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.

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New York-style Mozambique | Conga Drums

In New York City during the 1960s, Eddie Palmieri created a rhythm called Mozambique that was inspired by Izquierdo’s creation of the same name. Although both rhythms are based on conga de comparsa drums, they have no parts in common.

Basic Songo Rhythms | Conga Drums

Songo is a genre of popular Cuban music, created by the group Los Van Van in the early 1970s. Songo incorporated rhythmic elements from folkloric rumba into popular dance music.

Rumba Columbia: 6/8 Rhythms | Conga Drums

Learn rumba columbia patterns in this video lesson. Columbia is a fast rumba, in a triple-pulse (6/8, 12/8) structure, and often accompanies the standard bell pattern struck on a guataca (‘hoe blade’) or campana.

Tumbao “Changuito” Style | Conga Drums

Add variation to your tumbao by playing the congas “Changuito” style. Instructor Edgardo reflects back on his teacher and mentor José Luis “Changuito” Quintana.

Add “Flams” | Conga Drums

Learn how to add “flams” when playing Tumbao in this video lesson. A flam is a sound that is made from hitting your conga drum with both of your hands almost at the exact same time.

Martillo Variations | Bongos

Learn martillo variations on the bongo drums in this video lesson. Master instructor Edgardo Cambon demonstrates how different licks and variations can be incorporated while still maintaining the melody.

Uruguayan Candombe | Conga Drums

Candombe is an Uruguayan music and dance style originating with African slaves. This Uruguayan music style is based on three different Candombe drums: chico, repique and piano drums.

Rumba Guaguancó | Conga Drums

Learn Rumba Guaguancó on the conga drums in this video lesson. Discover the difference between the three Guaguancó parts – the tumba, tres dos and quinto.

Variations of the Tumbao Rhythm | Conga Drums

In North America, the basic conga drum pattern used in popular music is called tumbao. Learn how to play 3 variations of the tumbao rhythm on conga drums in this free music video lesson.

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