Casual bongo playing offers an enjoyable and accessible entry into percussion. It focuses on personal enjoyment and creative expression, providing a rewarding way to engage with music. This approach offers stress relief and a creative outlet without the pressure of formal training or mastering complex techniques.
Understanding Casual Bongos
Bongos are a pair of small, open-bottomed drums, typically held between the knees. They produce different pitches from their two distinct drumheads: the larger “hembra” (female) and the smaller “macho” (male). The low barrier to entry makes them suitable for anyone interested in exploring rhythm, without requiring extensive musical background or formal training.
Selecting Bongos for Casual Play
When choosing bongos for casual play, consider material, head type, size, and price, prioritizing affordability and comfort over professional features. Shells are commonly wood or fiberglass. Wooden bongos, often from Siam oak or rubberwood, produce a warmer, natural tone. Fiberglass bongos offer durability, a brighter sound, and resistance to environmental changes like humidity, making them practical.
Drumheads are made from natural animal hides like goat or buffalo skin, offering a warm, resonant sound. Synthetic heads provide greater durability, consistency, and resistance to moisture and temperature fluctuations. While natural heads offer a traditional feel, synthetic options are favored for low maintenance and stability. For casual players, a beginner set ranges from $40 to $90, with some entry-level options as low as $25. These instruments provide good sound and durability without the higher cost of professional models, which can exceed $200.
Essential Techniques for Casual Bongo Playing
Developing a comfortable posture is the first step. Sit upright on a chair or stool with feet flat, allowing bongos to rest on your lap between your knees. The larger drum (hembra) is positioned on your right side if right-handed, and the smaller drum (macho) on your left, held firmly by your legs. Angling the drums slightly prevents hardware from digging into your legs and improves comfort during extended play.
Basic hand positions involve using finger pads, avoiding knuckles to prevent discomfort or injury. Three fundamental bongo strokes produce distinct sounds: open tone, slap, and bass tone. An open tone is created by striking the drumhead near the rim with fingers, allowing them to bounce off for a clear, resonant sound. A slap involves striking the drumhead with cupped fingers, often closer to the center, and quickly releasing for a sharp, popping sound. The bass tone is achieved by placing a flat palm in the center, producing a deeper, muted sound. Experimenting with strike location and hand parts yields a variety of tones.
Simple Rhythms for Beginners
Once comfortable with basic techniques, explore simple rhythmic patterns. A foundational rhythm involves alternating strokes between the two drums. Practice a “right-left-right-left” pattern, playing an open tone on the larger drum with your right hand and on the smaller drum with your left. This develops coordination and a feel for the instrument.
Another easy pattern is the “Martillo” (hammer) rhythm, a common Afro-Cuban bongo pattern. This rhythm involves a steady eighth-note pattern, incorporating open tones, muted tones, and rim taps. Focus on alternating strokes, gradually adding variations like light “touches” or “ghost notes” where you lightly tap the drumhead to mark time without a loud sound. Practice these rhythms slowly, gradually increasing speed as comfort and coordination improve.
Enjoying Casual Bongo Playing
Integrating casual bongo playing into daily life offers relaxation and enjoyment. Playing along to favorite music is an excellent way to practice and enhance listening skills, allowing you to feel the rhythm and contribute your own percussive layer. Informal jam sessions with friends, even those who play other instruments, offer a fun, collaborative experience, fostering creativity without strict rules.
Many find bongo playing a meditative activity, allowing focus on rhythm and clearing their minds. The physical act of drumming relieves stress and expresses emotions. Ultimately, casual bongo playing lies in personal enjoyment and exploration, free from formal performance or technical perfection.