Tag: Underlying Patterns

  • What Is Clave?

    What Is Clave?

    Clave is a term used by Afro-Cuban musicians. It refers to a type of underlying timeline pattern in the music. Most rhythms from Cuba have one of these clave patterns. In Afro-Cuban music, the Clave can be very obvious because the entire pattern is often played on a pair of wooden sticks called “Clave”. Clave In Djembe Music […]

  • Beneath The Surface: Timeline Patterns

    Beneath The Surface: Timeline Patterns

    In the Underlying Patterns series we dig in to the many kinds of patterns that we find at play under the surface in djembe and dundun music. In ethnomusicology, these patters are called by many names, such as “key pattern,” “guide pattern,” “phrasing referent,” “timeline” or “asymmetrical timeline.” I like calling these underlying patterns Timelines. They […]

  • 4 Hand Clapping Patterns In Djembe Music

    4 Hand Clapping Patterns In Djembe Music

    Hand clapping really adds a lot to djembe music. Unlike percussion music from some other parts of the world, I’ve noticed the hand clapping in djembe music is on the beat for the most part. It’s not too complex, but there are actually a few distinct ways to clap. Here’s what I’ve noticed. Common Clapping Patterns

  • How To Anchor Yourself To The Beat

    How To Anchor Yourself To The Beat

    Once you understand where the beat is, then you can move on to apply proper swing to your playing. Did you know there are a couple of musical elements you can easily look to when you want to find and anchor yourself to the beat? Doing this will make it possible to play with swing later. […]