Dance Papi

Learn Hand Drums

Learn how to play hand drums such as the congas and bongos with Edgardo Cambon in these video lessons for beginner, intermediate and advanced players.

Conga drums have their roots traced to a combination of African and Spanish origins in the Caribbean. Known in Cuba as the tumbadora, this South American instrument can be heard in all types of Latin music including salsa, rumba, merengue and reggae. Conga players are called congueros.

Bongo drums comprise two small, open-bottom hand drums connected by a wooden peck. The larger drum is referred to as the hembra, or female, and the smaller drum is referred to as the macho, or male. Developed in the Eastern region of Cuba during the 19th century, bongos are traditionally held behind the knees and played by striking the edge of the drumheads with the fingers and palms.

Learn:

All videosBeginnerIntermediateAdvanced

Basic Quinto Patterns | Conga Drums

The quinto (literally fifth in Spanish) is the smallest and highest pitched type of conga drum. It is used as the lead drum in Cuban rumba styles such as guaguancó, yambú and columbia.

Basic Bongo Rhythms | Bongos

Learn how to play the bongos in this video lesson. First-time hand drummers will practice the basic martillo rhythm and other beginner patterns and grooves.

Basic Tumbao Rhythm | Conga Drums

Learn how to play the basic tumbao rhythm in this video lesson. The tumbao rhythm, or marcha, was traditionally played on only one before various artists started incorporating other congas.

Back to top

Recent Blog Posts