Latin Music Percussion Instruments You Need to Know
The percussion instruments used in Latin music are essential to creating the signature sound. Here’s a guide to some of the most popular ones.
Cajón
History
The cajón is a Afro-Peruvian music box drum that originates from Peru. It is unclear when exactly the cajón was created, but it is thought to have been developed by slaves in the 1700s who were brought over from Africa. These slaves were not allowed to have traditional percussion instruments, so they created makeshift drums out of crates and boxes. The word “cajón” actually means “box” or “crate” in Spanish.
The cajón became a popular instrument in Afro-Peruvian music, and eventually made its way into other genres of Latin music such as salsa and flamenco. Today, the cajón is played all over the world by musicians of all backgrounds. It is a versatile instrument that can be used for a wide range of sounds and rhythms.
Playing Technique
The cajón is played sitting down with the player straddling the instrument. The front of the cajón is struck with the player’s hands, while the back is left open to produce bass tones by slapping it with the heel of the hand. The slapper is held in a rest position until it’s needed, at which point it’s brought down rapidly onto the drumhead.
Muting the strings can be accomplished by lightly resting the nontuning hand on them. This technique can be used to produce a more expansive sound by dampening the highs and letting the lows ring out.
Conga
The conga, also known as tumbadora, is a Cuban percussion instrument consisting of a single drum with hide or synthetic head. It is usually played with the hands, but can also be played with sticks. The conga is a member of the family of Afro-Cuban drums known as the batá.
History
The conga is a musical instrument of the percussion family that originated in Cuba. It is a tall, narrow, single-headed drum with a slightly flared cylindrical shell. The instrument is played by sitting on the floor and striking the head with the hands in a regular pattern, usually keeping time with claves. Congas are commonly used in Cuba and other parts of Latin America, as well as in salsa and other types of popular music.
Playing Technique
As with most percussion instruments, the basic playing technique for the conga is quite simple. The player stands with the instrument between their legs and strikes the skin with their hands, using various strokes to produce different sounds.
One of the most important aspects of playing the conga is developing a good sense of rhythm. The player must be able to keep time with the music and respond to changes in tempo (speed) and dynamics (loudness or softness).
Players also need to be aware of the other instruments in the band and how their parts fit together. Conga players need to be able to play with other percussionists, as well as musicians playing melody and harmony parts.
Bongos
The bongos are a Latin musical percussion instrument consisting of a pair of small open bottomed drums of different sizes. The larger drum is called the hembra and the smaller drum is called the macho. The bongos are played by striking the drumheads with the hands.
History
The bongo is a tall, single-headed percussion instrument from Cuba. It consists of a conical shell open at both ends, with a drumhead stretched over one end and a cylindrical drumhead stretched over the other. The drumheads are usually made from calfskin or goatskin and are attached to the shell with cords or straps.
The bongo is played with the hands, using a technique known as Frapper (or palm-frapping). This involves striking the drumhead with the palm of the hand and then closing the fingers around it to produce a resonant, percussive sound. The bongo can also be played with sticks, which produces a louder, more forceful sound.
The bongo has a long history in Cuba, where it was originally used in folk music and religious ceremonies. It first came to prominence in the late 19th century as a key component of Cuban son music. In the early 20th century, the instrument became popular in jazz and Latin dance bands. Today, it is widely used in all types of Latin music, including salsa, merengue, rumba, and reggaeton.
Playing Technique
Bongos are drums of Cuban origin. They are played by striking the drumheads with the hands, fingers, or sometimes with sticks. Bongos consists of a pair of small open bottomed drums of different sizes. The smaller drum is called the macho and the larger drum is called the hembra. The player sits between the drums cradling them in their lap so they can be played byalternately striking them with their right and left hand.
Bongos are usually played as part of a band that includes other percussion instruments such as congas, claves, and timbales. Bongos add a Latin flavor to any music they are played with and are commonly used in salsa, Latin Jazz, and Afro-Cuban music.
