How To Play Tambourine For Beginners

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Categories: How Tos

  • Want to jam with your friends or in a band with the tambourine? This is a fun, simple percussion instrument to learn, and is great for beginning musicians. Just follow this guide on how to play tambourine for beginners.

  • Introduction

    Tambourines are percussion instruments that have been around since ancient times. There is really no "wrong" way to play one, as long as you can keep the beat. However, like any musical instrument, there is a bit of a learning curve with tambourine. It will take some practice to get really good at playing it.

  • Step 1: Choose Your Tambourine

    When it comes to picking a tambourine, comfort and sound are the most important factors to consider. Tambourines come in many shapes and styles. Take a trip to your local music shop, and test a few of them out. Hold them, shake them, and strike them against your hands or legs. The one you pick should be a comfortable weight for you, and fit neatly in your hand. It should also produce a sound quality that you find appealing.

  • Step 2: Practice

    Play some songs that you like, and shake your tambourine to the beat. African or other tribal music goes very well with tambourines, as does folk music. Practice keeping the rhythm while pausing as little as possible throughout the song (or make your pauses strategic, to go with the flow).

    One of the nice things about the tambourine is that there are very few rules. You may play along with the music in any way you choose, so long as you do not deviate from the basic rhythm. Be as mellow or as crazy as you want, and experiment by trying out different tones and rattles.

  • Step 3: Expand Your Moves

    Once you can keep a beat, you can start experimenting. Try adding some flourishes to your shakes. One technique to try is "rolling," where you quickly flick your wrist continuously, as though you were shaking a rattle. Another is "striking," where you hit the tambourine against your hand or leg to create a sharper sound.

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