Percussion
Percussion Instruments, Congas and CajonsThe world of percussion instruments is unbelievable. The modern percussionist must have as many sounds as possible down pat in order to characterize the various rhythms from various parts of the world authentically. Naturally you have to take the first step first even if professionals travel with bags full of bits and pieces.
Serious percussionists should know how to play traditional grooves on the Cuban Conga and bonga or the African djembe. But in this case the authentic sounds result from the excellent, but unfortunately very rare skins these instruments should have.
Diverse small percussion instruments like all kinds of shakers, rattels, tambourines, claves and cowbells can complement the setup. But no matter how much you like playing, you should never forget that each of these instruments has it´s own technique. Therefore you should a least take a look at the history and culture of every country of origin to understand more about the play.
The cajon can be concidered one of the most modern percussion instruments of our time. The square wooden box with its integrated snare can imitate a drum-set especially during unpugged performances.
United Kingdom