How to Play Bongo Drums: Basic Martillo for Beginners!

Learn how to play the bongo drums in this video lesson. First-time hand drummers will practice the basic martillo rhythm and other beginner patterns and grooves.
Practice playing on the Latin Percussion Bongo Drum: amzn.to/1X5v0dZ
Bongos (Spanish: bongó) are an Afro-Cuban percussion instrument consisting of a pair of small open bottomed drums of different sizes. In Spanish the larger drum is called the hembra (female) and the smaller the macho (male). Together with the conga or tumbadora, and to a lesser extent the batá drum, bongos are the most widespread Cuban hand drums, being commonly played in genres such as Cuban son, salsa and Afro-Cuban jazz.
Bongo drums produce relatively high-pitched sounds compared to conga drums, and should be held behind the knees with the larger drum on the right when right-handed. It is most often played by hand and is especially associated in Cuban music with a steady pattern or ostinato of eighth-notes known as the martillo or "hammer". They are traditionally played by striking the edge of the drumheads with the fingers and palms. The glissando used with bongó de monte is done by rubbing the third finger, supported by the thumb, across the head of the drum.
Bongo drummers are known as bongoseros.
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Latin Percussion Instructor: Edgardo Cambon
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[@elizabethfarnsworth7090]

65 and have never played an instrument. Wanted bongos as a kid. Didn't happen. Covid depression has got me down. Better late than never. This is so fun. Boy am I feeling uncoordinated. Lol Thank you so much. A new adventure!

[@dancepapi]

Happy drumming!

[@phillyman5000]

Get a set of Conga drums too!! So awesome and Edgardo is the best percussionist as well as mentor, instructor!!

[@richardsilkes5944]

I did the same thing! Bought bongo drums, claves, and maracas to chase away the Covid blues. Also playing a lot of tongue drum and harmonica. Finally, i have a rain stick, thunder maker, and ocean wave drum. These Covid blues are tough to get rid of but I am trying. 🙏🏼

[@cindyhale595]

Turn on your favorite music and just have fun with it! I like this video song this dude played at the end. This is the first bongo lesson I have ever been to/looked at. My hands work different than his but I rap a tap tap my fingers and hands the way I like and just have fun. Like he said, listen and feel the beat/and or beat the hell out of them and relieve your frustrations, LOL

[@luciansamosata5977]

@@richardsilkes5944 hahaha! I am on a very similar journey. It's great to move from instrument to instrument to keep practice fresh. The very best to you!

[@tommysandovallegos5386]

Why would anyone give this a thumbs down?? This artist is giving gold away. Thank you very much. So much learned.

[@dancepapi]

Gracias Tommy!

[@janetgoldstein7597]

The best bongo tutorial so far

[@jazzrengue]

Best Bongo lesson ever!!

[@unclemick-synths]

This is so great. I've been watching a bunch of beginner's videos and you're the first one to make this basic beat musical. Getting the basics right is so important.

[@johnfogel2284]

Please keep up the good work. You lessons for Conga have been a big help for me. I am only 76.

[@dancepapi]

Thanks for watching John! Keep up the practice! :-)

[@bennyarocho246]

Absolutely the best bongo tutorial video I've seen! Muchisimas gracias!

[@budokaiboy]

I have been watching a ton of beginner Bongo videos and this is the best one that I've seen. Extremely well explained. Thank you!!!

[@dancepapi]

Glad it was helpful!

[@charlesgraham1805]

I totally agree….and I’m also a professional music critic.

[@ejlopez00]

@@dancepapi 0e

[@singvijaya]

One of the finest teachers!!.

[@rumblef1sh]

just purchased a set of bongos. Like many others, went off to find a helpful, clear, and complete guide for beginners. Yours is the best by a long way. Thank you for posting this! :)

[@danielmadero0]

MIL GRACIAS! Great video! Acabo de comprar un bongó y es el mejor video que he encontrado!

[@dancepapi]

Gracias Daniel!

[@morganchilds9054]

This is super helpful. Thank you. I'm a drummer and I can hear what's going on, but it's good to know where to start with the actual technique. I just got a bongo so my little baby son can play with them on the floor, but I want to learn a bit so I'll be checking out your channel. I've been lucky to see the real son in Cuba... a very authentic-sounding old school band at the Hotel Villanueva in Havana. Beautiful singer who also played claves and maracas, in his mid 60s or so, an older pianist, bongosero, congeuro, two trumpets, upright bass. I was mesmerized by the bongosero... when they hit the descarga and he picked up the bell, his beat placement is etched in my mind. Very profound memory for me. Anyway, cheers.

[@GeoBeast702]

I just bought my own bongos! I’m so excited to learn all this! Thank you for these videos 🙏

[@frankieraymond]

I started on Maxwell house coffee cans when I was very young,my sister bought me Bongos I still have and I bought Congas years ago. I'm not the best but I love to play still and its a great feeling afterwards,

[@Jonathan_007]

LP is based in my hometown Garfield, NJ. I as a 16 year old boy put my first set of LP Matador Bongo on layaway in Passaic, NJ. I as making $5.55 an hour at my very first job back in 1998. It took me a good year to pay it off and thankfully Rosanias was very cool in letting me taking my time to pay it. I ended up soon after purchasing the LP High medium and low pitch cowbells'. I purchased the LP Güiro and LP Maracas from him as well. Good old days and yes I still have my instruments now at age 35 and quite a few more now including a conga set and Cajón. All LP of course.

[@dancepapi]

Thank you for the story and happy drumming!

[@hananshells8055]

Very nice papi. Following your bongo videos for learning the Bongos. Thank you and God Bless. ❤️

[@jordiegundersen1465]

Thank you. I have just purchased the Salsa Rhythm app to have fun during lockdown and to keep check on my timing..

[@KiEnholistics]

Thanks for the great instruction. My suggestion for beginner's videos - I'd like the camera to shoot from behind (as another teacher does it) so we get the player's view of the drums and hands - the right hand showing on the right and left on left. It would help visual learners like me copy the moves instead of mentally switching sides.

[@dancepapi]

Hi Jim. We're working on a new series! Stay tuned! ;-)

[@dfcordovez]

Que pasó que pasó, dance papi que pasó que pasó🎵 (te pongo la 2a voz suena Chevere). Excelente Edgardo, mis nietas me han regalado para Navidad un par de “Tycoons” for beginners. He escuchado algunos bongoceros en YT. You’re the best teacher, I follow the sounds more than numbers, corcheas or negras. Tks great teaching technique

[@dancepapi]

Gracias Diego!

[@El_Siervo]

Dance Papi, I'm cuban and love to play Bongos. I have learned by myself a liter of martillo, but no more than that. I have searched youtube for hours trying to learn until I got here "Dace Papi". Thanks so much for dedicating some time to teach us. By far you are the best tutorial I have found in few years.

[@Eddysuconga]

Gracias amigo, Estuve en Cuba muchas veces, estudiando, conociendo la cultura, gozando con la gente y siempre aprendiendo. Ahora no voy por allí desde el 2006. Me alegro que te sirvan los videos y gracias por tu apoyo.

[@nottellingyoumyname6362]

Thanks I got Bongo for Christmas and I watch this and it helped

[@dancepapi]

Happy to hear!

[@pbeck15]

Very well done -- informative and entertaining. And especially good at ca. 8:27, where Mr. Cambon shows how to find the best place for the left thumb, and even more useful at ca. 12:46, where he explains how *not* to play the martillo with a flat sound. Much to practice; much to enjoy. Thank you.

[@dancepapi]

Thanks for watching!

[@firestuff589]

I live in Puerto Vallarta and just came into the possession of some nice LP bongos and to my surprise found you here! I have danced to the sounds of Candela for thirty years, and what a treat to find your love of this music and offering these beautiful no bullshit lessons!! You are the real thing! Muchas gracias compa!!

[@DrumandPianoDude]

I can't believe that there are DISLIKES for this or any of your videos. You always give great information, and I learn a lot from you! I'm making the transition after 34 years from the drum set and field snare to more hand drumming. Thank you for the videos!!

[@aphexon.]

135 now.

[@Pgarcia468]

just bought my first bongo and I'm excited to get to work based on your lessons, ¡ Muchas gracias, mi hermano!

[@dancepapi]

Fantastic! Thank you for watching!

[@moephan311]

Brother, thank you so much for your videos. I’ve grew up a drum set player but developed a serious, debilitating cardio-pulmonary disease in my late teens which forced me to stop playing, though I was able to still play auxiliary percussion a little in informal settings with friends, as I had acquired a [pair of] bongo[s], djembe, maracas, & tambourine separately over the years as gifts. Unfortunately I couldn’t even do that much as my illness progressed until I received a life-saving double-lung transplant just over five years ago.. About 2.5 years ago I was invited to add auxiliary percussion to my local church’s music group, who already had a solid Cajon player. I joined anyway, and despite having never received any formal training/education for hand percussion whatsoever my previous experience, sense of of rhythm, and spirit of creativity, has carried me. About a year ago the main percussionist left, so since then I’ve been seated on a Cajon as my “throne” and use it in addition to the bongo(s) and djembe on stands, switching between them all as I see fit, depending on the feel of the songs, and the group has loved it. However, I knew I could take my playing to another level, especially since I received a set of tablas last Christmas and roughly taught myself how to play via KZbin tutorials. Therefore, recently I started watching videos of yours, along with others, to really understand the bongos and play with actual, real technique, and you are one of the best KZbin-teachers out there, so I just wanted to let you know how grateful I am for what you do, especially since I can not afford private lessons, and many people/places that offer them and really only concerned about getting paid. So thank you so much for taking the time to make these. Be blessed. Namaste.

[@dancepapi]

Thank you for the kind comments. We're happy to hear you find our videos helpful!

[@SlipperKings]

Gracias for the wonderful lesson! You have a nice way of explaining the techniques and what to listen for, your tips (like how to hold the bongos without pressing into your calves) are excellent, the history (like about the x-rays) and language notes are fascinating, and you speak and demonstrate slowly enough for us beginners to follow. Thank you so much -- time to go practice!

[@bhakta949]

You are the man Brother you are representing this rich percussive tradition, thank you brother thank you I use your sango rythyms on the street as a pushback against the WEF plan to destroy the middle class and they say " YOU WILL OWN NOTHING AND BE HAPPY" They actually say that ! Anyway thank you brother !

[@Twinyo100]

Great I'm trying to learn to play got a set for Christmas I love the salsa also and funk music

[@dancepapi]

Happy drumming!

[@luciansamosata5977]

It's an amazing instructional video, but its the joy and love he brings that makes it magic💗

[@marktaylor4677]

A good instructional for beginner like me. Thanks.

[@dancepapi]

+Mark Taylor cheers!

[@MattRappaport]

Great video! Ive watched a few to try and learn the Martillo and this is the first to explain that the thumb should already be down on the first beat. That explains why i could never match it up to the clave before. Thank you!

[@dancepapi]

Glad it was helpful!

[@vaslav030547]

I found this easy to follow as you explain everything very clearly and at a steady pace.. Many thanks I will keep watching

[@mickeyburns3494]

Just want to thank you for this video. I'm new to the bongos and keep coming back here as you covered all the basics so well. Gracias Maestro!

[@dancepapi]

Thanks for watching!

[@richardstardust2355]

Great lesson, i'm inspired to pick up my LP Bongo's (Generation ii) again and start working on these techniques you explained so well, Thanx 4 sharing it!

[@40alma]

Dance Papi love your videos love the sound of the bongos

[@dancepapi]

Gracias!

[@hughmnyks]

You are a very good teacher, Señor, and a great player, too!

[@Berkcam]

I have been playing Bongo's for perhaps 5 years now and because of tutors like yourself Papi I am now a real Bongocero - thank you. However, its really nice to return here and enjoy your Bongo history talk.

[@jackwilliams8986]

master thats what you are mate. good job

[@dancepapi]

Thank you Ricardo!

[@johnnicholoft6163]

Amazing! I really enjoyed this vid. I have no musical skills, am alway enthralled by people who are talented and absolutely appreciate their adding to my quality of life.

[@daveoxborrow9156]

Fantastic lesson from someone who enjoys playing music.

[@geraldrushton8859]

Tremendous a real educaten, humour, warm driven, to the point, - you feel you know the man thanks papi!

[@pam1974argentina]

gracias varón, saludos de la plata, argentina

[@dancepapi]

Gracias!

[@anamariaarcossolari3652]

Gracias Edgardo. Te sigo desde Australia!! Gracias por compartir tu talento!!

[@Gracekelly-lp8no]

i love papi dance!!! :D saludos desde colombia que genial enseñas

[@dancepapi]

We love you! :-)

[@miguelsantiago5677]

maestro que buena explicasion usted si sabe lo que dice!!👏👏👏👏

[@neebinmakwah349]

Very nice job...many thanks...I have seen you play congas, with some legends...as well as sing...you always look so happy.

[@alekskukolj2264]

👏👏👏 #1 Best bongo instructional videos. The salsa app is great as well 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@Boxing4food]

This video was wonderful, well explained and clear. Just bought my first LP bongos and I'm absolutely loving this.

[@dancepapi]

That's awesome!

[@carlupthegrove262]

Best video I've seen for beginners such as I. Thank you

[@carlosgonzalez206]

Este canal es oro puro, acabo de comprar unos bongos y la verdad no sabia nada de bongos (he tocado otras percuciones pero nunca bongos) gracias por estos videos ♥️

[@RPJohn1]

You're an amazing teacher! Thank you!

[@Emma-wy6ji]

Thanks for this first lesson of martillo, it was perfectly clear !

[@mdub2000]

this is awesome what a great teacher.....i've been playing rhythms from my cultures instruments for awhile mainly in the gong variety and always wanted to learn the bongos...you have been very clear with a great pace...thank you so much:)

[@dancepapi]

Thanks for watching!

[@chrisduffy2737]

Best "learning how to play bongo lesson" I've seen. Listened to son "Elena La Cumbachera" (Sierra Maestra) for about the fiftieth time enjoying the bongo player.

[@dancepapi]

Cheers!

[@satanmartinez1462]

love the vocals at end! this video is great thank you

[@dancepapi]

Gracias!

[@joseluishernandezmanrique6781]

Excelente, se siente la alegria de enseñar y trasmitir. Muchas gracias!!!

[@NicoleM2108]

Fantastic demonstration! I am waiting for my first set of bongos. I will be seeing you a lot in the near future. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@tunesonglabel]

Awesome; thank you so very much. I am a nylon guitar player and purchased a nice pair of Bongoes from Byron Music, after trying to convince another customer in the shop how awesome this particular pair of bongoes were, compared to Djembes, as a starting instrument. And then, I bought them myself as the fellow customer was slightly unconvinced.

[@pbeck15]

Fabulous. I'm sure I don't have to tell you -- there are a lot of bongo videos on KZbin. This is the one I keep coming back to. You're confident, clear, you can demonstrate what you describe, and you have a sense of humor. Would you please recommend some recordings that would be good to listen to, specifically for bongo, and/or to play along with? And, can you recommend anyone in the Chicago area I could approach for bongo lessons? Thanks and stay hungry.

[@aschillingusa]

Heartfelt thank you for your sincerity and clear honest explanations of these beautiful rhythms and how to play them correctly! Thank you for "speaking from the heart" about this music!! I found your Basic Martillo for Beginners video by chance today and I can't wait to see all of your videos.

[@dancepapi]

We appreciate the kind comments!

[@jean2978]

I am learning to play .being taught by an excellent teacher. I can afford only once a week but this freee video is worth $$$ to me 😂. I practice daily.

[@richardsilkes5944]

Easy to follow. Motivational.

[@CyberCuban]

Muchas gracias muy buen video y por tomar el tiempo de explicar in poco sus origenes.

[@dancepapi]

Salud!

[@MrJML75]

Muchas gracias.... I'm a guitar player trying to learn the bongos and this was the best tutorial I've seen..thank you...

[@dancepapi]

Thanks for watching!

[@ivar1155]

Excellent class, thank you very much. Salsaludos..!!!!

[@dancepapi]

Salud!

[@raymondsantiago7113]

Wow mi hermano. Tremendo! Muy útil y divertido de escuchar.

[@BRAATZUnlimiteD]

just wanna say thank you, gracias from Slovenia! If you ever come visit our country, you are very welcome ! And bring your energy and passion with you :) august (a enthusiast which loves cuban and latin music and wants to learn to play the bongo!)

[@dancepapi]

Very nice of you to say August!

[@miguelcabrera7313]

August Braatz August ! These rhythm all began in Cuba ! Without the Cuban Son ! There is no Salsa

[@dufusbug]

BRAVO !!!! I enjoyed this thoroughly !!!

[@helencox3946]

I am in Australia and just found you. Great lesson, thank you.

[@rjcrjc8025]

Been playing bongoes for many years. Make sure u watch and take care of your hands and fingers

[@alubi92]

Mil gracias Maestro, fuente de inspiración y motivación !, que Dios te pague.

[@dancepapi]

+alubi92 Gracias a ti!

[@carlosnovaes6993]

Very easy to understand and I recomend for sure! I hope to see many bongô rythm lessons soon!

[@dancepapi]

+Carlos Novaes More coming soon!

[@chrishawkins8381]

Just got me a set of bongos you were my first lesson and you had me playing a a good beat in minutes. A massive thumbs up thanks. (liked and subscribed)

[@dancepapi]

Great to hear!

[@MACASAQUI]

Excelente video. Esperamos también estas clases en español. Gracias. Saludos

[@Haeberlins]

Gracias por tu clase!

[@dancepapi]

Salud!

[@jsblake4718]

Thank you, you are a wonderful teacher.

[@bogdantibor7622]

Thank you. You are very best drum teacher. Gratulation.

[@dancepapi]

Thank you!

[@MateoMartinezG]

Por favor seguid haciendo mas videos con otros ritmos!! son buenisimos!!

[@MrVvasquez61]

This was a great introduction video!!👍👍💪👏

[@davidmares56]

Excelente clase. Muchas gracias.

[@danjtomlinson]

Awesome💙💙💙

[@groopeep]

Great illustration of the technique! Thank you

[@paulclifford9008]

All your videos are great! Thank you for sharing

[@dancepapi]

+Paul Clifford Thank you Paul!

[@dinsdins27]

Thanks, I had a blast learning!

[@atilapaes100]

Muy bueno, maestro. Gracias de un estudante brasileño.

[@johnc2107]

Great video! Can't wait for the next bongo lesson and the bell! Hurry!!!! Lol Keep up the great work and thanks for sharing your talent!

[@dancepapi]

+John C New Video to be posted shortly! Please subscribe to our channel for updates on the newest videos!

[@paulchalmus6920]

Excellent....I love this. This helps me so much....plus I love the history that goes with it! Very nice!

[@dancepapi]

Thank you Paul!

[@olowasegun6829]

Dance Papi is the man

[@terrijo685]

This is an awesome video! Just got a set of bongos for my 14 year old daughter today and will have her watch this. If I can get the Martillo down, she should be able to easily:) Thanks!!

[@dancepapi]

Awesome! How great of you to introduce this wonderful instrument to your daughter!

[@markhorst]

Edgardo is a great teacher! What a great series of videos. Thank you. Thank you.

[@dancepapi]

Thanks for watching Mark!

[@HandyHermit]

Very informative and instructive. Thank you!

[@dancepapi]

Thank you for watching!

[@joseluishernandezmanrique6781]

Te puedo sugerir un topic para un buen video; uno de como hacer el mantenimiento, almacenaje y cuidado de los instrumentos. Para mi seia super util. Muchas Gracias de nuevo

[@dancepapi]

Nos gusta la idea Jose. Platicamos con Edgardo. Salud!

[@frankmethuen5522]

This is brilliant and you're a great presenter of this art form! Thank You

[@dancepapi]

Wow, thank you!

[@Urquilla]

Excelente!! Justo lo que buscaba para iniciar con mi bongó! Super agradecido!

[@dancepapi]

Salud!

[@johnmartinez4778]

Dance Papi

[@joecanzano]

Great playing, great video. Thanks!

[@PilarBoswell]

Awesome. My son's bongos for Xmas just arrived and I can't stop playing.

[@dancepapi]

Awesome! :-)

[@ritamaldonado4723]

Pregunta? Por que Mr. Edgardo Carbon si es de Uruguay no presenta el video en nuestra lengua "ESPANOL". Y se nota que el habla muy buen Castellano. Alguien me puede explicar esto.

[@andreasmartin8340]

Eres genial maestro! Me estas ayudando mucho para tocar el "Hang" / Handpan, muchisimas gracias desde Suiza!

[@dancepapi]

Salud!

[@barbr316]

this is very educational very well explain thank you for sharing this video please keep them coming I heard or I was doing some research and the skins I heard come from elephants they used to long long time ago

[@aliyak9836]

This was wonderful! Thank you.

[@robertringland6042]

Thank you for this video. Very clear, concise. I have watched a few videos on Martillo. This is my favorite and easiest for me to understand. Just subscribed. thanks for sharing this.

[@dancepapi]

Saludos!