DJEMBE LEVEL 1: HOMEWORK
Welcome to the Djembe Level 1 Homework section! Here, you'll find essential hints, tips, and exercises to support your Djembe journey. Explore our resources and enhance your skills as you dive into the world of Djembe playing!
01 Practise Pattern
Applying bass and tone to a djembe practise pattern.
Focus: Technique, stamina and tempo.
Tip: Cruise into meditation...
Be aware of the way you are lifting and dropping the arms... Feel the bounce in the bass and contact on fingertips.
02 Classic Pattern
Applying bass and tone to a classic djembe pattern.
Focus: Technique, stamina.
Tip: Start with right hand on bass... Bring that same hand back for the first tone (R,R,L,R,R,L,R,R,L,R)
Then start with the left hand!
03 One Handed Clapping
Exercise to get suppleness in fingers.
Focus: Get a free movement happening from fingers.
Tip: Set wrist in a locking position because we don't want the wrists to really get involved in this movement.
04 Slap Technique (without pain)
To get the slap sound we are working around the edge of the drum… The danger zone!
Focus: Technique.
Tip: Position our palms on the edge of the drum in a resting position. Open your fingers out and have them pointing upwards TO THE SKY.
05 Warm Up Exercise
Bass, bass, tone, tone, slap, slap, tone, tone (repeat)
Focus: Stamina and unison… Not speed!
Tip: As you are doing it, think of that sense of gravity for bass and tone... And that suppleness and freedom in the fingers for the slap.
06 Tone & Slap Exercise
When learning slap, it’s important to revert back to the tone so you can check that you are getting contrast between the two.
Focus: Technique... Open and closed finger positions.
Tip: Play around with the two sounds with both hands.
07 Phrasing
Phrasing in music is how a musician shapes notes to convey a musical idea. Similar to how a speaker emphasises words or changes their speed to make a story more interesting…
Using the Kassa Groove, experiment with phrasing: 2 slaps, 2 tones, 2 slaps… 2 slaps, 2 tones, 2 slaps, bass
Elements to consider: Phrasing involves dynamics, articulation, & timing...
Focus: Check out how I applied phrasing to the Kassa Groove to create a different story expression from beginning to end.
Tip: Imagine having a conversation with yourself and explore how you would change expression using phrasing.
08 Populaire
A classic djembe pattern with an important role to play in a Djembe ensemble…Because it’s a constant pulse.
The right hand is the driver… Left is adding the extras. 

So the coordination between left & right is really important!
Let’s break it down…
3 Slaps: Right, left right… Right, left right…

Next, add a tone in with your right hand:
Right, left right, Tone… Right, left right, Tone…
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Now add an extra tone with your left hand:
Right, left right, Tone Tone… Right, left right, Tone Tone…
Slap, slap slap, tone tone… Slap, slap slap, tone tone…
Focus: Make sure we lead with right hand, don’t slip!
Tip: Make sure you have a clear difference of sound between tones and slaps.
09 Ghost Notes
"Ghost notes" on a djembe refer to very softly played notes, almost like a whisper, played in between the main accented beats, creating a subtle rhythmic texture without a strong, defined sound.
Using An Easy Pattern To Jam To: "Peanut Butter Sandwich"
Elements to consider: Essentially, it's a way to add a light, almost "ghostly" presence to the rhythm by hitting the drum with minimal force, often used to fill in gaps within a pattern and enhance the overall groove.
Focus: On ghost notes, phrasing and adding variation.
Tip: These rhythms have alternating hand patterns.
10 Gotta Go Home Pattern
Another alternating hand pattern rhythm with ghost notes.
Elements to consider: It's about letting go and adding variations naturally.
Focus: Make sure we lead with right hand and alternate!
Tip: The key is the ghost notes, they are marker notes, not open notes…
11 Sinte Rhythm (Part 1)
Sinte Rhythm (Part 1)
A traditional celebratory rhythm from Guinea in West Africa
We will start with the Call, Break and Djembe1.
The practise video is segmented in slow motion for easy following.
Call: SS SS, Flam (Tone), TT TTɉ۬(Kata kata pre ti ti ti ti)
Break: BSSS… BSSS… BTT BTT BTT BTT…
D1: TT SB SB SBS (X4)ɉ۬
Elements to consider: Concentrate on which hand leads in each segment as this will make things easier in the long run!
Focus: On differentiating tone and slap sounds.
Tip: With Djembe 1 part, keep bass hand in the middle of drum ready to strike!
12 Sinte Rhythm (Part 2)
Djembe Part 2
We will now add Djembe 2.
The practise video is segmented in slow motion for easy following.
Djembe 2: TTT SS... TTT SBS... (X4)
Elements to consider: Each time you start the tones, start with your lead hand, regardless of what you just played before it!
Focus: On differentiating tone and slap sounds.
Tip: With the second part of Djembe 2 (TTT SBS), the bass is struck with the non dominant hand so it's a fast action from slap to bass.​​
Now let's start from the beginning and add Djembe 2.
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Call: SS SS, Flam (Tone), TT TTɉ۬(Kata kata pre ti ti ti ti)
Break: BSSS… BSSS… BTT BTT BTT BTT…
D1: TT SB SB SBS (X4)ɉ۬
D2: TTT SS... TTT SBS... (X4)...
​Tip: Break the parts down into segments and master one segment at a time before moving on and practise at a slow tempo (like in the video) before mastering and speeding up!
13 Sinte Rhythm (Solo 1)
Sinte Rhythm (Solo 1)
The solo is a bit more technical and would be played for the dancers.
Solo: SSTTSSTTSSTT, SSS, TT… BBB…
Focus: On the rhythm.
Tip: Say it to play it!.. Say the rhythm over and over first so it sits!​
Now let's break it down!
SSTTSSTTSSTT… Lead on dominant hand and alternate... 3 times SSTT...
SSS TT… Lead on dominant hand for 3 slaps… Then Tones, lead on dominant hand
BBB… Lead hand, 3 x Bass
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Elements to consider: Concentrate on which hand leads in each segment as this will make things easier in the long run!
Focus: On the rhythm.
Tip: Have fun and exagerate the striking patterns, this will help with the overall playing of the Sinte.
14 Deku Deku
This is the Deku Deku video you asked for...
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Elements to consider: We adapted it slightly in our workshop as we had timing issues but you'll get the general rhythm and idea!
Focus: On not focusing too much and having fun!
15 Play-Along Backing Track
Baga Gine Djun Rhythm Pattern
This track is a traditional African rhythm at a set tempo that by design, leaves space for you to try out lead lines or supporting lines using your Djembe or any instrument.
Build a rhythm by telling a story!
Elements to consider: Concentrate on the basics, building a 3 part story...
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A foundation (beginning)
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A Variation (middle)
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A free flowing variation (end)
Focus: Structure and timing... So try doing 4 rounds of each part to start!.. And keep time with the backing track!
Tip: In creating a structure you will avoid playing chaotically and build on having that feeling of safety in knowing what you are doing!
Once you are comfortable with parts 1, 2 and 3, play around with them to experiment on telling a bigger/longer story!
Now try a completely new story!
Kuku Rhythm: Guinea, West Africa
In this section, you will be learning 4 elements of the Kuku rhythm
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The Call in/out/break
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1st Accompaniment
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2nd Accompaniment
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Basic Solo
16 Kuku Rhythm: (Call in/out/break)
Callin/out/break: This pattern can be used to start, stop or signal a break in the rhythm.
Phrasing: Flam ta ta ta, ta ta ta ta
All tones!
Starts with a flam (tone)... And then all tones!
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Focus: After the flam, the tones start with your dominant hand.
But be aware of the hand formation on the 4th tone which is also your dominant hand!
Tip: Start super slow and build on your tempo once comfortable that you have the correct hand formation.
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17 Kuku Rhythm: 1st Accompaniment
1st Accompaniment
When we say 1st accompaniment we mean the higher drum, not the soloist but the first accompaniment player.
There is only 4 notes: Slap, bass and 2 tones.
Starts with a slap with your dominant hand... Then alternate the hands!
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Focus: On the phrasing and most importantly that the slap comes in before the beat!
Tip: Count yourself in from 5,6,7,8... Like in the video to get the correct phrasing and timing.
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18 Kuku Rhythm: 2nd Accompaniment
2nd Accompaniment
So it's a little bit lower in pitch than the 1st part.
The Djembes want to work together, higher pitch, lower pitch!
This part we start with 2 tones... Then a slap... And repeat it!
Starting with our dominant hand and then alternating!
Phrasing: Tone tone, slap... Tone tone, slap...
The tones are on the beat!
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Focus: On the phrasing: Tone tone, slap... Tone tone, slap...
Remember: Say it to play it!
Tip: Start super slow to achieve the correct sound from tone to slap and then build on your tempo once comfortable that you have the correct hand format!
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19 Kuku Rhythm: Solo
Solo
This is a basic Djembe Solo idea...
First we will just isolate the sounds...
So a simple rhythm on just slaps... Then the same rhythm on tone... And then add the bass!
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Focus: This is a good solo exercise that enables you to not have to think too much... You have a rhythmic idea that you play on slap, tone and bass.
Tip: Explore this solo pattern with different variations and have fun with it!
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The Language of the Djembe: ABC's
In this section, you will be learning the language of the Djembe.
​The "language of the djembe" refers to its complex system of distinct sounds (bass, tone, slap, ghost notes) and rhythms that tell stories, express emotion, and facilitate communication.
Players learn this language by mastering the unique tones and rhythmic patterns, often vocalising syllables (like "pa," "ta") to internalise complex rhythms, creating a "conversation" between drums.
20 Pa Ta Pa/Bom Ta:
We will be using rhythmic "Words" (Patterns):
Different combinations, variations and sequences of these sounds form rhythmic phrases, much like words and sentences.​
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Focus: On vocalising whilst playing so it sits in your body!
Tip: Start super slow and build on your tempo once comfortable that you have the correct hand formation and are able to vocalise the pattern.
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21 Pa Ta Pa/Bom Pa:
Have fun with this exercise...
Just follow with fluidity and see how easy it sits when you relax into it!
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22 Open & Closed Bom Pa's:
Open Bom Pa
Play the Bom & Pa as open notes, releasing your hand from the drum after each strike!
Closed Bom Pa
Mute the notes by leaving your hand on the drum after the strike.​
Focus: On the different higher and lower pitch in sounds.
Remember: Say it to play it!.. Keep on vocalising!
Tip: Start super slow to achieve the correct technique and then build on your tempo once comfortable!
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23 Tra Pa Ta/Pa Ta:
Tra = Flam
This is a basic Djembe pattern...
Focus: This is a good meditative exercise that enables you to not have to think too much.
Tip: Isolate the sounds!
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24 Tra Pa Ta-Pa Ta/Bom Bom:
Here you will experiment with rhythmic "Words" (Patterns):
Trying different combinations and sequences of sounds to form rhythmic phrases, using varied timing!​
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Focus: On your timing... Allow it to breathe where it makes sense to!
Tip: Remain fluid in body and try not to anticipate what's coming next but rather simply adjust to knowing that you will be able to play it!
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25 Mix It Up: Hand Formation
Now that you have the ABC's of the language down...
Try to concentrate on your hand placement and formation...​
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Focus: On what the easiest route is to position your hands for the next strike!
Tip: Play what feels right and comfortable for you whilst keeping to the rules!
26 Sing-A-Long:
Open yourself up to the different variations of the phrasing we have used, experiment and have fun...
This is a guided 'Sing-A-Long' exercise... But you can form your own patterns and build rhytms using the same format!​
Focus: Say it to play it!.. Keep on vocalising!
Tip: Don't forget to SMILE!
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27 Pattern 1
Let's practise a simple rhythmic pattern, using tone, bass and slap.
First using the ABC's of Djembe before transitioning into the correct tones... And then adding ghost notes!
Pattern: TTTTB… B…SSS
Focus: On the timing.
Tip: Say it to play it!.. Say the rhythm over and over first so it sits!​
28 Yankadi (Part 1)
This is the first part of the Yankadi rhythm...
The hits are: BB - S - BB - TT
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Elements to consider: We start with our least dominant hand.
Start slow and when you build in confidence, increase tempo!
Focus: Hand formation to obtain correct sound: LR - R - LR - LR
Tip: You can use this rhythm to meditate to, building on stamina!
29 Yankadi (Part 2)
This is the second part of the Yankadi rhythm...
The hits are: BB - S - SB - TT
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Elements to consider: We're simply replacing the 3rd bass note with a slap!
We start with our least dominant hand.
Start slow and when you build in confidence, increase tempo!
Focus: Hand formation to obtain correct sound: LR - R - LR - LR
Tip: You can use this rhythm to meditate to, building on stamina!
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Exercise: Try moving between Patterns 1 & 2, alternating and tuning into the difference in sound that one small change can make!
30 Kassa (Part 1)
This is the first part of the Kassa rhythm...
The hits are: S - SS - TTS - BSSBTT
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Elements to consider: We start with our dominant hand.
Focus: On ALTERNATING the hand formation... Literally alternating hands!
S - SS - TTS - BSSBTT
R - LR - LRL - RLRLRL
Tip: Start slow and when you build in confidence, increase tempo!
31 Kassa (Part 2)
Have
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Elements to consider: Where to come in... You have 2 options!
Focus: Obtaining the correct phrasing.
Tip: Revisit exercise No.7 to refresh on the phrasing of this part!
32 Kassa Rhythm Exercises
Have fun playing along to these Kassa rhythm exercises.
Use each part to play along with the other part and try the interchange exercises.
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Elements to consider: Where to come in.
Focus: Obtaining the correct phrasing.
Tip: Revisit exercises No.30/31 to refresh on the phrasing of this part!