Have you ever wondered why it’s called a tongue drum? Well, the answer is quite simple. It’s because when you play it, it sounds like a drum!
But seriously, a tongue drum is so named because the shape of the instrument resembles a human tongue. The instrument is also played with sticks, which furthers the resemblance to a drum.
So there you have it! Now you know why it’s called a tongue drum.
The history of the tongue drum
The tongue drum is a percussion instrument that gets its name from its tongue-like shape. The drum is traditionally made from a hollowed out tree trunk, but modern versions can be made from a variety of materials, including plastic and metal.
The tongue drum has a long history, with the first known instruments dating back to the 13th century. These early drums were likely used for ceremonial purposes and were considered sacred objects. Over time, the tongue drum spread to other parts of the world, including Africa and Asia. In the 20th century, the instrument became popular in jazz and blues music.
Today, the tongue drum is used in a variety of musical genres, from traditional folk music to contemporary pop. The versatile instrument can be played solo or as part of a larger ensemble.
How the tongue drum is made
The tongue drum is a very special type of percussion instrument. It is made from a hollowed-out log that has been split down the middle. The halves are then curved inward and fastened together with animal hide or sinew. This creates a drum that has a concave playing surface. The name “tongue drum” comes from the fact that the player strikes the playing surface with their tongue!
Tongue drums are usually made from hardwoods such as oak, maple, or cherry. They can be made in various sizes, but most are about 20 inches long and 10 inches wide. The size of the drum will determine its pitch. Tongue drums can be played with sticks, mallets, or even your hands. But the most traditional way to play them is with your tongue!
The different types of tongue drums
Tongue drums come in all shapes and sizes, from the small hand drum to huge bass drums. They all have one thing in common: a set of tongues or vibrating reeds that produce a distinct sound when struck. The tongue drum is an idiophone, meaning that it produces sound through the vibration of its surface.
The tongue drum has been used for centuries as a musical instrument and has been found in cultures all over the world. It is believed to have originated in Africa, where it was used as a ceremonial instrument in religious rituals. Tongue drums were also used by Native American tribes for healing and meditation.
Today, tongue drums are enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. They are popular instruments for relaxation, stress relief, and meditation. Tongue drums can be played solo or with other instruments, making them versatile and fun for all kinds of music making.
The many uses of the tongue drum
The tongue drum has been around for centuries, dating back to ancient times. It was originally used as a musical instrument, but today it is also used for relaxation and meditation. There are many different types of tongue drums, but they all have one thing in common — they are all made from a hollowed-out log or tree trunk. The logs are then cut into thin slices, which are then again cut into thin strips. These strips are then glued together to form the drum.
The name “tongue drum” comes from the fact that the ledges on the side of the instrument resemble human tongues. The name “drum” comes from the fact that when you strike the instrument, it produces a deep, resonating sound that is similar to that of a drum.
Tongue drums are usually played with specially made sticks or beaters. However, you can also use your hands or even your feet to create different rhythms and sounds. Tongue drums can be played solo or in groups, making them perfect for both personal and public performances.
Whether you are looking for a new musical instrument or simply want a relaxing way to unwind, a tongue drum may be perfect for you!
How to play the tongue drum
The tongue drum is a percussion instrument that is played with the hands. The player strikes the tongues (or bars) with their fingers to create sound. The tongue drum gets its name from the fact that the tongues (or bars) are tuned to specific pitches, similar to the way a drumhead is tuned to produce different pitches.
The tongue drum can be played solo or in an ensemble. It is a versatile instrument that can be used for a variety of musical genres, including country, folk, rock, and blues.
The benefits of playing the tongue drum
The tongue drum is a percussion instrument that is played with the hands. It is also called a hand drum or a paddle drum. The tongue drum originated in Africa and was brought to the Americas by slaves. The tongue drum is used in many genres of music, including jazz, blues, rock, and hip hop.
The tongue drum is a very versatile instrument. It can be used as a solo instrument or as part of a band. It can be played with other percussion instruments, such as drums, congas, and bongos. The tongue drum can also be played with melodic instruments, such as the piano or the guitar.
The tongue drum is an excellent choice for those who want to learn how to play an instrument but do not have the time or the money to take lessons. The tongue drum is also a good choice for those who want to relax and de-stress. Playing the tongue drum can help to reduce anxiety and promote calmness.
The best tongue drums on the market
Tongue drums are so named because of the way you play them – using your tongue! They’re also sometimes called tongue percussion instruments, or log drums.
Tongue drums come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, from small handheld ones to large floor models. You can even get tongue drums that come as part of a set with other percussion instruments, like bongos or congas.
The best tongue drums on the market are made from high-quality materials like solid wood or stainless steel. They have a beautiful, rich sound that’s perfect for relaxing, meditating, or connecting with your primal rhythms.
Tongue drum FAQs
Q: What is a tongue drum and where does it come from?
A: A tongue drum is a percussion instrument that originated in Africa. It is made from a hollowed-out tree trunk or logs and has tongues (pieces of wood or metal) spanning the inside of the drum. The tongues are struck with sticks to create a range of percussive sounds.
Q: How is a tongue drum different from a regular drum?
A: Tongue drums typically have fewer tones than regular drums, and the tones are more mellow and haunting. They are often used for meditation, relaxation, and massage therapy.
Q: What are some of the benefits of playing a tongue drum?
A: Playing a tongue drum can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and tension. It can also promote concentration, focus, and creativity.
