No matter whether you are an experienced drummer or an amateur, choosing steel tongue drum is the instrument you have to try. It is not only exotic, some drummers consider it meditating and relaxing. While humankind has played music since the very beginning, drums were the first instruments they’ve tried. The sound of the tongue drum sends us back to these ancient times when people played with bare hands. Meanwhile, the instrument itself is the creation of the modern era, made from propane cylinders in the 2000s. Nowadays, you can find compact models in a variety of colors.
About Tongue Drums
A tongue drum is also known as a steel tongue drum or hank drum. It is one of the latest musical instruments that belong to the percussion family. The sounds are created by the vibration of its surface. The instrument was inspired by classic drums, tambiro, and slit drums. This drum is well-spread among yoga teachers and meditation classes. It is widely used in the sound therapy process. Musicians add tongue drums to make the melody richer or deeper.
Making a Choice
It is recommended to consider several factors before you order the instrument. Read them and pay attention to the most crucial features. Choose the drum that is most suitable for you:
- Scale. The first thing you have to pay attention to is scale. There are different types of them, including C major, Akebono, E minor, chromatic, diatonic, and pentatonic. Make research and check the sounds of each of them in advance. You can do it on YouTube. Keep in mind that major provides always happy and uplifting sounds, while minor may sound deeper and sadder. C sharp is usually considered to be melancholic. Akebono suits the best for meditations. If you can’t decide which scale you want, look for the double-sided or tunable model;
- The pitch. This is another feature to consider. The standard tune has 444 Hz, 440 Hz, or 432 Hz. The lower pitch is 432 Hz, and the higher is 444Hz. Yet, you can choose the golden middle, which is the most compatible with other musical instruments;
- The look. There are lots of variations of tongue drums available on the market. You may choose the color you want, the shape, and even the weight. Usually, the vivid colors are on demand. If you use the tongue drum for meditation you may like this instrument in the shape of a lotus flower. Some models are decorated with ropes. Choose the one you like the most;
- The level. There are different options for different levels of your skills. If you are a beginner, there are simpler tongue drum models. If you buy it for a child, there are models created specifically for children with lighter weights and smaller surfaces. If you want to travel a lot, you need your drum to be light and made of high-quality durable material.
Find Your Perfect Drum
The unique emotions you experience listening to the tongue drum make it one of the most popular instruments for relaxation. Read these tips and find the best drum for you, learn how to play it, and amaze your audience. Pick the one you like the most.
