The tambourine is a percussion instrument originated centuries ago, which dates back to the time of Ancient Greece. Traditionally, the instrument consists of a wooden crown covered by a membrane (or "head") and surrounded by small metal cimbalini called "rattles". Modern versions of the tambourine, however, are often built without membrane, with plastic crowns and crescent-shaped rattles rather than the classic completely circular rattles. The tambourine can be included in different musical genres, from orchestral music, to world music, to rock and pop, using almost the same technique in all genres.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Hold the tambourine in your hand correctly
Step 1. Let's see how to hold a tambourine correctly
The tambourine should be held in the non-dominant hand. Close your fingers under the crown and lightly place your thumb on the membrane (if your tambourine has no membrane, rest your thumb on the edge of the crown). Angle the head of the tambourine towards your dominant hand so that you can strike it with ease. Do not apply more pressure than necessary with your non-dominant hand, or you will dampen the sound.
Step 2. Avoid common mistakes that can be made while holding a tambourine
Many tambourines have a hole drilled in the frame into which the rattles are inserted; avoid placing your finger in this hole while playing or you will muffle the sound, and it will also make a lot of noise when you pick it up and put it down - which is inconvenient when playing a piece of music. Also, avoid using more force than necessary to hold the tambourine in place, otherwise you will soon tire.
Method 2 of 5: Basic technique
Step 1. Let's see the basic technique for hitting the tambourine
Traditionally, the head of the tambourine should be struck with the fingertips. Bring your four fingers together and tap your head quickly to a point that is about a third of the way from the center. By hitting the drummer in the center of the head, you will produce a dull sound, because the head is unable to fully resonate.
Step 2. Adjust your technique to improve the tone of the instrument
Ideally, when you strike the tambourine, you should hear both the rattle of the platelets and the resonance of the head. Adjust your strength and the point at which you strike the instrument to adjust the tone as you like.
Step 3. Vary the technique as required by the genre of music you are playing
In an orchestral environment, it is best not to stray far from this technique; however, in less formal situations like Rock or Pop music, you can have fun experimenting with the various techniques. For example, you can hit the drummer's head with the full palm of your hand for a thicker sound.
Method 3 of 5: Shake roll
Step 1. Let's see what exactly the shake roll is used for
When the music calls for sustained tambourine sounds, rather than individual percussion, you can use shake roll. The sound is generated simply by continuously shaking the tambourine to obtain a continuous ringing of the rattles.
Step 2. Let's see the exact technique to perform the shake roll
To perform the shake roll, rotate the wrist of the hand with which you hold the drummer back and forth at a constant speed. Movement should always come from the wrist. Using the elbow or the whole arm will sound bad and get tired sooner.
Step 3. Vary the dynamics
The shake roll is great for long, sustained rolls, especially during a crescendo or diminuendo. To vary the dynamics, simply vary the speed and intensity of the rotation of the wrist. Shaking the drum faster will produce a higher volume, while a softer movement produces a lower volume
Method 4 of 5: Thumb roll
Step 1. Become familiar with the thumb roll
A thumb roll is an alternative to a shake roll that is played by rubbing the thumb on the surface of the tambourine. This technique is generally more difficult to perform, but produces a smoother shake roll sound.
Step 2. Let's see the correct technique
To play a thumb roll, press the phalanges of the fingers against the palm, leaving only the thumb extended. Press your thumb firmly on the head of the tambourine and rub it against the membrane in a circular motion. The friction between the thumb and the head will make the rattles ring continuously.
Step 3. Let's see when using the thumb roll
Thumb rolls are ideal for short rolls, as they are more difficult to sustain over time than shake rolls. Thumb rolls can also replace individual percussion in very fast passages
Method 5 of 5: Using the chopsticks
Step 1. If necessary, you can hit the tambourine with a drumstick
Often, in a multi-percussion setup, it is necessary to mount the tambourine on a tripod in order to free the hands and be able to play the other drum components as well. In this case, it is acceptable to play the instrument with a stick. The drummer can be struck directly on the head or on the edge.
Step 2. Experiment with the different tones that can be obtained with this technique
If you are interested in exploring the musical possibilities of the tambourine, try varying drumsticks. For example, a soft marimba stick will produce a lower pitch than a drum or xylophone stick.
Advice
- If you play a genre that makes heavy drum use, such as rock drums, for example, try using a plastic-framed tambourine. These tambourines tend to withstand abuse better than wooden framed ones.
- To increase the friction on the drummer's head and perform the thumb roll better, try applying a thin layer of beeswax
