Djembe and Talking Drum: Understanding the Differences

 

African drums are popular, and you might have even felt like playing one.

The djembe and the Nigerian talking drum are two of the most popular ones you'll find.

Both are important and make amazing sounds, but people often mix them up or think they're the same. Are they really that different?

Yes, they are. This guide will get straight to the point, showing you the clear differences between the djembe and talking drum.

We'll look at what makes each instrument special in its sound, how you play it, and its traditional place, so you'll have a good understanding of these two remarkable drums.

 

Meet the Djembe: What It Is and How It's Played

Let's start with the djembe, a drum you've likely seen or heard. It's a wonderful percussion instrument, known for its strong sound and how many different beats it can make.

 

• Its Look and Where It Comes From: 

The djembe has a distinct goblet shape, wide at the top and narrow at the bottom. It comes from West Africa, popular in countries like Mali and Guinea.

 

• How You Play It:

This drum is played mainly with your bare hands. Drummers use different parts of their hands and various striking techniques to get different sounds: a deep "bass" sound from the center, a clear "tone" from the edge, and a sharp "slap" from a quick, firm hit near the rim.

LEARN HOW TO READ THE TALKING DRUM NOTATION HERE

• What It Sounds Like: 

The djembe can be very loud and has a wide range of percussive sounds. It's known for its versatility, meaning it can fit into many different types of music.

• Where You'll Hear It: 

You'll find the djembe in traditional ensembles, leading solos, accompanying dancers, and even in modern music genres around the world. It's a drum that stands out.

Meet the Talking Drum: What It Is and How It's Played

Now, let's look at the talking drum, an instrument truly unique for its ability to "speak" words and phrases.

 

• Its Look and Where It Comes From:

The talking drum has a distinct hourglass shape, with drumheads on both ends connected by ropes.

It's very important in West African cultures, especially among the Yoruba people of Nigeria.

 

• How You Play It:

Unlike the djembe, the talking drum is played with a curved stick. The magic happens when the player holds the drum under their arm and squeezes the ropes. 

This squeezing changes the tension on the drumheads, which then changes the pitch of the sound.

• What It Sounds Like:

This drum is famous for its unique ability to mimic the tones and inflections of human speech.

By changing the pitch, a skilled player can make the drum "talk" or "sing" in a way that sounds like a conversation.

• Where You'll Hear It:

You'll find talking drums used for communication across distances, in praise singing for leaders, during ceremonies, and for traditional storytelling.

It's a drum with a very specific and powerful voice.

Learn more about the different types of Talking Drums we offer: 

 

Djembe and Talking Drum: Key Differences at a Glance

To make the distinctions even clearer, here's a quick look at the main differences between the djembe and talking drum:

 

1. Shape: The djembe is goblet-shaped, while the talking drum is hourglass-shaped.

2. Playing Method: You play the djembe with your bare hands. The talking drum is played with a curved stick, and you squeeze ropes with your arm to change its sound.

3. Main Sound Focus: The djembe is all about rhythmic variety and different percussive tones (bass, tone, slap). The talking drum's main feature is changing its pitch to mimic speech.

4. Cultural Role: Djembes are often used in ensembles for dance and general music. Talking drums are traditionally used for communication, ceremonies, and praise singing.

5. Materials & Construction: Djembes are typically carved from a single log. Talking drums, while also carved, have a more complex tension system with multiple ropes connecting two drumheads.

Choosing Your Drum: Djembe or Talking Drum?

Now that you understand the key differences, you might be wondering: which drum is right for me? 

The choice between a djembe and talking drum depends on what you want to achieve with your music.

1. For Beginners: 

If you're just starting, the djembe might be a more accessible entry point. Its hand-playing techniques can be intuitive to grasp, allowing you to quickly produce a variety of sounds. 

While the talking drum is also for beginners, mastering its pitch changes with arm pressure takes a bit more coordination.

 

2. For Specific Musical Goals: 

Do you want to lay down strong, versatile rhythms for dancing or modern music? The djembe's percussive range makes it excellent for that. 

If your goal is to explore melodic drumming, mimic speech, or participate in traditional ceremonies, the talking drum's unique pitch control is exactly what you need.

3. For Cultural Connection: 

Both drums offer a deep connection to African heritage, but in different ways. 

The djembe connects you to the vibrant ensemble traditions of West Africa, while the talking drum offers a unique link to the communicative and storytelling aspects of cultures like the Yoruba.

MLPercussions Can Help: 

Still unsure? That's perfectly fine! Our team at MLPercussions is here to guide you.

Tell us about your musical interests and what you hope to do with your drum, and we'll help you find the authentic drum that best fits your needs. 

Conclusion

You've now seen the clear differences between the djembe and talking drum.

While one offers a wide range of hand-played rhythms and the other speaks with changing pitches, both are incredible instruments that connect you to the rich musical traditions of Africa.

Whether you choose the versatile djembe or the expressive talking drum, you're embracing a deep cultural experience.

Both drums offer unique paths to explore rhythm, storytelling, and connection.

Ready to find your perfect drum?

Explore MLPercussions' collection of authentic talking drum and other instruments today, and let the rhythm begin.