Hey guys,
m el
I have recently bought a Bongo and am experiencing lots of funning learning the instrument. For better studying purposes I bought a book by Mel Bay called "The Bongo Book":
http://www.amazon.com/Mel-Bongo-Book-Trevor-Salloum/dp/0786620714/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1222596732&sr=8-3 as well as the following DVD:
http://www.amazon.com/Mel-Bay-Art-Bongo-Drumming/dp/B000JGG9LE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1222596732&sr=8-2
From this book I learnt the standard Martillo to which one can add variations.
I'm sure it's all very familiar to you guys but for clarification purposes I have to describe the various strikes in this pattern.
There are 4 in total:
-The open stroke.
-The muted stroke.
-The Thumb strike (Heel).
-The Finger strike (Toe)..
The last two are the two components as to what Mel Bay refers to as the Manoteo (Heel-To movement).
My problem has to do with the Finger Strike.
I have the idea that their are different interpretations as to how this strike has to be accomplished.
Mel bay describes the movement as "a sweeping of the palm of the left hand across the drum head towards your right leg".
I watched the DVD and saw him to it in a likewise matter.
This is how I used to play and study the martillo rhythmes until I came upon the website of this friendly god (shares a lot of info for free!!!):
http://www.petelockett.com/pete%20new%20pages/bongo%20page.html
Here the Finger Strike (Toe Strike) is entirely different from Mel Bay's version, in the movement and the sound that it produces.
Contrary to Mel Bay the Finger Strike is a real strike (and not a sweep). Pete Locket moves rests the palm on the left side of the left hand on the drum skin and then strikes the skin with the right hand.
This has a similarity to the muted stroke, the left hand has contact with a slightly different part of the drum skin which produces a louder more overtone filled sound.
Which of these playing styles is the better one? Which one should I learn first?
The difference in sound quality is very noticeable..
I hope someone can help me out and possibly even clarify why these differences exist. I understand their are various playing styles and maybe even more ways to accomplish the Finger strike but I just want some sort of reassurance
