3 Ways of Bass Strokes with Djembe Drum

I just showed you the three bass strokes that live in my hands every time I play:

1. Flat-palm center hit – Fingers spread, hand parallel to the head, smack the dead center. This is my default—deep, full, effortless boom.
2. Fist-pad strike – Closed hand, hit that soft pad just off-center (anywhere between middle and edge). Bouncier, punchier—my old habit from 15 years ago that still sneaks in.
3. Wrist flick – Loose wrist, no fingers, just the heel of the hand. Softer without a wristband, warmer with one. Perfect for quiet grooves or when my palm needs a break.

Pick one, own it, mix them when the music or your djembe workshop asks. The bass is the heartbeat—get it right, and everything else falls into place.

Questions? Drop them below. Want to layer these into real beats? Courses are live at djembemaster.com. Now go make the drum speak.