In this guide, we take you through the steps involved in playing the wooden Tongue Drum, from understanding the design to exploring various playing techniques.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced musician, this guide provides you with the knowledge and tools you need to embark on your musical journey.
The two techniques for playing the Tongue Drum: Mallets and fingers
The wooden Tongue Drum is generally played with mall mallets or directly with the fingers. Both techniques are used by musicians and are complementary.
The sounds produced are different because the forces exerted on the percussion instrument are more or less strong. Go directly to the part of the guide that interests you:
Learn the basics of playing the wooden Tongue Drum
First of all, it’s important to understand that the Tongue Drum is made up of different notes arranged in the shape of a lamella (or tongue). Each note produces a particular sound, and you can create melodies by tapping with drumsticks or even your fingers.
In fact, unlike other percussion instruments, the wooden Tongue Drum can be played with the fingers to achieve a soft, delicate sound.
To get started, it’s advisable to choose a wooden Tongue Drum suited to your skill level. Some models are specially designed for beginners and feature easy-to-play notes.
Which wooden Tongue Drum is right for each playing technique?
To buy the right Tongue Drum, there are several factors to consider. First of all, make sure that the Tongue Drum’s tongues are spaced so that they can be played individually both with mallets and with the fingers.
The right distance between the tabs ensures ease of play and prevents your fingers from getting trapped when you play.
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In addition, you should also pay particular attention to the quality of the wood used in the Tongue Drum’s construction. Quality wood not only offers superior durability, but also produces a richer, warmer sound.
Take the time to research the materials used and read user reviews to ensure you choose a high-quality Tongue Drum. You can also find selected and tested models on our website.
There are also online tutorials to learn the basics of the wooden Tongue Drum. These resources will teach you different playing techniques, basic rhythms and help you get to grips with the instrument.
Once you’ve got the basics down, you can start exploring different melodies and let your creativity guide you. The wooden Tongue Drum offers great freedom of musical expression, allowing you to improvise and play according to your emotions.
Feel free to experiment and discover different playing techniques to enrich your musical experience with this unique instrument.
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How to play the wooden Tongue Drum with mallets?
Learning to play the Tongue Drum is a gradual process. Mastering this instrument with mallets requires a combination of three skills:
- The musical technique
- The rhythm
- Creativity
Let’s take a step-by-step look at all this. After all, every point is important for producing melodies and sounds with ease. First, let’s learn about the mallet’s specific features.
What is a mallet?
A mailloche is the stick used to strike the lamellas (or tongues) of the Tongue Drum. It consists of a wooden handle about 30cm long and a rubber ball-shaped head. The mallet is also called a mallet and can be used to play a variety of percussion instruments.
When you buy a wooden Tongue Drum, a pair of mallets is usually supplied. Mallets can be purchased separately for around $12.00.
How to hold your mallets
First, make sure you have a good grip. Hold the mallet firmly with your fingers, but don’t squeeze too hard. It’s important to keep a certain amount of flexibility so you can control the strength and intensity of your strikes.
Next, find the position that suits you best. Some prefer to hold mallets with their wrists slightly raised, while others find it more comfortable to hold them with a slant of the wrist. The key is to find a position that gives you optimum control over your strokes and enables you to play with precision.
Finally, practice regularly to increase your dexterity and coordination. The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll become with your mallets, and the better you’ll play. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different striking angles and use different parts of the mallets to get a variety of sounds.
Why use mallets to play the wooden Tongue Drum?
To get the most out of this percussion instrument, it’s essential to use the right playing techniques. Mallets provide a distinctive sound and higher volume.
Mallets are mallets specially designed for playing the wooden Tongue Drum. They have a rubber texture for ideal resonance when struck. The rubber will also prevent damage to your instrument.
Guide to playing the wooden Tongue Drum using mallets
Step 1: The playing position with mallets
The first essential step in learning to play the wooden Tongue Drum is to find a comfortable playing position. The way you position yourself in relation to the instrument will affect your ease and accuracy when playing.
- To begin, sit on a stable, comfortable chair, preferably without armrests. Place the Tongue Drum on your lap, making sure it rests on a flat, stable surface. Some people also use special pedestals to support their instrument.
- Next, make sure your arms and shoulders are relaxed. Hold the mallets in your hand so that they are comfortable and easy to handle. Mallets should be held with a degree of firmness, but not too tightly.
- Once you’ve found a comfortable position, start by gently tapping the Tongue Drum’s tongues with the mallets, maintaining even pressure. Indulge in the musicality of the instrument and explore the different notes and sounds produced. Don’t be afraid to experiment and let your creativity flow.
Step 2: Striking force on wooden strips
The second step is to discover the strength of strikes on the slats. This crucial step lets you explore different sounds and create unique rhythms. It’s simple, just experiment and find the strength that suits your musical style.
A softer strike can produce a lighter, calming sound, ideal for a relaxing atmosphere. On the other hand, a louder strike can create more powerful vibrations and give a more intense tone to your music.
It’s important to take the time to explore different striking forces and understand how they affect the sound produced by your wooden Tongue Drum. You can also try combining soft and strong strikes to create interesting rhythmic variations.
Finally, regular practice will help you refine your technique and better master the different sound possibilities offered by your instrument. Don’t hesitate to be creative and experiment with different striking forces to create your own unique musical style.
Step 3: Coordinating left and right mallets
Coordinating left and right mallets is a crucial step in learning to play the wooden Tongue Drum. Mastering their use is essential to playing smoothly and harmoniously.
Start slowly and gradually increase speed. The ideal is to achieve fluidity of movement, avoiding sudden stops or jerky gestures. This coordination will become increasingly natural.
Step 4: Learning to play in rhythm
Rhythm is the basis of all music, and this also applies to the Tongue Drum instrument. Playing in rhythm means following a regular beat and maintaining consistency in the way you strike the different tongues of the drum.
To begin with, it’s important to take the time to feel the rhythm. Listen carefully to the sound produced when you strike a specific tab. Try to find a steady tempo and imagine how it would fit into a piece of music.
Practicing with a metronome can be useful for developing your sense of rhythm and helping you maintain a steady pulse.
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Once you have an idea of the rhythm, start practicing striking patterns. Try playing regular sequences by striking the different tongues of the Tongue Drum in a certain pattern. It may take a while to become familiar with the different patterns, but it will help you develop your coordination and precision.
Step 5: Mallet speed
Now we come to step 5: the speed of mallet playing. If you’ve followed the previous steps, you’re now familiar with basic wooden Tongue Drum techniques. Now it’s time to move on to the next step and explore how to increase playing speed using mallets.
It’s time to practice to develop playing speed. Start by playing simple, slow rhythms, focusing on your technique and precision. Then gradually increase the speed by playing more complex patterns.
One of the keys to playing fast with mallets is to maintain muscle relaxation and fluidity in your movements. Avoid tensing up or squeezing the mallets too tightly, as this can lead to tension and reduce your speed. Practice regularly and be patient with yourself, as mallet speed will come with time and practice.
List of typing methods with mallets
The first method is to use the tapping technique. With this method, you gently tap the surface of the Tongue Drum with a mallet. Be sure to strike each tongue of the Tongue Drum evenly to produce harmonious sounds.
Another technique to try is the sliding method. With this method, you rub the mallet against the different tongues of the Tongue Drum, creating softer, more vibrant sounds. Experiment with different speeds and pressures to achieve a variety of sounds.
Finally, the bounce method is ideal for producing fast, rhythmic sounds. Here, you quickly strike the Tongue Drum with the mallet, letting gravity and the instrument’s natural bounce create the sounds. This technique is perfect for creating catchy, driving rhythms.
By following these methods of striking with mallets, you’ll be able to play the wooden Tongue Drum fluently and expressively. Feel free to experiment and find your own playing style. So what are you waiting for? Grab your mallets and discover the many musical possibilities offered by this fascinating instrument!
Here is a table describing different techniques for striking mallets on a wooden Tongue Drum:
| Technique | Description | Effect on Sound |
|---|---|---|
| Right hand grip | Strike directly at the center of the tongue with the mallet. | Produces a clear, resonant sound with defined attack and maximum resonance. |
| Staggered typing | Strike slightly off-center from the tongue. | Produces a slightly softer, less resonant sound. |
| Smooth stroke | Strike the tongue with light force. | Produces a softer, less voluminous sound. |
| Strong strike | Strike the tongue with greater force. | Produces a louder, punchier sound with a pronounced attack. |
| Rebound shot | Allow the mallet to bounce slightly after striking. | Produces a lighter sound with a natural resonance. |
| Glissando | Slide the mallet along the tongue while striking it. | Creates a continuous sliding effect between notes, producing a smooth melodic rise or fall. |
| Tremolo | Rapidly and repeatedly strike the same tab or several tabs in succession. | Produces a tremolo or vibration effect, with a rich, continuous sound texture. |
| Damping | Strike the tab, then transfer immediately with the non-dominant hand. | Produces a short, muffled sound, reducing resonance. |
| Alternation | Use the two mallets in rapid alternation on one or more tabs. | Creates a fast, dynamic rhythm with a clear alternation between notes. |
| Percussive striking | Use the side of the mallet or a harder part to strike the edges of the Tongue Drum. | Produces distinctive percussive sounds and rhythmic effects, adding texture to the performance. |
These techniques can be used to vary sonorities and dynamics, enriching the musical expressiveness of the wooden Tongue Drum.
Training and playing in a group
Practicing and playing in a group is not only a great way to develop your musical skills, but also an enriching experience on a personal level. The benefits of playing with other musicians are many, whether for knowledge sharing, camaraderie or simply the pleasure of creating music together.
If you’re interested in the wooden Tongue Drum and want to share this passion with others, it’s essential to prepare for group sessions.
To get started, it’s important to master the basics of the instrument. Experiment with different types of strikes and techniques to create varied, harmonious sounds. Practice regularly to improve your precision and rhythm.
Once you feel comfortable with the instrument, seek out opportunities to play in a group. Join workshops or music clubs where you can meet other Tongue Drum enthusiasts.
Playing with other musicians will not only develop your listening skills and coordination, but it will also give you the opportunity to learn new techniques and draw inspiration from others.
So get your mallets ready, join a community of musicians and together, create music that will touch the hearts and minds of your audience.
How to play the wooden Tongue Drum with your fingers?
Many musicians prefer to play wooden Tongue Drum using their fingers rather than mallets. This method of playing is perfect for intuitive music-making and connecting with your instrument.
For beginners, this technique may seem difficult at first. Yet after a few days’ practice, it becomes much easier. This comprehensive guide will teach you how to play the Tongue Drum with your fingers.
The benefits of playing Tongue Drum with your fingers
Firstly, playing with your fingers gives you greater control over nuances and key variations. You can easily change the pressure you exert on the blades and produce different sounds using different parts of your hands.
This allows you to explore a wider range of musical possibilities and express your creativity more precisely. What’s more, the direct touch of your fingers on the wooden blades gives a pleasant, intimate feel that adds a tactile dimension to your musical experience.
Secondly, playing the Tongue Drum with your fingers makes the instrument more accessible and portable. Unlike using drumsticks or mallets, you don’t need to carry extra accessories;
You can simply take out your Tongue Drum and start playing wherever you like, whenever you like. What’s more, you can easily adapt your technique depending on where you’re playing, whether sitting, standing or even walking.
Finally, playing the Tongue Drum with your fingers offers a more intimate connection with the instrument and creates a stronger bond between you and the music you create.
You can directly feel the vibrations produced by the wooden slats, making for a more immersive and emotional experience.
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By playing with your fingers, you’re also able to explore different playing techniques, such as tapping and glissandos, which add a unique dimension to your playing.
You should use your fingertips and move your wrists when playing. Trying out different playing positions helps you find the best comfort and sound. With regular, patient practice, you can enjoy making music.
The step-by-step method for playing the Tongue Drum with your fingers.
To produce unique sounds with your fingers on the Tongue Drum, you can explore different techniques. First, try playing with your fingertips. This will create softer, rounder sounds.
You can also experiment with different pressures exerted by your fingers on the tabs. Stronger pressure produces a more powerful sound, while lighter pressure produces a more delicate sound.
Another trick is to use different parts of your fingers to produce different sounds. For example, you can use your fingertips to create higher notes, while using the palm of your hand can produce lower, resonant notes.
Feel free to explore different finger combinations to find the sounds you like best.
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Finally, don’t forget to add a little variety to your playing by also using your open hand. You can gently tap the tabs with your hand to get more percussive and textured sounds.
This technique can add an interesting dimension to your playing and create captivating sonic contrasts.
Step 1: Body and hand positioning
To start with, make sure your hands are clean and dry before playing. This will prevent any unwanted slipping on the Tongue Drum’s surfaces.
Next, place your fingers slightly bent over the drum’s tongues and slide them smoothly from side to side to create sounds. You can use the sides of the fingers to vary tones and sound effects.
It’s important to find a comfortable playing position that suits you best. Some players prefer to place the Tongue Drum on their lap or on a flat surface, while others use special stands for greater stability.
It’s up to you to find what suits you best! The most important thing is to feel comfortable while you’re playing and to have good control of your fingers. Feel free to experiment with different techniques and tricks to discover your own playing style.
Step 2: Practice playing the Tongue Drum with dexterity
When playing the wooden Tongue Drum with your hands, it’s important to adopt a relaxed posture and use your fingertips to strike the note surfaces.
By using different parts of your fingers, you can produce a variety of sounds and experiment with different playing techniques. It’s also useful to familiarize yourself with the different notes on the instrument and understand how they harmonize with each other.
To develop your dexterity, we recommend starting with basic exercises. This can include simple note sequences, using each finger in a balanced way.
As you gain in confidence and skill, you can gradually increase the complexity of your exercises. You can even use techniques such as finger-rolling to create more elaborate rhythms.
The time and effort invested in regular practice will enable you to master the art of playing the wooden Tongue Drum with dexterity. Be patient with yourself and focus on gradually improving your skills.
Enjoy every moment spent playing this inspiring instrument and let your creativity flow through its spellbinding melodies.
Step 3: Learn note combinations to create harmonious melodies with your fingers
When you play the Tongue Drum, you can use different combinations of notes to create harmonious melodies. Start by learning the positions of the notes on the instrument and how to strike them with your fingers.
You can then experiment by playing different note sequences and combining them to create interesting melodic patterns.
It’s also important to listen carefully to the sound that each note produces. By playing notes that complement and respond to each other, you can create mesmerizing melodies.
There are no hard and fast rules, just explore and experiment with different note combinations to find what sounds best for you.
Step 4: Improve your Tongue Drum playing technique
When you play the wooden Tongue Drum with your hands, you can produce more delicate, nuanced sounds, allowing greater expressiveness in your playing. By using your fingers, you can also have greater control over the intensity and duration of notes.
There are various manual playing techniques:
- You can use the tapping technique, where you use your fingertips to gently strike the Tongue Drum’s blades. This technique produces a clear, distinct sound.
- You can also use the sliding technique, where you glide your fingers over the blades to achieve variations in tone.
Step 5: Experiment with different musical styles
You can try out different musical styles by playing the Tongue Drum. Whether you’re interested in relaxing music, jazz, ambient, folk or even world music, this versatile instrument offers you a palette of rich, expressive sounds.
Using your fingers to play, you can create gentle, soothing rhythms or even virtuoso solos. Give free rein to your creativity and explore the infinite possibilities offered by this percussion instrument.
The different striking techniques of the Tongue Drum
Finger and hand striking techniques in percussion are varied and play a crucial role in producing diverse and distinct sounds on instruments such as Tongues Drum, drums, cajón, djembe, congas, and many others. Here’s an overview of the most common techniques:
Finger-striking techniques
| Techniques | Description | Product sound |
| Finger Tapping | Use fingers to quickly tap the drum surface. | Light, fast sounds, often used for complex rhythms. |
| Slide | Slide one or more fingers over the drum. | Creates a glissando effect, used to add texture. |
Hand clapping techniques
| Techniques | Description | Product sound |
| Palm | Use the palm of the hand to strike the Tongue Drum. | Deep, resonant sound, often used for bass. |
| Heel of Palm | Use the heel of the hand (the fleshy part near the wrist). | Heavy, deep sound, often used for bass hits. |
| Slap | Strike with fingers spread apart and release quickly. | High, snapping sound used for rhythmic accents. |
| Open Hand | Strike the drum with an open but relaxed hand. | Full, resonant sound, used for midrange. |
| Edge | Strike close to the edge of the Tongue Drum. | Drier, higher-pitched sound than the central strike. |
Combined strike techniques
| Techniques | Description | Product sound |
| Bass and treble combination | Alternating bass and tonal strokes to create complex rhythms. | Combination of low and high tones. |
| Rim Shot | Strike the edge of the Tongue Drum and the tongues simultaneously with an open hand. | Dry, powerful sound, often used for strong accents. |
| Roll | Rapid series of successive strokes with fingers or hands. | Continuous, flowing sound, often used for transitions or ornaments. |
Each technique offers a unique palette of sounds, enabling the percussionist to express a wide range of dynamics and rhythmic nuances. Learning and mastering these techniques requires practice and a particular sensitivity to the instrument used.
Develop your creativity by playing the wooden Tongue Drum with your fingers
So what are you waiting for to start your musical adventure with the Tongue Drum? Get a quality instrument, sit back and let your fingers dance on the tongues of the drum.
The sensory and musical experience will be well worth it, and you’ll be amazed by the different musical styles you can express with your instrument.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced musician, playing Tongue Drum with your fingers will allow you to connect with music in a unique and rewarding way.
So get your fingers tingling and let your creativity flow!
You can also find online tutorials to learn the basics of the wooden Tongue Drum. These resources will teach you the different playing techniques, basic rhythms and help you get to grips with the instrument.
Once you’ve got the basics down, you can start exploring different melodies and let your creativity guide you. The wooden Tongue Drum offers great freedom of musical expression, allowing you to improvise and play according to your emotions.
Feel free to experiment and discover different playing techniques to enrich your musical experience with this unique instrument.
Summary of the two playing techniques for the wooden Tongue Drum
We will now summarize the characteristics of the two techniques for playing the wooden Tongue Drum (Log Drum). Both methods have their strengths and weaknesses.
The advantages and disadvantages of mallets
Here’s a list of the advantages of playing Tongue Drum with mallets 🥢 :
- Volume Control: Allows you to play with a wider dynamic range, from very soft to very loud.
- Clear, defined sound: Produces notes with precise attack and clear resonance.
- Ease for Beginners: Easier for novices to get clear, consistent sounds.
- Timbre variation: The ability to change mallets (different heads) allows the timbre of the sound to be modified.
- Sound effects: Enables special techniques such as glissando and tremolo to be performed with greater control.
- Less Fatigue: Playing with mallets can be less tiring for fingers and hands over long playing sessions.
- Sound Uniformity: Offers uniformity in sound production, useful for regular, professional performances.
- Extending the Reach: Mallets make it easier to reach all the tabs, especially those set further back.
- Polyvalence: Ideal for a variety of musical styles, from classical to contemporary.
- Parasitic Noise Reduction: Reduces unwanted noise that fingers can produce when typing.
The disadvantages of playing Tongue Drum with mallets 🥢 :
- Less Expressiveness: Less subtle nuance and expression compared to fingerpicking.
- Less Tactile Connection: Less direct contact with the instrument, reducing tactile sensation and immersion.
- Risks of Damage: Incorrect use or mallets that are too hard can damage the surface of the Tongue Drum.
- Striking noise: Mallets can produce a less musical mechanical striking noise.
- Less Fine Control: Difficulty performing advanced techniques such as muting with precision.
- Additional Carrying: Need to carry additional mallets, which can be less convenient.
- Less Variety of Techniques: Limitation in certain techniques and effects that are more easily achieved with the fingers.
- Risk of Loss: Mallets can be lost or forgotten, which is not a problem with fingers.
- Adaptation Necessary: Adaptation time to master the use of mallets, especially for beginners used to playing with fingers.
- Dependence on Accessories: Requires you to always have mallets available, which can be a disadvantage in the event of loss or breakage.
The advantages and disadvantages of playing by hand
Here is a list of the advantages of playing the Tongue Drum with your fingers 🖐️ :
- Expressive Accent: Allows subtle nuances and great expressiveness in playing.
- Touch Connection: Offers a direct connection with the instrument, enhancing tactile sensation and immersion.
- Fine Control: Facilitates precise control of dynamics, rhythms and articulations.
- Variety of Techniques: Allows easy execution of advanced techniques such as muting and percussive effects.
- Silent: Reduces unwanted mechanical noise produced by mallets.
- Immediate accessibility: Always available, no need for additional accessories.
- Polyvalence: Adaptable to different playing styles, offering greater freedom of expression.
- Portability: No need to carry extra tools, making the instrument easier to transport.
- Less Risk of Damage: Less risk of damaging the Tongue Drum compared to using hard mallets.
- Easy Effects: Easier to create glissandos, tremolos and other sound effects with your fingers.
The disadvantages of playing the Tongue Drum with your fingers 🖐️ :
- Finger fatigue: Can lead to faster fatigue of fingers and hands during long gaming sessions.
- Limited volume: Difficult to achieve very strong volumes without mallets.
- Less Resonance: Can produce a less sustained resonance compared to using mallets.
- Less Clarity: Strikes can be less clear and defined than those made with mallets.
- Sound variability: Sounds can be less uniform, especially for beginners, leading to unwanted variations.
- Less Reach: May be harder to reach some remote tabs without the mallets.
- Learning Techniques: Some typing techniques can be more difficult to master with the fingers.
- Less Sound Projection: May not project sound as well in larger environments or outdoors.
- Force Dependency: Requires more finger strength to produce loud sounds, which can be a challenge for some players.
- Risk of Injury: Excessive or incorrect use of the fingers can lead to pain or injury, especially in novice players.
Complementary ways of playing
Playing Tongue Drum by combining the use of mallets and fingers offers a versatile and rewarding approach. Mallets can be used to create clear, defined and resonant sounds, ideal for melodic passages where sound projection is important.
At the same time, the fingers enable greater expressiveness and a direct tactile connection with the instrument, favoring subtle nuances and delicate percussive effects.
This complementarity makes it possible to draw on the advantages of both techniques: mallets for their ability to produce higher volume and precise attacks, and fingers for their fine control and ability to perform advanced techniques such as muting or glissando.
By integrating these two approaches, the player can navigate between powerful, dynamic passages and more intimate, nuanced moments, enriching the Tongue Drum’s sonic and expressive palette.
FAQ
The decision to use mallets or fingers to play the wooden Tongue Drum depends on the player’s preferences, musical style and desired sound effects.
A wooden Tongue Drum is a percussion instrument with hollow wooden chambers and tongues that produce unique, soothing sounds when struck. It is often used for meditation, relaxation and musical expression.
To play Log Drum, simply use your hands or mallets to strike the tongues. Experiment with different finger positions and techniques to create beautiful sounds and melodies.
When you strike the metal tongues of a wooden tongue drum, they vibrate and produce a sound. The size, shape and tuning of the tongues determine the pitch and tone of the notes.
The basic playing techniques of a wooden Tongue Drum involve striking the tongues with the hands or mallets, exploring different finger positions to achieve different sounds, and experimenting with the force of each strike.
To create melodies and rhythms, try combining different tongue strokes, experiment with tempo and rhythm patterns, and explore musical scales and intervals.
When playing with others, it helps to listen carefully and collaborate. Experiment with synchronized playing, creating harmonies and finding a balanced sound.
You can develop your skills by exploring advanced techniques such as ghost notes, accentuating certain strokes and incorporating percussive elements such as finger snaps or palm strikes. Practice regularly and experiment with different playing styles.
To care for your wooden Tongue Drum, keep it clean and dry. Wipe it with a soft cloth after each use, store it in a protective case or pouch, and avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight.