Drum Lessons – Bongo

As I was searching the internet for bongo drum lessons, I was amazed at how many people were giving out horrible information. It seems like anybody can call themselves an expert and upload a video to youtube. I saw people holding the instrument the wrong way (on their lap, instead of between their legs), some that could not keep a beat, and others trying to demonstrate rhythms on single shell kid’s instruments. The best videos I found for this instrument come from Trevor Salloum who has authored several books under Mel Bay Publications. Some terms that may come up when playing are hembra and macho. Hembra refers to the larger diameter shell while macho is the smallest.

The first video focuses on the Martillo, considered to be the most basic rhythm in Cuban music.



The second video focuses on the Repique rhythm. Here you accent macho (the small one) on the upbeat after 4 (&).



The final video demonstrates bossa nova rhythms.



If you prefer to learn through written material, check out some of the books available below.

Instructional Books