Un Tuned Percussion Instrument - The Conga & The Bongo

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Musical Instrument - Conga & Bongo

The Conga

The Conga, also called the Tumba Drum, is one of the largest hand drums used largely in Latin America.

Features and Look

The Conga is a percussion instrument which is recognisable thanks to its barrel shaped upright body made primarily of hard wood or fibreglass and bound together with metal strips. Played using the hands or with a beater, the Conga is usually single headed or can have two heads.

Dimension - Diameter: 25 - 30 cm/10-15; Length: 50-60 cm/20-24

Playing the Conga

The Conga can be played by an individual or by 2 - 3 people, using a beater or with hands. To create different sounds, Conga players use all parts of the hand including fingertips and the palm of hands which fall flatly on the Conga head. The sides of the drum can also be beaten to create sound. Different tones are produced by slapping on the different parts of the Conga including the middle, side and rim of the drum.

Tuning the Conga

Though the Conga is not tuned, its skin can be tightened in order to create a high sound when played. The Bongo and the Timbales are  2 instruments which are used as accompaniments with the Conga in Latin American music.

The Bongo

Bongos are a pair of single headed drums usually small in size and joined together. Unequal in size, the smaller drum is called the male or minor drum while the larger drum is called the female or major drum.

To play the Bongo

The Bongo can be either placed on a stand or between the knees and is usually tuned to a higher pitch. Bongo creates rich music which is extremely rhythmic and enjoyable.

Bongos are widely used and are an important component of various music styles such as the Salsa, Mambo, Cha Cha and Rumba.

Diameter: 15 cm / 6 cm, Length: 20 cm / 8 cm; 20cm / 8 cm, 30 cm / 15 cm 

Do you know how to play the Conga & Bongo? Share your knowledge & experience with us. Write to us contact@musicalescapades.com  

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