Bongo is two small drums of different sizes, combined in one set. Such a shock musical instrument is most likely a leaving of Africa, over time, gained popularity in the provinces of Cuba and some countries of Latin America. Bongo is not an academic tool, so experiments are possible when playing it.
History
The exact data on the origin of the Bongo does not exist. Most specialists lean towards the fact that his homeland is in Africa, since similar drums appeared in some African tribes in the XII century.
Given the fixed fact of the first use of Bongo in one of the provinces of Cuba at the end of the XIX century, this tool is often called Afro Cuban. At that time, the Bongo was demanded only in narrow musical circles.
Today, such a pair of drums is often used at Latin American Music Concerts in many countries.
Design
Bongo is a pair of connected one-eyed drums of small sizes. The diameter of one of the drums is usually 18 cm, and the other is 13. But such dimensions are not standard, they can be different if necessary. Case material - wood, metal and plastic.
The membrane (tool shock covering) is made of animal leather or composite materials. For fixing the membrane on the housing, metal nails are used, which relates them to the Congo African drums. The bottom of the drum enclosures is open, which distinguishes them from the African drum of Tbilat, which is also considered possible by the BONGO's progenitor.
An interesting feature of Bongo: his drums were divided into gender differences. At the same time, a large drum is considered to be a female (Embra), and the one that is smaller - male (macho). The female drum has a lower sound than male.
During the game Bongo must be between the knees of the drummer. If the musician is right-hander, then it is from this side (right) to have a female drum. Modern tools may have improved membrane attachments that allow you to more accurately adjust the tool to the desired tone, which previously did not dream.
Bongo is often found for accompaniment in styles such as Bachata, Salsa, Bossa Nova. Later, this type of exotic drums began to apply in reggae and lambad. Experienced musicians can use the unusual sound of Bongo in a variety of music. High and clear tone, accelerated rhythmic pattern make this musical instrument pretty in demand.
How to play?
To remove the sound from the drums of this tool, palms and fingers are used, and sometimes wooden sticks.
But The drummer path starts not from this, but from the choice of tool. Newcomers are recommended to use the drums with the smallest diameter. This will allow technique to automatism with minimal effort. And also you will need a chair without a handle so that nothing has been skipped. Feet should be located at right angles, back - smooth.
Sit is needed to the edge of the chair. Bongo is located between the knees. It is important to put the female drum correctly - from the side of the leading hand, and also physically feel so that the tool sat tightly and comfortably.
As already mentioned The tool is not academic, so the clear rules of treatment simply do not exist. Even put Bongo on his knees is not a mandatory rule, you can use stands as an alternative. However, there are several recommendations that developed professionals as a result of many years of practice.
Before you start the game, you need to feel the pulse of music, as they say, "Log in" in it. It is perceived intuitively, which comes with experience. But this is not a rhythm and do not beat. Pulse must be chopped on the male drum, hitting the edge of the membrane. Such actions are called tone. After impact, a relaxed hand should immediately bounce, then the sound will be clean and clear. Do not achieve this with a tense hand.
When tone chopping, part of the top of the fingers is used. You can later add a second hand. The female drum has a low sound, so they can easily put accents in the rhythmic pattern.
We give a small list of key beats.
- With an open tone. The top of the palm should be closer to the edge of the membrane. In this case, the fingers should freely bounce. Operons are absent in the open tone. To change the sound, you can move your fingers back or forward within a few centimeters from the center of the drum.
- Slap. It should be slightly hit to fingers to create an accent. The sound will be loud than in the usual impact. After touching the membrane, the fingers need to relax so that they bounce. As a result, the sound will be higher than when you hit the open tone.
- Heel sock. It is necessary to arrange a hand on the membrane. Alternately should use the base of the palms and fingertips. Hand swaying back and forth. With such a strike, the hand is always in contact with the working surface of the drum.
- Basic muffled tone. The blow itself is similar to the first, but the fingers must not bounce off the membrane, but to stay on it. At the same time, the hand relaxes as much as possible (without special movements). The sound will be lightweight, barely audible.
Bongo game is creative. Professionals recommend kneading fingers before starting, as they make the main work. It is just important for starting to take the right position and conveniently take a tool. Next, the musician will pick up the style of the game strictly for itself and the music you want to play.
