I’m often asked how I meditate with a tongue drum. It’s actually quite simple – I just let the sound of the drum take over my mind and body, and I relax into the rhythm. The key is to find a comfortable position, close your eyes, and focus on your breath.
The tongue drum is a great tool for meditation because it’s so versatile. You can use it to create any kind of atmosphere you want, from calm and relaxing to energizing and
Introduction: What is a tongue drum?
A tongue drum is a percussion instrument, typically made from a hollowed log or tree trunk. The top of the drum is covered with animal skin, and the bottom is open. The drum is played with two sticks, one in each hand. The sticks are used to strike the animal skin, producing a range of different sounds.
Tongue drums are traditionally used as a part of shamanic rituals and ceremonies. They are also used as a meditation tool, to help induce a state of relaxation and mindfulness. When played correctly, tongue drums can produce a range of different tones and rhythms that can be very calming and soothing.
There are many different types of tongue drums available on the market today. Some are made from wood, while others are made from metal or plastic. Tongue drums come in a variety of sizes, from small hand-held instruments to large floor-standing drums. There is no right or wrong type of tongue drum, it all depends on your personal preference.
Heading: Playing the Tongue Drum
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Playing the tongue drum is relatively simple and only requires two things: a drum and two sticks. Once you have your drum and sticks, you can begin exploring the different sounds that the instrument can create.
To produce a sound from the tongue drum, simply strike the animal skin with one of the sticks. Experiment with different rhythms and speeds to see what sounds you can create. You can also try striking different parts of the skin to produce different tones. For example, hitting the center of the skin will produce a higher pitch than hitting the edge of the skin.
Once you have mastered striking the drum with one stick, you can try using both sticks at once to create more complex rhythms. You can also use one stick to hold down certain notes while you play other notes with the other stick. This technique is known as “damping” and it allows you to create more interesting sounding melodies.
Tongue drums are versatile instruments that can be used for many different purposes. You can use them for relaxation, meditation, or simply for making music. With a little practice, you’ll be able to create beautiful sounding tunes that will calm your mind and soothe your soul
The benefits of tongue drumming
Tongue drumming is a great way to relax and de-stress. It is also a great way to improve your concentration and focus. Additionally, tongue drumming can help to increase your creativity and imagination.
How to choose a tongue drum
When choosing a tongue drum, the three main considerations are size, material, and note range.
The size of the drum will determine how loud it is. Smaller drums are more portable but have a softer sound, while larger drums are louder but less portable. The material of the drum will also affect the sound. Wooden drums have a deeper, warmer sound, while metal drums have a brighter, sharper sound. The note range is the number of notes that the drum can play. Most tongue drums have six or eight notes, but some models have up to twelve notes.
Once you have decided on the size, material, and note range of your drum, you can choose between different designs. Some tongue drums are decorated with traditional symbols or carvings, while others are plain and simple. The choice is ultimately up to you!
How to set up your tongue drum
Before you start playing your tongue drum, it’s important to set it up correctly. Here’s how to do it:
- Place the tongue drum on a flat surface.
- Loosen the screws on the side of the drum so that the head is loose.
- Use your hand to gently press down on the head in the center, and then retighten the screws.
- Tune the drum by striking it in the center with a mallet or your hand. Start with a low note and work your way up to a higher note.
How to play your tongue drum
To play your tongue drum, sit in a comfortable position with your back straight. Rest the drum on your lap or on a table in front of you. Place your non-dominant hand on the rim of the drum and use your index finger and thumb to lightly hold the drumhead.
With your dominant hand, hold the mallet by the handle so that the business end is pointing down. Gently touch the mallet to the center of the drumhead and let it bounce off. You can also strike the rim of the drum for a different sound. Experiment with different strokes and speeds to find what you like best.
Tips for getting the most out of your tongue drumming
Tongue drumming is a great way to relax and de-stress. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your tongue drumming:
- Find a comfortable place to sit or lie down. You may want to use a meditation cushion or pillow to support your back.
- Make sure your tongue drum is in a comfortable position for you to reach.
- Gently close your eyes and focus on your breath.
- Start by lightly tapping the tongue drum with your fingertips, then gradually increase the pressure until you find a rhythm that feels good for you.
- Keep your taps light and consistent. You can try different patterns and speeds, but always come back to light, consistent rhythm.
- If your mind starts to wander, simply focus on your breath and bring your attention back to the present moment.
The different types of tongue drums
There are different types of tongue drums, but they all share a similar design. They are all barrel-shaped with a hole in the top and bottom, and they have a series of raised areas called tongues or lugs on the top surface. You play the drum by striking these tongues with your hands or sticks.
The two most common types of tongue drums are the Hang (pronounced “hong”) and the Sansa (pronounced “sahns-uh”). The Hang is a steel drum that originated in Switzerland, and the Sansa is a clay drum that originated in Nigeria.
Both drums are great for meditation, but each has its own unique sound. The Hang has a very bright, metallic sound, while the Sansa has a more earthy, organic sound. If you’re not sure which one you prefer, trymeditating with both types of drums and see which one resonates more deeply with you.
FAQs about tongue drumming
Before you start playing your tongue drum, it’s important to understand the basics of proper form and how to produce the different sounds. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about tongue drumming:
-How do I hold my tongue drum?
The drum should be held in your lap, with the top of the drum tilted slightly towards you. Rest your hands on the drum so that your fingertips are touching the skin.
-How do I produce sound on my tongue drum?
To produce sound, use your index finger and thumb to strike the center of the skin. You can also produce sound by running your fingers along the edge of the skin. Experiment to see what kinds of sounds you can create!
-What are some techniques for playing tongue drums?
There are many different techniques for playing tongue drums. One common technique is called “rolling.” To roll, strike the center of the skin with your index finger and then quickly move your finger around the edge of the skin. This will create a continuous sound. You can also try “damping,” which is when you stop the sound from resonating by placing your palm on the skin. Damping can be used to create different rhythms and sounds.
