The slit drum: a sound experience for body and soul

Imagine: A long day is coming to an end. They withdraw into their home, ready to strip stress and worries. Instead of just putting yourself on the couch, choose something else - a slit drum. Your hand glides over the surface and immediately fulfill gentle, deep sounds. It's like a hug for your soul.

What exactly is this key instrument that we the slit drum and why should you know about it? Let us immerse yourself and explore the soothing sound worlds of this versatile instrument.

An overview of the slit drum and its cultural roots

The slot drum, sometimes Tongue drum, slit drum or log drum , is a percussive instrument that consists of a single or multi-layered wooden block with cut slots. Each of these tongues, or "tongues" , creates a specific tone when it is struck. The origins of the slit drum can be traced back to the traditional cultures of Africa , America and Asia , where it was often used in ceremonies and rituals.

They were often made from hollowed -out tree trunks, pumpkins or bamboo and played with sticks, hands or beats. The process for the production of a wooden drum begins with the selection of a suitable piece of wood, usually hardwood such as mahogany, padouk, ash, maple or oak. Then the tree trunk is edited and hollowed out so that a resonance chamber is created. The top is then provided with slots or tongues of different sizes and depth, which create different pitch when striking.

Slit drums are known worldwide in numerous variations and under various names ( Teponatzli, Log drum, tongue drum, Kring, Tongue drum ). With many of these variants, sophisticated hollow tree trunks are used: the player hits the edge of the drum with a mallet to produce a sound.

The generous resonance room creates a rather loud sound that is wide audible. In Africa, the slit drum - also Kring - was used as a kind of bush phone to communicate over large distances between villages. Originally it was always made of wood. also used stone for their Teponazztli

only developed with the advent of the trend around the slope , an upside down steel drum.

The sound spectrum of the slit drum

What makes the slit drum so special is its unique sound. It creates deep, resonating tones that can have a meditative and calming effect. These sounds are ideal for meditative practices, yoga, sound therapy and simply for relaxing background music.

Sounds of different sizes are cut out on the surface, which can be tuned to certain pitches. The larger a sound tongue, the deeper the generated sound. Depending on the sound, a distinction is made between tenor and bass slit drums.

Each slit drum is tuned to a certain sound area (ie pentatonics), which can be created by simply striking a variety of melodies and harmonies. This simplicity makes it an ideal instrument, even for beginners.

The following basic moods can be found frequently from providers:

• F major (tenor)
• D minor pentatonic (tenor)
• A minor pentatonic (bass)
• D minor pentatonic (bass)

For professional drummer, individual major and minor moods can be ordered from manufacturers and instrument farmers. These are then manufactured and voted in coordination with the requirements of the musician.

Hear a presentation of a traditional slit drum with 2 beats :

This ceiling instrument , which is categorically one of the idiophones (self -ringers) , is used in numerous music styles and cultural traditions, whereby its sonorous tones are generated by beating the surface with beats or hands. Thanks to its special design and characteristic sound, this wooden drum represents an extraordinary and valuable asset for ensembles and performances worldwide.

The bass lounger slit drum as an extension

The bass bed-slotted drum (also known as Big Bom ) represents a modern variant of the classic slit drums, which is mainly used in Africa, Central and South America, Oceania and Southeast Asia. It is one of the common tongue slot drums.

The lounger and slit drum is typically played with felt bows, but also with hands or fingers. Her sound is warm and deep, and the vibrations are clearly noticeable. If you sit on her, she can be struck by one or two people at the same time. If she is inclined to the side, a person can be played on by her ( sound massage ).

In the video from Feelone you can watch these application and display options:

While traditional slit drums are mainly used in ritual musical contexts, the bass bed-slotted drum is used particularly in therapeutic surroundings, for example in music or sound therapy , in kindergartens and in rehabilitation facilities.

Game variants

The tenor and bass slit drums offer a variety of play options: players can create rhythmic patterns on the upper play area, both alone and in a duet.

1. Play area above (rhythmic): sit on a pillow and let your imagination run wild! You can create rhythmic patterns with beats or your hands that not only give joy, but also promote your feeling for the clock.
2. Play area above (communicative): Two musicians at the opposite ends of the drum - what could be more exciting? They make music together with beats in their hands and create a harmonious connection through their common rhythm.
3. Plenty of the play area to the side (groovy): take a seat on the drum and discover the groove! Sit between your "legs" and play with beats or your hands. Every blow brings you closer to music!
4. Plenty of the play area aside (therapeutic sound massage): This play area is ideal for children (tenor) or adults (bass). Your client can lie relaxed on the surface, use a pillow for the head and position the lower leg bent. They comfortably take a seat on a pillow in front of the slot drum and create gentle sounds with the beats. This is how you create a soothing atmosphere that invites you to relax.

Areas of application of the slot drum

Sound therapy and meditation

When it is turned on the side, the slot drum as a sound bed offers intensive vibrotactile stimulation for the entire body. Because of this property, it proves to be an extremely valued and valuable instrument in the therapeutic area. 

Whether as a holistic heartfelt (in the context of basal support) or as a key to promoting perception and communication in dialogue (psychomotor dialogue) - to name just a few of your applications - this "man -wrapped" instrument is a valuable therapeutic aid.

The vibrations can be felt throughout the body, whereby the bone system acts as a resonance room. The head should rest comfortably on a pillow, while the entire body is penetrated by gentle and even vibrations. These profound vibrations lead to a pleasant relaxation and help the body to find its inner middle. The change of positions between the player and the instrument creates a strong feeling of connection.

The instruments therefore enjoy considerable popularity in areas where the holistic experience is the focus - for example in early childhood education and in different forms of therapy.

It is also an excellent tool for interpersonal communication : two players can take their place and immerse themselves in a musical exchange. There are room for two people on large slit drums - one on each side - and can make music together. This experience creates joy and serves as a therapeutic means to solve potential for conflict.

Sometimes the verbal language is not sufficient as a means of communication. Or it is not available at all (e.g. due to illness or disability). non -verbal communication can overcome barriers by sound to enable an exchange without misunderstandings or inhibitions. This creates the possibility of exploring and promoting alternative forms of communication - be it for people with disabilities, during recovery processes or in conflict situations.

Due to its soothing sounds, the slit drum is often used in sound therapy . Therapists use them to help the client reduce stress and achieve a state of inner calm. The deep, resonating sound can help reduce the heart rate and to promote a feeling of serenity.

Musical (early) education and education

The slit drum is an excellent instrument for music education purposes. Children and adults can easily learn to play them and develop a better understanding of rhythm and sound. A is given with eight different sound grooves, this percussion instrument offers a number of deep, fully sounding sounds.

The clear and resonant sound is reinforced by the massive wooden body, which makes it particularly suitable for early musical education and group activities. The rhythm instrument is ideal for use in kindergartens, schools and therapeutic facilities.

Children have the opportunity to playfully recognize the different pitches and try rhythms. Drumming supports both fine motor skills and concentration and promotes auditory perception. Another advantage is that children can become creative due to the simple handling and develop their own melodies.

Since it does not require a complicated technology, it is ideal for music lessons both in groups in schools and in individual lessons.

Personal well -being

Last but not least, the slit drum is a wonderful instrument for your personal well -being. You can use them at home to relax, express yourself creatively or just enjoy the peace and joy of making music.

Playing the wooden drum improves the hand-eye coordination, trains rhythm and timing skills and has a stress-reducing effect. Precise movements and rhythmic exercises not only promote coordination, but also mindfulness and relaxation are supported. The meditative sounds of the drum help to reduce stress and promote a feeling of inner calm.

Further applications

• Traditional music and ritual ceremonies: the use of wooden drums has a multifaceted cultural and historical background all over the world. If you are interested in traditional music and ritual ceremonies, immersion in the history and the cultural importance of the wooden drums can be a captivating journey into the world of rhythmic traditions and rituals.
• Contemporary music: Wooden drums have also found their way into modern music, including fusion bands and world music ensembles. Tongue drums, hand pans are just as imaginable here as log drums and slit drums. Experiment you to integrate the unique sounds of wooden drums into electronic music or to use them in experimental music styles. Cooperate with contemporary composers and musicians to collect the rhythmic structures of wooden drums into modern compositions.
• Sound effects in films and television programs: wooden drums are often used to produce sound effects in films and television programs, which gives the listening experience a tribal or natural atmosphere. They are used to imitate natural noises such as thunder or animal sounds, which enriches the entire sound design. Wood drums give soundtracks an authentic and earthy touch, which makes them a sought -after choice for composers and sound designers.

Already knew? Fun facts about slit drums

• Long tradition : slit drums have been around for thousands of years. They were used for communication over long distances in old cultures by sending rhythmic messages.
• Universal sounds : The sound of slit drums is universally soothing. Regardless of whether you are in Africa, Asia, Europe or America, the sound finds a response everywhere in us humans.
• Diversity of the materials : While traditional slit drums are mainly made of wood, there are also models made of metal nowadays that offer different sound characteristics.

Games and tips for different playing techniques

The construction and the pentatonic of these impact instruments enable both simple rhythms to drum and create complex melodies. Demanding professionals can be correct for their individual needs. Thanks to the pentatonic mood, all tones harmonize, which can make rhythmically intuitive melodies and minimalist rhythm patterns very effortless.

There are a variety of playing techniques that can be tried out to your heart's content: with different soft slags in different sizes, with your hands -similar to a DJembe or Conga-or for the bass slit drums with the palm in the back of the tongues (in addition to handball). It becomes even more multifaceted if you use the rigid wooden areas for high slaps .

In addition to large tenor and bass slit drums, some instrument farmers also find those who create a clear, high sound- especially for the quiet game with the fingers. These can also be played rubber loops The feathers of the rubber mallets on the tongues create vertebrae and tremolos that produce a special sound.

Some types of the slit drum can also be played combined with the hand and a mallet. If you a whole ensemble of small, medium and large slit drums, a stunning drum sound is created. This is reminiscent of Gamelan (traditional ensemble of Javania, Sundanese and Balinese peoples of Indonesia, which mainly consists of impact instruments) and comprises all sound levels.

Let us immerse yourself in the different playing styles and explore the nuances of every playing technique.

With the hands

The ability to play wooden drums by beating with your hands has a long history and is used by cultures worldwide to create rhythmic melodies and ceremonial sounds.

1. Place the wooden drum stable and comfortably in front of you to create a secure basis. Use the fingertips or palms to hit the tongues of the wooden drum.
2. Vary the intensity and angle of your blows to produce different sounds.
3. Practice playing with both hands to improve your coordination and skill.

Use of beating

1. Keep the mallets between the thumb and index finger while the other fingers easily cover the stick.
2. Slide with the beats on the surface of the wooden drum and hold a relaxed handle to achieve a clear and resonant sound.
3. Experiment with various key angles and intensities to discover a variety of tones and rhythms.

Wooden drums have been an integral part of numerous cultures worldwide for centuries. They are traditionally played with drumsticks or beats (with a felt head or wool fleece head), which gives them a special acoustic dimension to the cultural practices with their deep, resonating sounds.

Sliding techniques / sliding

1. Use your palm to create a sliding movement over the surface of the wooden drum.
2. Adjust pressure and speed to create different pitches and sounds.
3. Explore different hand positions to learn different sliding techniques.

Practical exercises for deepening

If you want to further deepen your skills on the slit drum, try these simple exercises:

• Skalen and Arpeggios : Play regularly scales and Arpeggios to improve your dexterity and your understanding of the sound sequence.
• Rhythm exercises : View the patterns and experiment with different rhythms. This promotes your rhythmic precision and flexibility.
• Improvisation : Let yourself be guided and improvise by your intuition. This helps to discover your creative side and develop your melodic skills.

Extra tips for the drum game

To make your experiences with the slit drum even more intensely, here are some additional tips:

• Experiment with different beats : While some players prefer to play the slit drum with bare hands, different slans (e.g. from felt or rubber) can create different sound effects.
• Combine the slit drum with other instruments : the slit drum harmonizes excellently with other percussives and melodic instruments such as calimbas, hand pans or guitars. Experiment with different combinations to create unique sound experiences.
• Use the slit drum for creative projects : whether as a background music for meditation, part of a soundtrack production or even as an integral part of a play-the creative possibilities are endless.

What options are there to learn playing a slit drum specifically?

Anyone who is interested in the cultural history and the unique sound of the slit drum understandably has the desire to learn drumming on this instrument.

In this section, three different methods for learning the drum game with this instrument are presented.

Development with online materials

• Find online tutorials and teaching videos that gradually offer instructions on playing techniques for log drums. Unfortunately, these have so far been sown extremely sparse, even in the English -speaking Internet. Tip: Keep an eye out for Tongue drum or handpan tutorials (these are quite numerous). Most techniques and playing styles can be transferred to a slit drum. You can also get inspiration from other drum species.

• Discover virtual communities and forums for drum enthusiasts, where you can get advice, share experiences and learn from others.
• Use digital resources for notes and notation in the composition and the arrangement of block drum music.

Take lessons with a music teacher

• Find a qualified teacher for punch instruments that specializes in log or tongue drum techniques.
• Talk to the teacher about your goals and schedule to plan tailor -made lessons.
• To optimize learning, you should invest in a suitable slot drum and a practice room.

Join a drum circle or a drum group

• Search online or browse black boards at schools, universities, department stores, etc. to find local drum circles or drum groups.
• Contact Us ieen the organizers to obtain information about the requirements for recording and participating in log drum sessions.
• Go to a group session or a drum circle to observe the game on the wooden drum and the interactions between the members.
• Imagine the members and show that you are interested in learning to play the wooden drum.
• Take in conversations with experienced log drum players to get advice and help for starting.

Tips for buying a slit drum

If you want to get a log yourself, you should consider a few things when buying:

1. Material : slit drums are mostly made of wood or metal. Wood offers a warmer and more organic sound, while metal drums can have clearer and lighter tones. High -quality hardwood types such as ash or Padouk (ideally air -dried) should be installed for the wood for the sound surfaces. The body can be made of pine wood. In the case of industrially dried wood, there is a risk of cracking over time (especially in the case of dry heating air). That can affect the sound.
2. Size : The size of the drum influences the pitch and volume. Smaller drums are Terms & Conditions Arer, larger ones offer a deeper response. Lying drums are very large and can also be used for two.
3. Mood : slit drums are available in various moods and pentatonics (e.g. F major, A minor, D minor, ...). Make sure you choose one that fits your musical taste and purpose.
4. Price : quality has its price. Favorable, industrially manufactured models are suitable for beginners to sniff in, but if you want to play seriously, it is worth investing in a high -quality instrument from an instrument maker. German instrument makers often use regional wood and bring years of experience and exquisite craftsmanship into their drums. The prices are then also in the low to medium four -digit range.

Care and maintenance

Slit drums do not require much care, but a few simple measures can extend their lifespan:

• Avoid extreme temperatures and moisture to protect the material.
• Clean the drum regularly with a soft, dry cloth.
• Enter the drum safely if you do not use it to avoid damage.
• Always place a carpet or runner under your musical instrument for underfloor heating to protect it from the direct warmth of the heating.
• Avoid ventilation at temperatures below freezing, as this can further reduce the air humidity in the interiors and tighten the frosty conditions. Position your musical instruments temporarily in a different room during ventilation, since cold air can cause considerable temperature differences in the wood.
• Attach a container with water on the radiators and regularly change the filters to increase the humidity in the room and to counteract mold formation. For example, place plants with high water requirements in your rooms and pour them regularly. In this way, a lot of water evaporates, which protects the wood of its instruments from drying out by the increased humidity.

What does the future look like for this niche instrument?

With the increasing popularity of mindfulness and wellness, the slit drum is already more than just a niche instrument. It finds its way into modern music productions, schools and therapy centers worldwide.

The trend towards integrative music therapy and the increasing appreciation for handmade acoustic instruments indicate that the slit drum will continue to play an important role in the future.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

In our FAQ we answer the most common questions and help you to deepen your knowledge of the slit drum:

What makes the slit drum unique?

The slit drum is characterized by its warm, resonant sound and its simple playability, which makes it ideal for different musical and therapeutic applications.

How do you play a slit drum?

The slot drum is played with your hands or special beats, with the different slots being struck to create different tones.

Which slit drum is the right one for me?

Think about what you want to use the drum for. Larger and deeply tuned drums are suitable for meditative purposes or sound therapy, while smaller ones can be easily transported and versatile.

How do I find the right mood for myself?

Listen to different slit drums and choose the one whose sound appeals to the most. There is no "real" mood - everything depends on your personal preferences.

Are slit drums only suitable for professionals?

Not at all! Slit drums are very beginner -friendly and offer players of all levels of experience joy and benefit.

Which music styles is the slit drum suitable for?

The slit drum is ideal for meditative, relaxing music, world music and experimental sounds. Their versatility also makes them interesting for other styles of music.

Can I build a slit drum myself?

Yes, with a manual skill and the right materials, it is possible to build a slit drum yourself. There are instructions and kits for DIY projects online. Get Hands Dirty team tried such a project. Even the template and their experience in the construction of this drum made of Wenge and Baltic birch plywood are divided. There are even some tips from the wood selection to the mood of the instrument.

Where can I buy a slit drum?

Slit drums are available in musical instrument shops, special online shops and artisans. Pay attention to the quality and material of the instrument.

Final thoughts

The world of the slit drum is full of tonal treasures that are waiting to be discovered. This instrument has the strength to enrich your life in a variety of ways, be it through relaxation, creativity or spiritual practice.​