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| In the first installment of his new instructional article series, Dan outlines basic tambourine performance techniques, including: grip, stroke, articulation, rolls and more. The corresponding photos, and video demonstration of select techniques, provide another level of tutorial with close up, over-the-shoulder and wide angle shots.
For a more "print friendly" version of the outline, click the link below. |
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| Grip & Finger Positions... | |||||
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Grip the tambourine with either hand on the area of the shell with no jingles, at chest level (Using the non-dominant hand to grip will allow the dominant hand to execute rhythmic patterns freely) Place the thumb on the top of the rim and let the fingers curl around the shell under the head Avoid placing fingers in the hole Maintain a relaxed grip |
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Angle of the holding-position will also determine its dryness & amount of ringing (45-degrees is a good starting position; vertical yields a wet sound; horizontal/upside down results in a dry sound) |
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| Stroke, Articulation & Timbre... | ||||||
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Form the hand/fingers as if getting a pinch of salt Vary the amount of finger contact on the head Strive for dry quality strokes Dynamic levels, articulation, speed, and timbre, determine where to strike the tambourine |
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Playing positions on the top head may vary from edge to center (notice the difference in color) Soft sounds can be achieved by playing towards the edge using thumb and index fingers Increase the amount of fingers based on volume Playing in the direct center may yield a 'dead sound' |
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| Rolls... | |||||
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Shake Rolls are executed by holding the tambourine vertically to 45-degrees, allowing the jingles to vibrate, either hand, rotating the wrist (similar to traditional snare drum grip in either hand) Shake rolls should have a clear attack and release; no accents (unless specified); multiple levels of volume will be determined by instrument angle, amount of rotation Articulation may be achieved through snapping the wrist down at the conclusion of the roll, or at the beginning of the roll |
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| Thumb/finger Rolls: hold the tambourine in a vertical position (degree of angle may vary) with a loose grip so the tambourine may vibrate
Position your thumb or middle finger back/stiff. Follow the outer circumference of the tambourine, and make sure your finger is pointed. Lightly rub the edge with your finger, being careful not apply too-much pressure to the head Applying bee's wax or bass rosin to the head will allow friction for your thumb/fingers on the roll. Moistening the finger will also allow friction to exist When using middle finger, support with thumb; you may release with finger tip or heel of hand |
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| Knee & Fist Technique... | |||
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Commonly used techniques to play rapid passages include alternating between the knee and fist Elevate knee by placing the right foot on a chair or stool. Hold the instrument upside down in the left hand and alternate strokes between knee and fist Hold the fist approximately 12-inches from knee and use arm to create an up-down motion between your knee and fist. The wrist should stay stiff, and the hand and knee should strike the center of the head Strive for an even-sound between knee and fist Match the sticking pattern of a snare drum for phrasing |
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