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Atabaque

Sambapedia
Atabaque - correct pronunciation

Tips and tricks

Maintenance

The Atabaques are made using the traditional barrel construction method. Staves sawn into shape are joined together and glued by metal hoops. These barrel hoops give the drum body additional support. It is worth checking the fit of the metal rings from time to time and, if necessary, reattaching them firmly to the drum with a few hammer blows.

If the Atabaque has a tensioning system with tensioning hooks, it is advisable to use a little oil from time to time to maintain the smooth running of the nuts.

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Atabaque Lê 90cm
Tiao do Atabaque
Atabaque Lê 90cm
Handmade atabaque 90 cm - Lê (small size)The Atabaque is the traditional Brazilian handdrum. Its home is in the Candomblé and it usually is played in a set of 3 - Lê , Rumpi and Rum. But it is also found in Capoeira and Samba de Roda, where it gives the rhythms its soulful sounds.In the ritual drumset of 3, this Atabaque is the Lê, the smallest size drum. Our atabaques are manufactured in one of the most known ateliers of Rio de Janeiro, handmade one by one. The art of building them has been passed on over many years. A solid shell and well selected skins in the right thickness are what make the atabaques sound in their typical warm and open way.The instrument comes with a simple iron stand.Dimensions:Instrument height without stand: approx. 90cmInstrument height with stand: approx. 110cmDiameter of head: approx. 9,5''Due to all instruments of this series being artisanally manufactured, some small deviations may occur.___Resetting Atabaque Rings – A Quick GuideTemperature and humidity fluctuations (e.g., indoor heating in winter) can cause the wood to shrink, loosening the rings on your atabaque – this is normal and easy to fix.How to reset the rings:✔ Tools: A flat old file or a piece of hard wood (e.g., oak) and a small hammer.✔ Technique: Work from top to bottom (from the smaller towards the larger diameter), positioning the tool at a fairly vertical angle, almost parallel to the atabaque’s body, to avoid damage. Tap the ring evenly all around. Do not force or tilt too much – the ring should remain parallel to the ground. The better the contact with the body, the more stable the tension.Why is this necessary?Resetting rings is a traditional technique from barrel-making – just like old beer or wine barrels, where metal rings need to be tapped back into place when the wood dries.Gaps between the staves?If the Atabaque shrinks and the rings come loose, tension is lost, causing gaps between the staves. Resetting the rings restores stability and keeps the body together. 

€347.00
Atabaque Capoeira 75cm
Mestre Negao
Atabaque Capoeira 75cm
Traditional atabaque de Capoeira 75 cm with rope tuning Beautiful, hand worked unique pieces made of solid wood planks and sisal ropes. Atabaques are Brazilian hand drums with a rich tradition and African roots. In Brazil atabques are played in Capoeira and ritual Candomblê music. The rope tuning system is especially popular amongst capoeiristas. You can tune the drum by knocking in or loosening the wooden wedges held by a metal hoop. The body is built in traditional barrel style and is boardered by several iron hoops on different levels. The atabaques are made one by one, very nice quality and solid artinsan work by Mestre Negão who manufactures them in his small workshop in São Paulo. Mestre Negão is Capoeirista and instrument builder making exceptional skills. In no more than a small room of his house he creates a lovely selection of beautiful instruments. The atabaques have hand picked, partly shaven skins, solid bodies and a wooden stand with rubber edge that goes with the drum.Dimensions:Instrument height without stand: approx. 75cmInstrument height with stand: approx. 94cmDiameter of head: approx. 9,5''Due to all instruments of this series being artisanally manufactured, some small deviations may occur._____Resetting Atabaque Rings – A Quick GuideTemperature and humidity fluctuations (e.g., indoor heating in winter) can cause the wood to shrink, loosening the rings on your atabaque – this is normal and easy to fix.How to reset the rings:✔ Tools: A flat old file or a piece of hard wood (e.g., oak) and a small hammer.✔ Technique: Work from top to bottom (from the smaller towards the larger diameter), positioning the tool at a fairly vertical angle, almost parallel to the atabaque’s body, to avoid damage. Tap the ring evenly all around. Do not force or tilt too much – the ring should remain parallel to the ground. The better the contact with the body, the more stable the tension.Why is this necessary?Resetting rings is a traditional technique from barrel-making – just like old beer or wine barrels, where metal rings need to be tapped back into place when the wood dries.Gaps between the staves?If the Atabaque shrinks and the rings come loose, tension is lost, causing gaps between the staves. Resetting the rings restores stability and keeps the body together.  

€489.99
Skin for atabaque, 49cm unmounted
Tiao do Atabaque
Skin for atabaque, 49cm unmounted
Skin for atabaque, diameter approx. 50cm - unmounted (without ring), thickness approx. 0.6 mm

€33.32
Atabaque Rum 11''x120cm with stand
Gope
Atabaque Rum 11''x120cm with stand
Atabaque 120 cm - Rum (biggest size, lowest voice) with wood standAtabaques are commonly found in Candomblé - the ritual drumming of Brazil's heritage. The traditional Brazilian hand drums are usually played in a set of three voices: Lê , Rumpi , Rum. But also in Capoeira or in Samba de Roda one can find atabaques. In the set, this atabaque is a Rum, the largest size used for the lowest voice.The atabaques are solidly built and can be used for many different music styles. A simple wooden shell and carefully picked skins in the right strength help feature the atabaque's typical warm and open sound.A simple wooden stand comes with the instrument.Dimensions:Instrument height without stand: approx. 127cmInstrument height with stand: approx. 139cm_____Resetting Atabaque Rings – A Quick GuideTemperature and humidity fluctuations (e.g., indoor heating in winter) can cause the wood to shrink, loosening the rings on your atabaque – this is normal and easy to fix.How to reset the rings:✔ Tools: A flat old file or a piece of hard wood (e.g., oak) and a small hammer.✔ Technique: Work from top to bottom (from the smaller towards the larger diameter), positioning the tool at a fairly vertical angle, almost parallel to the atabaque’s body, to avoid damage. Tap the ring evenly all around. Do not force or tilt too much – the ring should remain parallel to the ground. The better the contact with the body, the more stable the tension.Why is this necessary?Resetting rings is a traditional technique from barrel-making – just like old beer or wine barrels, where metal rings need to be tapped back into place when the wood dries.Gaps between the staves?If the Atabaque shrinks and the rings come loose, tension is lost, causing gaps between the staves. Resetting the rings restores stability and keeps the body together.

€398.00
Atabaque Rumpi 10''x100cm with stand
Gope
Atabaque Rumpi 10''x100cm with stand
Atabaque 100cm - Rumpi (medium voice) with wood standAtabaques are commonly found in Candomblé - the ritual drumming of Brazil's heritage. The traditional Brazilian hand drums are usually played in a set of three voices: Lê , Rumpi , Rum. But also in Capoeira or a Samba de Roda one can find atabaques. In the set, this atabaque is a Rumpi which plays the middle voice.The atabaques are solidly built and can be used for many different music styles. A simple wooden shell and carefully picked skins in the right strength help feature the atabaque's typical warm and open sound.A simple wooden stand comes with the instrument.Dimensions:Instrument height without stand: approx. 97cmInstrument height with stand: approx. 117cm___Resetting Atabaque Rings – A Quick GuideTemperature and humidity fluctuations (e.g., indoor heating in winter) can cause the wood to shrink, loosening the rings on your atabaque – this is normal and easy to fix.How to reset the rings:✔ Tools: A flat old file or a piece of hard wood (e.g., oak) and a small hammer.✔ Technique: Work from top to bottom (from the smaller towards the larger diameter), positioning the tool at a fairly vertical angle, almost parallel to the atabaque’s body, to avoid damage. Tap the ring evenly all around. Do not force or tilt too much – the ring should remain parallel to the ground. The better the contact with the body, the more stable the tension.Why is this necessary?Resetting rings is a traditional technique from barrel-making – just like old beer or wine barrels, where metal rings need to be tapped back into place when the wood dries.Gaps between the staves?If the Atabaque shrinks and the rings come loose, tension is lost, causing gaps between the staves. Resetting the rings restores stability and keeps the body together. 

€369.00
Atabaque Lê 9''x80cm with stand
Gope
Atabaque Lê 9''x80cm with stand
Atabaque  80cm - Lê (high voice) with wood standAtabaques are commonly found in Candomblé - the ritual drumming of Brazil's heritage. The traditional Brazilian hand drums are usually played in a set of three voices: Lê , Rumpi , Rum. But also in Capoeira or in Samba de Roda one can find atabaques. In the set, this atabaque is a Lê, thus the smallest size.The atabaques are solidly built and can be used for many different music styles. A simple wooden shell and carefully picked skins in the right strength help feature the atabaque's typical warm and open sound.A simple wooden stand comes with the instrument.Dimensions:Instrument height without stand: approx. 77cmInstrument height with stand: approx. 85cm___Resetting Atabaque Rings – A Quick GuideTemperature and humidity fluctuations (e.g., indoor heating in winter) can cause the wood to shrink, loosening the rings on your atabaque – this is normal and easy to fix.How to reset the rings:✔ Tools: A flat old file or a piece of hard wood (e.g., oak) and a small hammer.✔ Technique: Work from top to bottom (from the smaller towards the larger diameter), positioning the tool at a fairly vertical angle, almost parallel to the atabaque’s body, to avoid damage. Tap the ring evenly all around. Do not force or tilt too much – the ring should remain parallel to the ground. The better the contact with the body, the more stable the tension.Why is this necessary?Resetting rings is a traditional technique from barrel-making – just like old beer or wine barrels, where metal rings need to be tapped back into place when the wood dries.Gaps between the staves?If the Atabaque shrinks and the rings come loose, tension is lost, causing gaps between the staves. Resetting the rings restores stability and keeps the body together.

€322.00
Atabaque Capoeira 90cm
Mestre Negao
Atabaque Capoeira 90cm
Traditional atabaque de Capoeira 90cm with rope tuning Beautiful, hand worked unique pieces made of solid wood planks and sisal ropes. Atabaques are Brazilian hand drums with a rich tradition and African roots. In Brazil atabques are played in Capoeira and ritual Candomblê music. The rope tuning system is especially popular amongst capoeiristas. You can tune the drum by knocking in or loosening the wooden wedges held by a metal hoop with a wood or rubber hammer. The body is built in traditional barrel style and is boardered by several iron hoops on different levels. The atabaques are made one by one, very nice quality and solid artinsan work by Mestre Negão who manufactures them in his small workshop in São Paulo. Mestre Negão is Capoeirista and instrument builder making exceptional skills. In no more than a small room of his house he creates a lovely selection of beautiful instruments. The atabaques have hand picked, partly shaven skins, solid bodies and a wooden stand with rubber edge that goes with the drum.Dimensions:Instrument height without stand: approx. 90cmInstrument height with stand: approx. 110cmDiameter of head: approx. 9,5''Due to all instruments of this series being artisanally manufactured, some small deviations may occur._____Resetting Atabaque Rings – A Quick GuideTemperature and humidity fluctuations (e.g., indoor heating in winter) can cause the wood to shrink, loosening the rings on your atabaque – this is normal and easy to fix.How to reset the rings:✔ Tools: A flat old file or a piece of hard wood (e.g., oak) and a small hammer.✔ Technique: Work from top to bottom (from the smaller towards the larger diameter), positioning the tool at a fairly vertical angle, almost parallel to the atabaque’s body, to avoid damage. Tap the ring evenly all around. Do not force or tilt too much – the ring should remain parallel to the ground. The better the contact with the body, the more stable the tension.Why is this necessary?Resetting rings is a traditional technique from barrel-making – just like old beer or wine barrels, where metal rings need to be tapped back into place when the wood dries.Gaps between the staves?If the Atabaque shrinks and the rings come loose, tension is lost, causing gaps between the staves. Resetting the rings restores stability and keeps the body together.

€587.00
Skip product gallery
Atabaque Lê 9''x80cm with stand
Gope
Atabaque Lê 9''x80cm with stand
Atabaque  80cm - Lê (high voice) with wood standAtabaques are commonly found in Candomblé - the ritual drumming of Brazil's heritage. The traditional Brazilian hand drums are usually played in a set of three voices: Lê , Rumpi , Rum. But also in Capoeira or in Samba de Roda one can find atabaques. In the set, this atabaque is a Lê, thus the smallest size.The atabaques are solidly built and can be used for many different music styles. A simple wooden shell and carefully picked skins in the right strength help feature the atabaque's typical warm and open sound.A simple wooden stand comes with the instrument.Dimensions:Instrument height without stand: approx. 77cmInstrument height with stand: approx. 85cm___Resetting Atabaque Rings – A Quick GuideTemperature and humidity fluctuations (e.g., indoor heating in winter) can cause the wood to shrink, loosening the rings on your atabaque – this is normal and easy to fix.How to reset the rings:✔ Tools: A flat old file or a piece of hard wood (e.g., oak) and a small hammer.✔ Technique: Work from top to bottom (from the smaller towards the larger diameter), positioning the tool at a fairly vertical angle, almost parallel to the atabaque’s body, to avoid damage. Tap the ring evenly all around. Do not force or tilt too much – the ring should remain parallel to the ground. The better the contact with the body, the more stable the tension.Why is this necessary?Resetting rings is a traditional technique from barrel-making – just like old beer or wine barrels, where metal rings need to be tapped back into place when the wood dries.Gaps between the staves?If the Atabaque shrinks and the rings come loose, tension is lost, causing gaps between the staves. Resetting the rings restores stability and keeps the body together.

€322.00
Atabaque Rumpi 10''x100cm with stand
Gope
Atabaque Rumpi 10''x100cm with stand
Atabaque 100cm - Rumpi (medium voice) with wood standAtabaques are commonly found in Candomblé - the ritual drumming of Brazil's heritage. The traditional Brazilian hand drums are usually played in a set of three voices: Lê , Rumpi , Rum. But also in Capoeira or a Samba de Roda one can find atabaques. In the set, this atabaque is a Rumpi which plays the middle voice.The atabaques are solidly built and can be used for many different music styles. A simple wooden shell and carefully picked skins in the right strength help feature the atabaque's typical warm and open sound.A simple wooden stand comes with the instrument.Dimensions:Instrument height without stand: approx. 97cmInstrument height with stand: approx. 117cm___Resetting Atabaque Rings – A Quick GuideTemperature and humidity fluctuations (e.g., indoor heating in winter) can cause the wood to shrink, loosening the rings on your atabaque – this is normal and easy to fix.How to reset the rings:✔ Tools: A flat old file or a piece of hard wood (e.g., oak) and a small hammer.✔ Technique: Work from top to bottom (from the smaller towards the larger diameter), positioning the tool at a fairly vertical angle, almost parallel to the atabaque’s body, to avoid damage. Tap the ring evenly all around. Do not force or tilt too much – the ring should remain parallel to the ground. The better the contact with the body, the more stable the tension.Why is this necessary?Resetting rings is a traditional technique from barrel-making – just like old beer or wine barrels, where metal rings need to be tapped back into place when the wood dries.Gaps between the staves?If the Atabaque shrinks and the rings come loose, tension is lost, causing gaps between the staves. Resetting the rings restores stability and keeps the body together. 

€369.00
Atabaque Rum 11''x120cm with stand
Gope
Atabaque Rum 11''x120cm with stand
Atabaque 120 cm - Rum (biggest size, lowest voice) with wood standAtabaques are commonly found in Candomblé - the ritual drumming of Brazil's heritage. The traditional Brazilian hand drums are usually played in a set of three voices: Lê , Rumpi , Rum. But also in Capoeira or in Samba de Roda one can find atabaques. In the set, this atabaque is a Rum, the largest size used for the lowest voice.The atabaques are solidly built and can be used for many different music styles. A simple wooden shell and carefully picked skins in the right strength help feature the atabaque's typical warm and open sound.A simple wooden stand comes with the instrument.Dimensions:Instrument height without stand: approx. 127cmInstrument height with stand: approx. 139cm_____Resetting Atabaque Rings – A Quick GuideTemperature and humidity fluctuations (e.g., indoor heating in winter) can cause the wood to shrink, loosening the rings on your atabaque – this is normal and easy to fix.How to reset the rings:✔ Tools: A flat old file or a piece of hard wood (e.g., oak) and a small hammer.✔ Technique: Work from top to bottom (from the smaller towards the larger diameter), positioning the tool at a fairly vertical angle, almost parallel to the atabaque’s body, to avoid damage. Tap the ring evenly all around. Do not force or tilt too much – the ring should remain parallel to the ground. The better the contact with the body, the more stable the tension.Why is this necessary?Resetting rings is a traditional technique from barrel-making – just like old beer or wine barrels, where metal rings need to be tapped back into place when the wood dries.Gaps between the staves?If the Atabaque shrinks and the rings come loose, tension is lost, causing gaps between the staves. Resetting the rings restores stability and keeps the body together.

€398.00
Atabaque Capoeira 90cm
Mestre Negao
Atabaque Capoeira 90cm
Traditional atabaque de Capoeira 90cm with rope tuning Beautiful, hand worked unique pieces made of solid wood planks and sisal ropes. Atabaques are Brazilian hand drums with a rich tradition and African roots. In Brazil atabques are played in Capoeira and ritual Candomblê music. The rope tuning system is especially popular amongst capoeiristas. You can tune the drum by knocking in or loosening the wooden wedges held by a metal hoop with a wood or rubber hammer. The body is built in traditional barrel style and is boardered by several iron hoops on different levels. The atabaques are made one by one, very nice quality and solid artinsan work by Mestre Negão who manufactures them in his small workshop in São Paulo. Mestre Negão is Capoeirista and instrument builder making exceptional skills. In no more than a small room of his house he creates a lovely selection of beautiful instruments. The atabaques have hand picked, partly shaven skins, solid bodies and a wooden stand with rubber edge that goes with the drum.Dimensions:Instrument height without stand: approx. 90cmInstrument height with stand: approx. 110cmDiameter of head: approx. 9,5''Due to all instruments of this series being artisanally manufactured, some small deviations may occur._____Resetting Atabaque Rings – A Quick GuideTemperature and humidity fluctuations (e.g., indoor heating in winter) can cause the wood to shrink, loosening the rings on your atabaque – this is normal and easy to fix.How to reset the rings:✔ Tools: A flat old file or a piece of hard wood (e.g., oak) and a small hammer.✔ Technique: Work from top to bottom (from the smaller towards the larger diameter), positioning the tool at a fairly vertical angle, almost parallel to the atabaque’s body, to avoid damage. Tap the ring evenly all around. Do not force or tilt too much – the ring should remain parallel to the ground. The better the contact with the body, the more stable the tension.Why is this necessary?Resetting rings is a traditional technique from barrel-making – just like old beer or wine barrels, where metal rings need to be tapped back into place when the wood dries.Gaps between the staves?If the Atabaque shrinks and the rings come loose, tension is lost, causing gaps between the staves. Resetting the rings restores stability and keeps the body together.

€587.00
Skin for atabaque, 49cm unmounted
Tiao do Atabaque
Skin for atabaque, 49cm unmounted
Skin for atabaque, diameter approx. 50cm - unmounted (without ring), thickness approx. 0.6 mm

€33.32
Atabaque Capoeira 75cm
Mestre Negao
Atabaque Capoeira 75cm
Traditional atabaque de Capoeira 75 cm with rope tuning Beautiful, hand worked unique pieces made of solid wood planks and sisal ropes. Atabaques are Brazilian hand drums with a rich tradition and African roots. In Brazil atabques are played in Capoeira and ritual Candomblê music. The rope tuning system is especially popular amongst capoeiristas. You can tune the drum by knocking in or loosening the wooden wedges held by a metal hoop. The body is built in traditional barrel style and is boardered by several iron hoops on different levels. The atabaques are made one by one, very nice quality and solid artinsan work by Mestre Negão who manufactures them in his small workshop in São Paulo. Mestre Negão is Capoeirista and instrument builder making exceptional skills. In no more than a small room of his house he creates a lovely selection of beautiful instruments. The atabaques have hand picked, partly shaven skins, solid bodies and a wooden stand with rubber edge that goes with the drum.Dimensions:Instrument height without stand: approx. 75cmInstrument height with stand: approx. 94cmDiameter of head: approx. 9,5''Due to all instruments of this series being artisanally manufactured, some small deviations may occur._____Resetting Atabaque Rings – A Quick GuideTemperature and humidity fluctuations (e.g., indoor heating in winter) can cause the wood to shrink, loosening the rings on your atabaque – this is normal and easy to fix.How to reset the rings:✔ Tools: A flat old file or a piece of hard wood (e.g., oak) and a small hammer.✔ Technique: Work from top to bottom (from the smaller towards the larger diameter), positioning the tool at a fairly vertical angle, almost parallel to the atabaque’s body, to avoid damage. Tap the ring evenly all around. Do not force or tilt too much – the ring should remain parallel to the ground. The better the contact with the body, the more stable the tension.Why is this necessary?Resetting rings is a traditional technique from barrel-making – just like old beer or wine barrels, where metal rings need to be tapped back into place when the wood dries.Gaps between the staves?If the Atabaque shrinks and the rings come loose, tension is lost, causing gaps between the staves. Resetting the rings restores stability and keeps the body together.  

€489.99
Atabaque Lê 90cm
Tiao do Atabaque
Atabaque Lê 90cm
Handmade atabaque 90 cm - Lê (small size)The Atabaque is the traditional Brazilian handdrum. Its home is in the Candomblé and it usually is played in a set of 3 - Lê , Rumpi and Rum. But it is also found in Capoeira and Samba de Roda, where it gives the rhythms its soulful sounds.In the ritual drumset of 3, this Atabaque is the Lê, the smallest size drum. Our atabaques are manufactured in one of the most known ateliers of Rio de Janeiro, handmade one by one. The art of building them has been passed on over many years. A solid shell and well selected skins in the right thickness are what make the atabaques sound in their typical warm and open way.The instrument comes with a simple iron stand.Dimensions:Instrument height without stand: approx. 90cmInstrument height with stand: approx. 110cmDiameter of head: approx. 9,5''Due to all instruments of this series being artisanally manufactured, some small deviations may occur.___Resetting Atabaque Rings – A Quick GuideTemperature and humidity fluctuations (e.g., indoor heating in winter) can cause the wood to shrink, loosening the rings on your atabaque – this is normal and easy to fix.How to reset the rings:✔ Tools: A flat old file or a piece of hard wood (e.g., oak) and a small hammer.✔ Technique: Work from top to bottom (from the smaller towards the larger diameter), positioning the tool at a fairly vertical angle, almost parallel to the atabaque’s body, to avoid damage. Tap the ring evenly all around. Do not force or tilt too much – the ring should remain parallel to the ground. The better the contact with the body, the more stable the tension.Why is this necessary?Resetting rings is a traditional technique from barrel-making – just like old beer or wine barrels, where metal rings need to be tapped back into place when the wood dries.Gaps between the staves?If the Atabaque shrinks and the rings come loose, tension is lost, causing gaps between the staves. Resetting the rings restores stability and keeps the body together. 

€347.00

Tuning

On atabaques with traditional string tension, the skin is tuned with the help of wooden wedges that are inserted under the belly of the drum between the drum body and a ring of round iron. If you strike the top of the wedges, the metal ring is pushed downwards and by stretching the ropes that connect the iron ring and the skin, the tension acting on the skin is increased. It has proven to be a good idea to tune "crosswise" with this type of tensioning, just as with the system with tensioning hooks, i.e. to work on the opposite wedge or tensioning hook before moving on to the neighbouring one.

After playing, the drum is released again. This increases the service life of the heads and the shell.

Heads

Goatskins are best suited for atabaques. Thin calfskins are an alternative.

Sticks

You can play the atabaques with your hands. The technique is similar to that used for playing congas. In Brazil, the atabaques are played with this technique in capoeira, samba de roda, ijexá rhythm, umbanda and candomblé Angola.

In Candomblé Ketu, on the other hand, sticks are used to play the atabaques. Two thin, elasticated wooden sticks are used for the two accompanying drums. Alternatively, the plastic sticks commonly used for the repinique in samba reggae can be used. A slightly thicker, slightly elastic stick or a solid stick such as a timbales stick is used for the low drum.

Playing

Function in the group

In Afro-Brazilian ritual music, the atabaques follow a tripartite division in sound, size and skin diameter that is frequently found in Africa, Latin America and Brazil. Two drum parts take on accompanying functions, one drum has solo duties. This is always accompanied by an agogo, more rarely a rattle instrument such as the ganzá or shekeré.

In the Ijexá of the large Afoxé groups, the atabaque blends into the hypnotic overall sound of the agogos and shekerés, and provides a solid, earthy basus.

In capoeira, the atabaque, together with pandeiro and agogo, accompanies the rhythm of the berimbau.

The Samba de Roda in Bahia does not require a fixed set of instruments. It is played in different styles in a wide variety of formations, or simply on the instruments that are available at the time. In the hinterland of Bahia you can find samba rounds with one or more atabaques, but also without this traditional drum.

Technique Sticks Candomblé

When playing the accompanying voices on Lê and Rumpi, the sticks do not hit the head with the tips, but flat in the upper third of the stick. This is the only way to achieve the desired sharp, slap-like sound. As the elasticated sticks have hardly any rebound, the entire movement must be actively controlled from the wrist and forearm. Various patterns of accompanying voices are played very quickly and enriched with 32nd notes. Playing these rhythms with the right swing requires a lot of practice.

The large solo drum Rum requires a different technique. The left hand, without the stick, plays filling strokes and a few accentuated strokes. The loudly audible solo phrasings are played with the stick in the right hand on the skin and shell of the atabaque. There is an open sound on the skin when the stick hits the centre of the skin with the tip, and a sharp slap when the stick is struck flat across the entire skin. Added to this is the dry, clacking sound of the stick on the drum body.

Hand technique (differences to the conga technique)

If you only play the atabaque with your hands, it is important to change your usual conga technique. As atabaques are fitted with thinner heads than congas and the head diameter is smaller than that of the congas, the open tones on the atabaque are played closer to the edge of the head. With the open tone, the edge of the skin runs close to the root of the finger. Slaps, on the other hand, are best performed with the relaxed hand positioned in the centre of the head. Bass notes sound much weaker on the atabaque than you are used to from congas.

Patterns