How to Play Rebana (Malaysian Frame Drum)

Rebana is a Malaysia percussion instrument that being played in an ensemble only for one particular performing art called “Dikir Barat”. The performance itself is performed by sitting on the ground and it goes the same for the rebana player. When a player sit, his or her right knee must be placed in the rebana shell to make an open and closed head.

By slapping on the skin with closed finger and the right knee is off the inside head, the method will produce an open tone. Otherwise, when right knee is on the inside head of rebana can dampen the sound and creates a closed stroke. Right hand is the dominant hand for slapping the instrument while left hand is just for finger hit on ghost notes. This video will show you the full lesson of how to play rebana.