Cajon Lesson: Beginner Control and Dynamics Exercise

[@mr.woolleys]

Thank you so much for this. I’m new and it’s hard to find exercises like this. I wish there were more though.

[@rosslmccallum]

@@mr.woolleys I’m happy I could help. Have you tried working through my Cajon Method playlist? kzbin.info/aero/PLkFTJa7bYzTg7_BWxo0EQ3dA8eSY1PKkB&si=8FmwQoL2iEhbByYo

[@mr.woolleys]

@rosslmccallum I have looked through it before, it is definitely saved as my main practice channel.

[@Gio_Typha]

After playing the cajon for a little two years I think this playlist of Ross is gonna help me push through in playing every day and enjoying it more then before. Maybe one thing to add.. Teachers often say in their beginner/intermediate/... video's "When you start to feel comfortable with that, you can add this or do it faster...". This creates the idea that you should or can do the hardest part of the beginner video in one day. At least that was the case for me two years ago. So please mention that this last stage of every video is something to come back later. And first go through many different video's to learn the slow part well. And after 60 or whatever how many video's, go back to the first one and the hardest part of the video will go way smoother. This playlist of Ross is awesome for this way of practicing in my opinion. Maybe an idea to add an introduction video to the playlist with information like this? Much love and thanks a lot for the great lessons Ross!

[@rosslmccallum]

@@Gio_Typha thanks so much for the great feedback. I also think there’s an opportunity coming eventually for re-editing and structuring a lot of material to make an even more natural and smooth progression.

[@solibra5608]

Hi there i dont have a cajon yet and i practice hitting my legs lol, just want to say i love your energy, thank you so much for sharing

[@rosslmccallum]

@@solibra5608 welcome to the channel!

[@carlostorrez7388]

Thanks, es un gusto enorme encontrarte con estas lecciones, me bien muy bien, gracias por compartir, te mando un abrazo de Bs As Argentina❤

[@rosslmccallum]

Thank you 🙏

[@MuriloLilo3004]

I gotta say, this man makes me wanna expend the whole day playing the cajon

[@rosslmccallum]

You know that’s the feeling I live for. When you have nothing else but pure passion fuelling you to keep playing and creating for hours on end. I’m really happy if my video can help someone feel that!

[@achillesarmstrong9639]

you are the best cajon tutor on the youtube

[@rosslmccallum]

You’re very kind to say that. I always appreciate feedback too. Any time you have questions, let me know!

[@anabertoluzzi8055]

You’re awesome! Musical and a natural teacher!!!

[@rosslmccallum]

Thanks! I’m glad you like my work.

[@rosslmccallum]

Hey thanks for watching! 😁 There’s now a 260 page eBook that goes with the Cajon Method 1.1 course. It's full of easy-to-read notation, practice tips and more. If you're interested, please consider joining the class. kzbin.infojoin Thank you! ❤

[@Whiterevelations]

Thank you so much for taking the time and effort to make these videos and post them on youtube! They're crazy helpful for college students who want to learn a new instrument but can't afford classes hahaha :))

[@rosslmccallum]

Yeah of course happy to help! I love making these videos.

[@gravlygravy]

I have been playing Cajon (rarely) for about a year and have played various non-percussion instruments for over twenty years. Really useful for me to practice these basics, as tempted as I always am to muff out advanced stuff before I'm ready. Perhaps with this instrument I can do the 'walk then run' progression. There's always a first time!

[@pradipkrishen]

Really nice! Clear and so great for an absolute beginner!

[@rosslmccallum]

Thanks! I’m glad you liked the video.

[@wolfgang4468]

It's obvious you are one of the few people that make KZbin videos out of love and passion.

[@MrArifizakiali]

Completely agree. Sometimes we gotta go back to the basics to improve ourselves

[@Adrian-dl9nb]

This was really useful, Ross! Applying this to already known songs made my playing so much better.

[@rosslmccallum]

Perfect way to put it to good use.

[@lightshinebrighteverywherewego]

Love this!!! More pls!

[@rosslmccallum]

Thank you! More on the way soon.

[@jorgedrago9231]

Muy bueno y didáctico. Congratulations Ross.

[@rosslmccallum]

Thanks for watching!

[@justwinx1812]

Very helpful . Thank you for making videos like this. 😊

[@abhivela]

Justt awesome sir ❤🎉

[@rosslmccallum]

Thank you!

[@su_race555]

wow.. I will..thank you for sharing

[@rosslmccallum]

You’re welcome!

[@NeoIrani]

Thank you for your kind sharing! Your are inspirational,

[@rosslmccallum]

NimaNeo thank you so much. Happy to help!

[@hoangnguyenhuy2169]

Great video!! I've just ordered a sela cajon for myself, can't wait.

[@hoangnguyenhuy2169]

I got the Casela black dark nut :) really looking foward to it. Love your videos, they're very helpful, thank you!!

[@geckocajonkalimba1289]

Guys, Please contact [e-mail] for purchasing issues , Thank you

[@psycho9713]

THANKU FOR SHARING UR SKILLS.....

[@rosslmccallum]

Happy to help!

[@merihera3842]

Thank you Ros

[@rosslmccallum]

You’re welcome!

[@BravosReviews]

Watched this video and got a lot out of it. Thank you!

[@rosslmccallum]

Happy I could help 👍

[@laurahernando5389]

Useful indeed! Thanks, Ross!

[@marionyole8764]

awesome video....... greetings from Canada

[@TuNgan-PopPsych]

Thanks ♥️

[@rosslmccallum]

Happy to help!

[@hahabass]

I love you, dude!

[@rosslmccallum]

Thanks so much! Have an awesome day!

[@shidqifarghani4017]

I think play cajoon only using a feeling 😂 good job man 👍

[@HosseAnchoa]

Great videos! Up to how fast (BPM) should we try to get with this exercise??

[@armansrsa]

Good video. Is it also about where you strike the cajon on the ghost notes compared to where you strike for the open accented tones that makes a difference? Let me explain. I have the strings inside the cajon and sometimes even if I tap lightly I get a lot of volume from the strings inside so I try and tap the outside edges for the ghost notes because it tends to be more forgiving of my dynamics. Maybe I haven't yet developed the skill needed to play the ghost notes on any part of the cajon yet but I wanted to ask if you think it is better to play the ghost notes in a specific place or is it really just about playing softly and doesnt matter where you actually play those soft tones.

[@desolaterin]

Nailed this. :D

[@rosslmccallum]

Thank you so much Vineet! I'm glad you're enjoying the exercise.

[@boymanuel2651]

Thanks Ross for videos like this. I'm new to cajon. Question is, how do we know which one to hit if we play this in a song.

[@rosslmccallum]

Hey there Kuya, I'm not sure but the rhythm will always depend on the song. Do you have a song you want to learn?

[@blakebeavers3424]

Hey Ross, big fan of your videos. Quick question about your tone: I notice on your ghost notes between the slaps and bass notes you're getting a pure hi-hat sound out of it. Is that a matter of tuning, equipment, technique, or all three? Mine tends to sound much more percussive and "wooden."

[@rosslmccallum]

Hey Blake, good ears! Actually, this isn’t a pure cajon recording. There’s some sound leaking from my computer 💻. The app I was using for my metronome and music notation writing, was playing back what I wanted to play as a guide. So that’s why! Thanks for asking, I hope that clears it up for other people too.

[@abcd123478034]

Muito obrigado tanks sss

[@rosslmccallum]

Thank you!

[@lambsauce4888]

Thanks

[@rosslmccallum]

Thanks for watching!

[@nwinbush]

Can you point me to an explanation of the music notation you use -- for instance what do the parentheses around notes mean? etc

[@rosslmccallum]

Nicole Winbush Sure thing! kzbin.info/www/bejne/l2OQmqloYt2Mi5I

[@maxlongoni]

Thanks Ross for your usefull videos! I've a question: wich software do you use for the tablature in your videos?

[@rosslmccallum]

Hey Max, happy to help! I use either Logic Pro or an online tool called Groove Scribe.

[@rosslmccallum]

Max Longoni also check out this video where I show how it is “animated” with the timing kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnzNkJp6q9aKrZo

[@maxlongoni]

@@rosslmccallum thanks Ross, I saw this last night after your answer. Very interesting, great video. 👍👏

[@rosslmccallum]

@@maxlongoni Oh thanks so much!

[@SanatanDharm]

Which cajon do you play? Is there various kinds of cajons?

[@SanatanDharm]

Cajon Groove Guide I really appreciate your playing.I am quite happy you replied me.I will buy it today.

[@jkv15]

"I personally believe that, what makes a good musician or a good cajon player is not necessarily the complexity of rhythms that they can play, but it comes down to their control over dynamics" - Ross McCallum

[@Traumglanz]

I have no idea how to make the Cajon sound so bassy. How do you do that?

[@rosslmccallum]

It takes time to get a really full sound. How long have you been playing?

[@RahulAgarwal-bj2tj]

Hello brother ...I'm the Beginner and I wanna know more about the cajon so can you teach me more about the cajon.

[@lin1985]

i want to know how to make the staves in the video? What software is used?

[@14namso53]

which metroneme are you using?

[@dgparel897]

And what is the 4th beat

[@rosslmccallum]

The 4th beat like “1, 2, 3, 4”? The 2nd beat is the same as the 4th.

[@SufiSakib]

How to play Cajon on any song?

[@herrsteppsch29]

Where are you from, mate?

[@dgparel897]

Can u make a normal speed plz I'm just 10

[@rosslmccallum]

10 is a perfect age to be practicing! I started music when I was about that age. When I’m trying to play something I’m learning on KZbin but it’s too fast I do this: KZbin has a “playback speed” setting. You can make the video play at half speed. Try it out and let me know if it helps!

[@bhupendrapandey3111]

I Didn't understand this r L RL. Can I make me clear

[@rosslmccallum]

@@bhupendrapandey3111 R = right hand 🫱 L = left hand 🫲

[@bhupendrapandey3111]

@@rosslmccallum I mean how to read notes??

[@rosslmccallum]

@@bhupendrapandey3111 I have a video that might help 😁 kzbin.info/www/bejne/l2OQmqloYt2Mi5Isi=axnCaTWYAFZfwm0m

[@bhupendrapandey3111]

@@rosslmccallum thank you 😊

[@hoangliem7949]

Like

[@mixondarracott9001]

Hey, Ross- I can't find you on Instagram- too many Ross McCallums! I admit I am not very familiar with Instagram, so could you help me find you? Thanks!

[@rosslmccallum]

@rosslmccallum I don't log on to Instagram so often but please feel free to check out my photos!