Talking Drum Performance Style

Talking Drum Performance Style

There are 3 basic techniques used in playing the talking drum:

1. The stick produces the main beats.
2. The left hand fingers tap out secondary beats.
3. The left arm squeezes the drum, which varies the drum's pitch. Note there are strings running down the length of the drum. These connect the two skin heads (top and bottom). Applying pressure to these strings raises the pitch of the drum. Releasing them lowers the pitch.
   
   
   Video Clip: Performance by Ayan Bisi Adeleke playing the Dun Dun (talking drum).
   
    

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