Stroke #1 Flick of the index finger nail (right hand)

Stroke #2 and 3 left hand standard split finger (index to ring)

Stroke #4 same as stroke #1

Stroke #5 index finger (left hand)

Stroke #6 Thumb in "doum" position

Stroke #7 pop technique, right hand mutes left hand ring handles the "ka" stroke.

Video link here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWzXHjGuf5M

Split Finger Isolation

A simple but practical method which isolates right and left hand split finger. One major thing I stress to students is to make sure the volume balance is equally distributed. Playing a loud "doum" for example is obviously easy, try and balance the volume evenly and keep the split finger exchange competing with the standard strokes (doum tek)

Darbuka Stroke Incorporating Thumb and Split Finger Method

Stroke #1 involves the right hand and all four fingers contacting the drum in the "doum" position.

Stroke #2 involves a tap of the right hand middle finger in the "doum" position, just let your finger rebound off the head.

Stroke #3 involves the right hand index finger (same method as stroke #2)

Stroke #4 & 5 involves the standard split finger method (left hand index to ring)

Stroke # 6 involves the right hand thumb in the "doum" position.

Stroke #7 involves the final stroke a ring finger "ka" you can also use a index finger "ka"as well.

You can substitute the split finger (strokes 4 & 5) with middle to index.

Video link is here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUWsDmkRJ2s

Using an Egg Shaker and Split Finger Method

I suggest a small to medium sized shaker, use one with a heavier or thicker gauge of plastic. Find a comfortable way of holding it, make sure the bottom of the shaker strikes the top part of your darbuka. As far as where to strike it I typically aim for the 11 o'clock position. This is a good dual method, first you are developing split finger technique as well as the communication between the hands. You can also reverse roles, left hand holds the shaker and right hand plays the split finger strokes. If you are looking to improve hand speed, you can use what I call "threshold training" pick a tempo that is just a bit fast for you to deal with. For example play quarters using the shaker at 120 BPM"s, then play constant 16ths without stopping. If 120 (for example) is too fast back the BPM's down to 115, but try and keep the tempo at that breaking point. Keep a record of your progress, lets say week one you are just hanging on for 4 measures at a particular tempo, week two it becomes easier etc. You will soon look back at the improvements, obviously you have to enjoy practicing.

Practice method suggestions: The shaker holds an even quarter note pulse and the other hand cycles through different note values. 8ths, 16ths, 8th note triplets etc. At mid tempos you will also find it easy to transition into 6/8. Now you have opened up a whole new list of possibilities. Look below for notation and practice ideas.

How the Riq (soft position) Can Help Split Finger Technique

Lately I have been putting in a lot of hours on my riq, I have played cabaret technique for quite a while. But because I had always owned exterior bolt tuned riq's I was never comfortable with soft position. I now own a Cooperman riq which is a total work of art, the interior tuning is wonderful. There is a previous blog entry about interior tuning VS exterior tuning that I have written. This entry is about improving Turkish split finger technique via the riq. For those of you not familiar with soft position, have a look on Youtube or at this link framedrums.net/index2.html David explains the soft position method very clearly.

Soft position is a pretty physical method, the fulcrum (where the drum sits in the saddle separated by the thumb and index) between your left and right hand should be evenly balanced. By pushing in with both index fingers you can feel the reaction in the wrists and mid forearm. As David describes in his online tutorial TAK notes are successful when the correct amount of index finger pressure is applied. If you were to have your index fingers pressed in and your ring fingers in the TAK position, then have your riq removed (and not move your fingers at all) you would see a stunning resemblance of split finger technique. If you have a riq nearby try it. Apply pressure with the index fingers, play a simple alternating pattern with using the TAK stroke. Pay close attention to how your wrist and forearm muscles react. Take a look at the undersides of your wrists, notice the slight movements? Now remove the index fingers and play the DOUM strokes with your ring fingers. This alone is working two methods, soft position on the riq and improving the wrist strength needed for split finger technique. I have had a huge increase in strength, control of my wrist and overall dexterity using soft position. Of course I still practice split on the darbuka and its obvious to me the relationships between both instruments. Have a look at this link for a info about the anatomy of your wrist and forearm. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flex...i_radialis

Additionally I have PDF files available with the soft position strength training methods I have been using, email me through Tribe or at info@larrysalzman.net

Riq's internal tuning Vs. External

Riq's and the advantage of internal tuning.

Wed, December 23, 2009 - 7:31 PM

For many years I subjected myself to the disadvantages of externally tuned riqs. Originally I purchased a Gawharet el fan riq. Like any instrument I eventually got used to it, and dealt with the weight and non ergo design of it. I was limited technically of course, soft position was next to impossible and the weight of it made it hard to swing forwards and backwards. I did purchase another semi-cheap one, the bolt tuning was slightly smaller but the inlay began to come off, not to mention other problems.

I must admit one thing I did gain from it though was hand strength, my split finger technique on darbuka improved (one of the reasons I kept using it) It was weight training of sorts I guess. That would have to the only positive experience physically. I recently acquired a Cooperman riq, the craftsmanship alone is worth its weight (or lack of) in gold. Cabaret technique is my main technique as it is most riq players. I have been putting in many hours on soft position,so much more enjoyable!!!!! Now I can enjoy the effortless comforts of that technique. The weight difference is like night and day, and the overall feel of the instrument is way better. This blog is not a Cooperman review by any means, but either spend the money or save the money and make the right purchase.

Now the really easy part, the tuning. Internal tuning makes so much sense. The cheaper bolt or external tuned drums can and will drive you crazy. First there's the problem of over tensioning, and or stripping one of the tuning bolts. Also a lot of times the rims that hold the head down are out of round. This is a huge problem in itself, and an attempted repair is a gamble. Tuning is quite different than other instruments being that the head is so small. Dialing the perfect tensioning and tuning is frustrating as well. Overall the lack of hardware and low grade wood will have your hands (especially the hand which holds your riq) smiling. If you are reading this and relating to the details listed use it as motivation for a purchase. I can safely say that the Kevork riqs and the Cooperman's are top notch. There are many resources of course online which provide reviews and feedback for many of the riqs available.

Turkish vs. Egyptian.

Thu, December 24, 2009 - 4:48 PM

The most FAQ I get based on a particular Youtube video I have posted. "Hello I am interested in your DVD on Turkish darbuka, can you tell me about it"? Response "Yes I can answer any question you may have, first I need to know what style and design darbuka you have" Response "Um its one I got off of Amazon, its about 20" in length, the head is 10" or so" Response "OK but what about the design of the drum, the rim that holds the head on? Flat rimmed, or rounded" ? Response "Oh its the rounded version" Response "OK thats an Egyptian style darbuka, my DVD would not assist you in the techniques required for that drum" And so on.................

I get a few of these a week typically, and its obvious most people with an interest in the art form of darbuka playing miss this. Naturally its the beginners who have a legitimate interest in the drum, but miss the physical challenges associated with the flat rimmed design. Not a huge problem, but enough motivation on my end to write this. If you are interested in darbuka playing there are several techniques, styles, rhythm cycles etc. But two vast differences in physical design and technique. First is the Turkish flat rim drum, the flat rim is designed to enable finger snapping hence the name "Turkish finger snap" Finger rolls are pretty hard due to the rim design, the ever popular split finger technique is not workable on the flat rim darbukas. The Egyptian rounded edge drum is quite different in rim design, its a lot more "user friendly" in that finger rolls (split finger especially) are a lot more comfortable. If I have the chance I will always tell players "Go try some drums out" if you have a well established music store in your town chances are they will have some in stock. Finger snap is a very interesting technique, I have played this style for quite a while. I do however put in way more practice on my Egyptian style drum, but there is one very big advantage to getting the basics of finger snap down. Lap style frame drum playing allows the player to incorporate finger snapping as well, an amazing cross over technique without a doubt. Youtube hosts plenty of videos with great demonstrations on seated frame drum playing. Think of it this way, if you already play finger snap techniques on frame drum then Turkish finger snap darbuka should come quite easily.

It does seem however that Turkish finger snap darbuka is falling by the wayside, the "Youtube" affect has a lot to do with this in my opinion. Luckily the Persian tonbak incorporates some of the same snaps, a wonderful instrument as well. Below are two links the demonstrate finger snapping. The first is one of me playing Turkish finger snap darbuka,www.youtube.com/watch
The second is a short one of me playing a 22" ocean drum, and incorporating finger snaps. www.youtube.com/watch