Top 8 Best Hand Drums for Beginners

*Image credit: Clem Onojeghuo on Unsplash*

Hand drums have been a significant part of our history and culture for centuries. Being extremely versatile, they used to serve as communication tools, cultural identity, and religious practices. Unlike the drum set that has drumsticks as a tool, these instruments are dependent on the user’s hands to produce sound. Catering to all skill levels, there’s a hand drum for everyone. In this article, we’ll be exploring 8 best hand drums for beginners to help kickstart your percussion journey.

Djembe

Known for its rich sound and complex rhythm, the djembe is a popular drum that originated 800 years ago in West Africa. Once played by men in ensembles, it has since evolved into a solo instrument in Western music. Its goblet-shaped and rope-tuned skin produces a wide range of tones that make it ideal for both beginners and experienced players to explore different sounds. The MEINL Percussion brand creates great entry-level djembe that are known for their durability and sound quality.

Cajón

*Image credit:* Pierre Goiffon on Unsplash

Quickly gaining popularity in different music genres, the cajón is a great replacement for drums in an acoustic set. This box-shaped percussion originated from Peru and is played by slapping the front or rear faces with your hands. Sometimes, percussionists would even play the instruments with brushes, mallets, or sticks. Cajóns from MEINL percussion and Pyle Pro are great for both beginners and experienced percussionists.

Conga

*Image credit:* Osarugue Igbinoba on Unsplash

The conga is one of the best hand drums for beginners. It is a tall and narrow single-headed drum that originated from Cuba. There are three types of Congas: Quito (lead drum, highest), tres dos/tres golpes (middle), and tumba/salidor (lowest). Unlike the cajón, the conga is usually played in sets of two to four. Although it can be slightly pricey, Congas from Latin Percussion and NINO Percussion are great brands for interested percussionists.

Bongos

Having a rich cultural heritage, the Bongo can be traced back to the Afro-Cuban music scene in the late 19th century. These small, high-pitched drums are played in pairs, creating sounds that are distinct and versatile for many genres which makes it one of the best hand drums. Beginners can consider getting a Bongo from MEINL Percussion or Remo Rhythm Club that’s known for their good sound and durability.

Udu

Uniquely looking, the Udu drum is shaped like a water jug with a hole in the middle. Legend has it, that the Udu drum was accidentally made due to the hole that was punched on a side. Instead of throwing it away, the owner started drumming the water jug. Today, the Udu widely used by percussionists from different music genres, becoming one of the best hand drums for beginners. You can find a Udu drum from Latin Percussion or MEINL Percussion.

Bodhrán

Believed to be used in rural celebrations and rituals, the bodhrán has deep roots in Irish culture that dates back to ancient times. With the rise of Irish folk music, the bodhrán has become increasingly popular during the 20th century. It is a single-headed frame drum that’s usually rested on the musician’s knee and hit with a double-ended stick known as a tipper or a bone. Interested musicians can get their drums from Waltons and MEINL Percussion.

Handpan

Known as a subset of the steelpan, the handpan offers a unique and melodic playing experience. Unlike drums, it has an ethereal sound and intuitive playing surface that relaxes listeners. Handpans from Aura, Acolyte, or Symphonic Steel are great for beginners. Although they are known to be pricey, the sound quality and uniqueness of the handpan are worth the price.

Frame Drum

The frame drum is one of the most ancient and versatile hand drums making it one of the best hand drums for beginners. It is one of the most ancient instruments and may be the first drum to be invented. They are incredibly versatile and can either be played solo or in an ensemble. MEINL Percussion and Remo Rhythm Club sells great frame drums for beginners.

The next step when learning an instrument is to get yourself familiarised with music theory. If learning music theory by yourself proves to be difficult, try attending a music school.

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24 July 2024