The tambourine is a versatile percussion instrument that can be played in a variety of ways. It can be played with the hand or with a stick, and there are many different techniques for creating different sounds and rhythms. In this article, we will explore some of the different techniques for playing the tambourine.
Hand Techniques
One of the most common ways to play the tambourine is with the hand. There are several different hand techniques that can be used to create different sounds and rhythms.
Shaking – Shaking the tambourine is one of the simplest techniques for playing the instrument. Then to shake the tambourine, hold it in one hand and shake it back and forth. This technique creates a bright, ringing sound and is commonly used in many different styles of music.
Thumb Technique – The thumb technique is another common hand technique for playing the tambourine. Then to use the thumb technique, hold the tambourine in one hand and place your thumb on the head of the tambourine. Use your thumb to strike the tambourine in a downward motion. This technique creates a softer, more muted sound than shaking the tambourine.
Finger Roll – The finger roll technique is a more advanced hand technique for playing the tambourine. Then to use the finger roll technique, hold the tambourine in one hand and place your fingers on the head of the tambourine. Roll your fingers back and forth across the head of the tambourine, creating a rolling sound. This technique can create a variety of different rhythms and is commonly used in Middle Eastern and Indian music.
Stick Techniques
In addition to playing the tambourine with the hand, it can also be played with a stick. There are several different stick techniques that can be used to create different sounds and rhythms.
Beater – The beater technique is one of the most common stick techniques for playing the tambourine. To use the beater technique, hold the tambourine in one hand and hold the beater in the other hand. Strike the tambourine with the beater in a downward motion. This technique can create a variety of different sounds and is commonly used in orchestral and rock music.
Rim Shots – Rim shots are another stick technique for playing the tambourine. To use rim shots, hold the tambourine in one hand and strike the rim of the tambourine with the stick. This technique creates a sharp, percussive sound and is commonly used in rock and pop music.
Brushes – Brushes are a unique stick technique for playing the tambourine. Then to use brushes, hold the tambourine in one hand and hold the brushes in the other hand. Use the brushes to sweep across the head of the tambourine, creating a soft, swishing sound. This technique is commonly used in jazz music.
Other Techniques
In addition to hand and stick techniques, there are other techniques that can be used to create different sounds and rhythms on the tambourine.
Jingle Drops – Jingle drops are a technique where the tambourine is held in one hand with the jingles facing down. The tambourine is then lifted up and allowed to drop, creating a bright, ringing sound.
Muffling – Muffling is a technique where the sound of the tambourine is dampened by placing a cloth or padding on the head of the tambourine. This technique can create a softer, more muted sound and is commonly used in orchestral music.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the tambourine is a versatile instrument that can be played in a variety of ways. Whether played with the hand, with a stick, or with other techniques, the tambourine can create a variety of different sounds and rhythms. And from the simple shaking technique to the more advanced finger roll technique, there are many different ways to play the tambourine and create unique sounds and rhythms. Then by experimenting with different techniques and styles, musicians can create their own unique tambourine playing style and use the instrument to enhance their music.