Drum Practice Tip #3
May 24, 2010 by · 3 Comments
Use both hands
Once you get comfortable playing a specific rhythm try starting with your other hand. Download a rhythm from the net and change it so it begins with your other hand. For instance, if a rhythm goes like this: Gun Go Do Pa change it to Dun Do Go Ta. Or better yet, try one of the free sample Hand Charts available on our website. There’s a left-hand and right-hand version for most of the rhythms. If you like these hand charts try using our Hand Charts book which includes many popular West African rhythms. Just place your hands where the pictures display the hands. Remember, if the hand icon is black it means Bass note (Gun or Dun), if a white hand it means Tone (Go or Do) and if the hand icon is red then it’s a slap (Pa or Ta). Practice the pattern (starting with your other hand) over and over again until you can do it without the hand chart. Then you’ll be able to play it with either hand and it will make practicing on your djembe more interesting. Your playing will improve as well; your other slaps, tones, and bass will be consistent with your main ones. If you want to push yourself even furthur try playing the complete rhythm only with your strong hand first and then try it with your other hand because when it really comes down to it, it doesn’t really matter how you play it.
Just play it,
Failla Drums
Drum Practice Tip #2
May 12, 2010 by · 3 Comments
Build up your chops with Baba's Warmup!
(Click here for right-handed version)
A great thing to add to your practice routine is a warmup exercise. In Boise we use a popular version of Baba’s Warmup. You can find copies of this routine on the internet or you can download our Graphics version. We’ve included right-hand and left-hand versions in a PDF file. The idea is to play it through once with your strong hand then play it again with your other hand. You can even play it a third time alternating both hands. Play each line 4 times then move on to the next line and keep going until you get to the end. The PDF file is a FREE download and we don’t have a problem with you sharing this file with your drumming buddies. If you practice Baba’s warmup with friends try to make it sound like one drum by listening to others and playing tight. This is a lot of fun and will help build up your chops. Follow up this exercise with the rest of your practice routine everytime and before you know it you’ll be able to play it without a rhythm sheet. If you teach drumming try starting every class with Baba’s Warmup.
If you like this graphics format check out the other FREE samples available on our website. If you want more order a copy of our DRUMMIN’ BUDDIES Hand Charts Book. If you have any trouble try singing the patterns before playing them. If you’re still struggling check out our Animated Rhythms DVD (there’s even a FREE sample video file you can download). If you have any concerns, feedback or questions remember we’d love to hear from you via our contact form.
Drum On!
Failla Drums
Drum Practice Tip #1
May 11, 2010 by · 3 Comments
Practice! That right, practice everyday. Did you know that Jerry Garcia wasn’t satisfied if he didn’t practice at least six hours a day? So the rumor goes anyway. The point is if you want to get better on your musical instrument (in this case it’s a djembe drum) you have to practice daily. And while it’s ok to just play anything on your drum you should push yourself to learn something specific. Learn a new rhythm, rudiments, or fills. If you have a drum teacher practice what they taught you and show them the next class. If you don’t have a teacher search the internet for djembe rhythms or order a copy of our DRUMMIN’ BUDDIES Hand Charts Book or Animated Rhythms DVD. These are all great ways to practice. If you can’t afford either of these items download one or all of our FREE Graphics Rhythm Sheets. A good friend from Chicago once said “If you don’t like how you play your instrument it’s because you’re not practicing.” So practice. Everyday! Everyone will notice, especially you! Oh yeah, and Have fun!
Peace,
Failla Drums
DRUMMIN’ BUDDIES Animated Rhythms now available on Amazon
May 11, 2010 by · Leave a Comment
Now you can order our Animated Rhythms on Amazon.com. Just type in keywords DRUMMIN’ BUDDIES or Animated Rhythms or both and you will find our DVD. Amazon will process the order and build the DVD on-demand. So now there are two ways to get the Animated Rhythms DVD, on Amazon or failladrums.com. Whichever you choose, after you’ve tried it, let us know what you think via our contact form on failladrums.com. We also welcome suggestions for improving our next addition. You can also provide a user review via Amazon’s website. We appreciate your business and look forward to hearing from you. Don’t forget to check our website periodically for hints and tips for improving your drumming skills. You’ll be amazed at how much your drumming skills will improve using the Animated Rhythms DVD for daily practice. Keep drumming and be happy.
Thanks,
Failla Drums
Failla Drums Now Offers Animated Rhythm Sheets for Djembe drummers.
May 4, 2010 by · Leave a Comment
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Boise, ID) – May 4, 2010 – It’s ideas like this that make you wonder “Why did it take so long for such a cool idea?” Animated Rhythm Sheets seem to come to life compared to paper-based rhythm sheets. Try them once and you’ll agree that Animated Rhythm Sheets are a great way to practice playing a djembe drum. Insert the DVD, turn up the volume, pick a rhythm and play along. It’s that easy.
Boise, ID, Monday, April 12, 2010–What do you get when you combine West African rhythm sheets, a metronome, some drumming friends, and some other secret ingredients into a magic box that produces DVDs? Answer: The new DRUMMIN’ BUDDIES Animated Rhythm Sheets DVD from Failla Drums. West African Rhythms vol. 1 includes the following 18 four-minute animated rhythm sheets:
DJLOE, FANGA, FANKANI, GIDAMBA*, HIGHLIFE, KADAN*, KASSA, KUKU, LAMBA, LENGJEN*, MAKRU, MARAKADON*, MORIBAYASSA, SOFA, TORO, TIRIBA*, UHURU*, YANKADI
* 6/8 rhythms
Both beginners and drummers with a little experience can benefit from this innovative practice tool. Simply insert the DVD and begin playing along with a video rhythm sheet, that includes an animated time marker, multiple percussion parts, and high quality audio designed to help drummers practice their parts within the context of the rhythm. Beginners might focus on playing a basic djembe part, whereas someone with experience can practice improvisations, or solos. Regardless, DRUMMIN’ BUDDIES Animated Rhythms can turn boring and ineffective practice routines into fun, quick, and effective daily practice sessions. Practicing a little everyday with animated rhythm sheets is an excellent way to improve hand drumming techniques and the ability and confidence to play well with other drummers.
DRUMMIN’ BUDDIES Animated Rhythms DVD (West African Rhythms vol.1) can also be a valuable practice tool for dunun drummers. Each rhythm includes sanban/bell, kenkeni/bell, and dununba/bell parts that can be used to learn or improve these vital parts of the rhythmic ensemble.
Failla Drums is offering a free sample Animated Rhythm Sheet so drummers can experience the difference of animation. Not only do the rhythm sheets appear to come alive but the two measure loops are like a rhythmic playground allowing drummers to play rides, variations, fills, or solos, or combinations whenever and wherever they want.
For more information or to place an order or to get a free sample Animated Rhythm Sheet go to www.failladrums.com/Animated_Rhythms. Dealer inquiries welcome.
Failla Drums
1717 N. 13th St
Boise, ID 83702
www.failladrums.com
Contact: Luis Cubero, Product Mgr
(208) 585-1636
