Playing Reggae with the Djembe Drum

Playing Reggae with the Djembe Drum

I just handed you my absolute favorite reggae groove on djembe—eight strokes, zero fluff, pure island pocket.

Break it down with me:

  1. Finger-tip (right)
  2. Thumb (right)
  3. Muted slap (left)
  4. Finger-tip lift (right, already rising for…)
  5. Double-hand bass + muted slap (both hands down together—boom-whack!)
  6. Thumb (right)
  7. Left finger slap (muted)
  8. Left open slap (skin rings because my right’s already up)

That bass on the 3 feels weird at first—Western ears expect it on 1—but once it clicks, you’re locked in the one-drop. Play it straight. Then swing it hard. Either way, it sings over any reggae track.

I could play this all day, fast or chill. It’s in my bones.

Questions? Fire away below. Want the full toolbox (and three brand-new masterclasses)? Hit djembemaster.com for djembe drum lessons—grab one for yourself or gift it for the holidays. Now go make the drum skank.

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