on the
high points, namely 1 and 3.
1 +2 + 3 + 4 +
Tap your foot on the 1 and 3. You should allow 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and + = and
2. Hit your djembe at each location marked with an "X". For example, for a year,
hit on the 1 and 3. First, given the year by playing the ghost notes, that is t
o say that you gently touch the skin with your fingers at each pulse.
1 +2 + 3 + 4 +
s,,, 4s,,, r r4
Hit your djembe (slap shot open or low)
1 +2 + 3 + 4 +
s,,, 4s,,, r r4
â ¢ Notes should Alternate ghosts hands from right to left for right-handers, and
left to right for left. The hand to be used is indicated at the top of the score
: R = right L = left (reverse for left-handed) (Ignore for now.)
3. Once you are proficient in the phrase, play it, but this time without playing
the ghost notes. 4. Use a metronome to mark the 1 and 3. Start slowly and gradu
ally increase speed. You need to stomp every beep of the metronome. 5. Once you
are proficient in the phrase, play it, but this time without counting. You must
feel when you strike the skin.
1 +2 + 3 +4 + 1 +2 + 3 +4 +
s,,, 4s,,, 4s,,, 4s,,, r4 r r r
1 +2 + 3 +4 + 1 +2 + 3 +4 +
,, S,, s,, s,, s, 4 r 4 r 4 r 4 r
1 +2 + 3 +4 + 1 +2 + 3 +4 +
an audio example
,,, Ls,,, ls,,, ls,,, ls 4 4 4 4
1 +2 + 3 +4 + 1 +2 + 3 +4 +
, S,, s,, s,, s,, 4l 4l 4l 4l
1 +2 + 3 +4 + 1 +2 + 3 +4 +
s, s, s, s, s, s, r r4 r4 l4 l4 r
1 +2 + 3 +4 + 1 +2 + 3 +4 +
Audio example 2
ff, ff, ff, ff, the r4 r4 4r l l l 4r
1 2
+
3 4 +
1 2
+
3 4 +
,, Ff, ff, ff, ff 4 RL4 RL4 RL4 rl
1 +2 + 3 +4 + 1 +2 + 3 +4 +
, Ss ss ,,,,,, ,,,,, 4LR 4 4LR 4
1 +2 + 3 +4 + 1 +2 + 3 +4 +
s,, lss,, lss,, lss, ls 4r 4r 4r 4r
1 +2 + 3 +4 + 1 +2 + 3 +4 +
, S, s, s, s, s, s, s, s 4l l4l l4l l4l the
1 +2 + 3 +4 + 1 +2 + 3 +4 +
,,, S, s, s, s, s, s 4 l4l the l4l l4
1 +2 + 3 +4 + 1 +2 + 3 + 4 +
, S, ss,,,, s, ss,,, the audio example 3 4l 4l 4r 4r s
1 +2 + 3 +4 + 1 +2 + 3 +4 +
, Sss, sss, sss, sss 4lrl4lrl4lrl4lrl
1 +2 + 3 +4 + 1 +2 + 3 +4 +
, Sss, s, s, sss, s, s s 4lrl4l l4lrl4l