How to Play Conga

Conga is a famous percussion instrument that most bands have one. They always join alongside with drummer and rhythm section. As famous as it is, it requires some techniques as well. The popular technique of playing conga is nonetheless but slap. Slap down on the drum in the center with your palm, or tap the outside edges with your fingertips. You'll develop an ear for pitch and different sounds as you progress. There are 5 simple strokes for playing congas. Using 4 fingers near the rim of the drum, you can create a clear, melodic sound.

If you strike the same 4 fingers against the drum and hold them, you create a slightly muffled sound. Bass tones are slightly different in that you use your full palm while beating the drum. Striking in this way can produce a low, soft sound. Alter your beats with finger taps to produce rhythm. Slapping the drum creates a loud, snapping sound. Slapping is one of the hardest strokes to master, as you must cup your hand a specific way in order to create the right sound. Slapping can involve your fingers as well as the heel of your hand, and you can alternate fingers and heel to create a fast beat. This video will show you a Tumbao Latin music rhythms.