Learn To Play Conga Drums – 7 Basic Sounds For Beginners

Learn how to play the conga drum in this video lesson for beginners. Known in Cuba as the tumbadora, this South American instrument can be heard in all types of Latin music including salsa, rumba, merengue and reggae, as well as other forms of popular music.

Students will practice the seven sounds of the Conga Drum including the open tone (played with the four fingers near the rim of the head), the bass tone or tono bajo (played with the full palm on the head that produces a low muted sound), various slaps or tonos secos (a difficult technique producing a loud clear “popping” sound), and muff tones. Beginner players will also learn all sorts of practical tips and movements such as “heel toe” finishing with a basic Guaguancó rhythm.