Bongos - A Variety of Types and Sizes

Bongos are an Afro-Cuban percussion instrument comprised of a couple of little open bottomed drums of various sizes. In Spanish the bigger drum is known as the hembra (female) and the littler, the macho (male). Together with the conga or tumbadora, and to a lesser degree the batá drum, bongos are the most broad Cuban hand drums, being ordinarily played in various kinds of musical style, for example, Cuban child, salsa and Afro-Cuban jazz.

The origin of the bongo is to a great extent vague. It's utilization was first archived in the Eastern locale of Cuba, the Oriente Province, amid the late nineteenth century, where it was utilized in well-known music styles, for example, nengón, changüí, and their descendent, the Cuban child.



Technique

Bongo drums deliver generally shrill sounds contrasted with conga drums, and ought to be held between the knees. It is frequently played by hand and is particularly related in Cuban music with a consistent example or ostinato of eighth-notes known as the martillo or "sledge". They are customarily played by striking the edge of the drumheads with the fingers and palms.

The glissando utilized with bongó de monte is finished by rubbing the third finger, bolstered by the thumb, over the leader of the drum. The finger is now and again dampened with spit, or sweat before rubbing it over the head. At the point when utilized as a part of craftsmanship music creations they are generally hit with drum sticks. These drums can likewise be played with ensembles and groups.

Structure

Bongo drums, likewise called bongos, are basically little single-headed Afro-Cuban drums. The two heads, which are separately around 5 inches (13 cm) and around 7 inches (18 cm) over, are nailed or pole tensioned to wooden, open-finished "shells" of a similar tallness. Played with the hands and fingers, the drums are burdened together to enable the entertainer to execute vivacious musical discoursed. Bongo drums were made around 1900 in Cuba for Latin American move groups. Other Cuban society drums are additionally called bongos.

Facts

Each drum is an alternate size so you can deliver diverse notes with each side. The most well-known drumheads are made of creature skins, but at the same time they're accessible in thin plastic. The body of the drum is generally wood, metal or even artistic. A straightforward two set of real bongo drums doesn't have a drumhead that can be extended and tuned to deliver distinctive notes. Fancier ones do have flexible heads which are affixed with metal bars. Better quality drums can fit on drum remains for less demanding play. Artists playing live gigs more often than not play with the assistance of a stand.

By utilizing your thumbs, fingertips and the foot rear areas of your hands, you can create diverse notes by striking the head. It's vital to secure the leader of your drum with uncommon "drum oils." If you don't, the air and your hands can ingest the dampness of the drum skin and it can end up plainly dry and split.