The handheld drum, also known as a hand drum or hand-held percussion instrument, is a versatile and popular musical instrument that has been used in various cultures around the world for centuries. These drums are played by striking or tapping the drum head with the hands or fingers, producing a wide range of tones and rhythms.
One of the most widely recognized handheld drums is the frame drum. The frame drum is a circular drum with a shallow wooden frame and a drum head made of animal skin or synthetic material. It is played by holding the drum with one hand and striking the drum head with the other hand or fingers. Frame drums are commonly used in Middle Eastern, Indian, and Mediterranean music.
Another popular handheld drum is the djembe. The djembe is a West African drum made from a carved wooden shell covered with a drum head made of goat skin or synthetic material. It is played by striking the drum head with the hands and fingers, as well as using techniques such as slaps, tones, and bass tones to create a wide range of sounds. The djembe is known for its deep, resonant tones and is often used in African drum circles and traditional ceremonies.
Congas are also a type of handheld drum that originated in Cuba. They consist of tall, narrow drums made from wooden shells covered with drum heads made of animal skin or synthetic material. Congas are played by striking the drum heads with the hands and fingers, producing a variety of tones and rhythms. They are commonly used in Latin American and Afro-Cuban music, and are often played in groups of two or more drums to create complex polyrhythms.
Bongos are another type of handheld drum that originated in Cuba. They consist of two small drums attached to each other, with one drum larger than the other. Bongos are played by striking the drum heads with the hands and fingers, and are known for their high-pitched, vibrant tones. They are commonly used in Latin music, jazz, and popular music genres.
In Japanese music, the tsudzumi or tsuzumi is a traditional handheld drum. It is shaped like an hourglass and has two drum heads that can be tightened or loosened with cords. The tsudzumi is played by striking the drum heads with the hands, producing a unique, resonant sound. It is often used in traditional Japanese theater and music performances.
Handheld drums are versatile instruments that can be played in various musical styles and genres. They provide a rhythmic foundation and add depth and texture to musical compositions. Whether it’s the deep tones of the djembe, the vibrant sounds of the bongos, or the unique resonance of the tsudzumi, handheld drums continue to be an integral part of music around the world.
What Is A Hand Held Drum Called?
A hand held drum is commonly referred to as a frame drum. It is a percussion instrument that is played by hand. It consists of a circular frame with a drumhead stretched across it. The drumhead is usually made of animal skin or synthetic materials. The frame drum is held in one hand and played with the other hand or with a mallet. It is a versatile instrument that is used in various musical genres and cultures worldwide.
In addition to frame drums, there are several other types of hand held drums that are popularly used. Here are some examples:
1. Djembe: The djembe is a West African drum that is played with bare hands. It has a goblet-shaped body made of wood or fiberglass, with a drumhead made of goat skin or synthetic materials. Djembes are known for their deep, resonant sound and are commonly used in African and world music.
2. Congas: Congas are tall, narrow drums that originated in Cuba. They are played by striking the drumheads with the hands or fingers. Congas usually come in sets of two or three drums, and each drum produces a different pitch. They are commonly used in Latin American and Afro-Cuban music.
3. Bongos: Bongos are small, paired drums that are played with the hands. They consist of two drums of different sizes, typically made of wood or fiberglass, with drumheads made of animal skin or synthetic materials. Bongos are commonly used in Latin American and Afro-Cuban music, as well as in jazz and popular music.
These hand held drums, including frame drums, djembes, congas, and bongos, have unique characteristics and are widely used in various musical traditions. They provide rhythmic accompaniment and add dynamic layers to music performances.
What Is A Japanese Hand Drum Called?
A Japanese hand drum is called a tsudzumi or tsuzumi. It is a percussion instrument that originated in Japan and is commonly used in traditional Japanese music and performances. The tsudzumi has a distinctive hourglass shape, with a wooden body. It features two drum heads made of animal skin, typically from cows or horses, which are stretched tightly over the body.
The drum heads of the tsudzumi are attached to the body using cords that can be adjusted. By squeezing or releasing these cords, the tension of the drum heads can be increased or decreased, allowing for variations in the sound and pitch produced by the instrument.
Here are some key features of the tsudzumi:
1. Shape: The tsudzumi has a unique hourglass shape, with a narrow waist and wider ends. This design allows for a balanced sound production.
2. Wooden body: The body of the tsudzumi is typically made of wood, which provides a solid and resonant base for the drum heads.
3. Drum heads: The tsudzumi has two drum heads, one on each end of the body. These drum heads are made of animal skin and are stretched tightly over the body.
4. Cord tensioning system: The cords attached to the drum heads can be adjusted to change the tension and thus the pitch and sound quality of the drum. By squeezing the cords, the tension increases, resulting in a higher pitch, while releasing the cords decreases the tension, producing a lower pitch.
5. Traditional use: The tsudzumi is commonly used in traditional Japanese music and performances, including Noh theater, Kabuki, and various folk music styles. It is often played by skilled musicians who have undergone extensive training in the technique and art of tsudzumi playing.
The tsudzumi is a unique and versatile percussion instrument that has been an integral part of Japanese music and culture for centuries. Its distinct shape, wooden body, and adjustable drum heads make it a fascinating instrument to play and listen to.
Is A Bongo A Hand Drum?
A bongo is indeed a type of hand drum. It is a percussion instrument that originated in Cuba and is commonly used in Latin American music. The bongo consists of a pair of drums attached to each other. The drums are made of wood and have a circular frame topped with drum heads. The larger drum is called the hembra, and the smaller one is called the macho. The drums are played by striking them with the hands and fingers, producing different tones and rhythms. Bongos are typically played in pairs and are popular in various genres of music, including salsa, jazz, and Afro-Cuban music.
What Are Mini Drums Called?
Mini drums are commonly referred to as timbales. Timbales are small, metal-frame drums that are typically mounted on a stand. These drums are popular in Latin and Afro-Cuban music genres. A traditional timbale player usually has two drums that they play with beaters. In addition to the drums, timbale players often incorporate other percussion instruments such as cowbells and woodblocks into their setup. The compact size of timbales makes them convenient for musicians who require a smaller drum set or want to add a unique sound to their ensemble.
Conclusion
Handheld drums are a diverse and culturally significant category of percussion instruments. From the frame drum and djembe to the congas and bongos, each handheld drum offers its own unique sound and playing style. These drums have been used for centuries in various musical traditions around the world, adding depth and rhythm to countless songs and performances.
The tsudzumi or tsuzumi, a hand drum of Japanese origin, stands out with its distinctive hourglass shape and adjustable tension drum heads. Its versatility and ability to produce a wide range of sounds make it a valuable instrument in traditional Japanese music.
Bongos, on the other hand, originated in Cuba and evolved from African drums. These hand drums feature a circular wooden frame and drum heads, and are known for their vibrant and lively tones. They have become an integral part of Latin and Afro-Cuban music, adding a rhythmic and percussive element to various genres.
Handheld drums, such as the timbales, also play a crucial role in Latin music. These small, metal-frame drums are mounted on a stand and are often played in pairs, along with other percussion instruments like cowbells and woodblocks. The timbales provide a sharp and crisp sound, adding layers of rhythm and energy to salsa, merengue, and other Latin genres.
Handheld drums have a rich history and continue to be an essential part of a wide range of musical traditions. Whether it’s the traditional sounds of Japan, the vibrant rhythms of Cuba, or the energetic beats of Latin music, these drums bring life and character to any performance. Their versatility and unique tones make them a valuable addition to any percussion ensemble or musician’s collection.
