The Djembe

The Basics
The Djembe is a hand drum originating out of western Africa. It is shaped like a goblet and the head is usually made out of goatskin. Traditionally it is tuned using a system of ropes, however it can also be tuned using metal rings and bolts, like modern drumset drums.
Technique
Playing a djembe can be both simple and complex. On one hand, there are only 3 notes, however it can take several years to acchieve natural-sounding, fluid rythms
The notes are:
Bass The bass note, the lowest note possible on the instrument.
Played with a relaxed open palm on the center of the drumhead
Djembe solo video from Youtube
Tone The middle note, and is considered to be the "natural" sound of the drum.
Played with a flat hand and all of your fingers together. The base of your fingers should hit the rim of the drum, with your fingertips facing the middle of the drum.
Slap The high note, makes a popping sound.
Played with all fingers held firmly together, the area just below your fingertips should hit the rim of the drum.

The djembe originated in western Africa during the first millennium. Its name comes from the African word for "everyone gather together" which defines its original purpose, to gather a tribe together for various ceremonies. It was introduced to the western world by the French in the 1950's. Since then, it has become somewhat popular in western music, being adopted by such musicians as Incubus and The Grateful Dead, among others, it is also popular among solo percussionists and in drum circles.

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