How to Play Congas for Beginners | Your Very First Conga Lesson | CongaChops.com PASic Masterclass

[@YOULOOTWESHOOT101]

The world needs more congas players

[@CongaChops]

Absolutely!

[@atquy785]

I'm from VietNam. I'm learning bongo and conga. Thank so much Video❤

[@LaVerdad65]

Bro, excellent channel. This is literally day one for me at 30 years old with zero previous conga experience. This is by far one of the better channels Ive found. Thanks from PR 🇵🇷

[@CongaChops]

We think so too 😅 glad you found us! If you’re interested in learning step by step from square one make sure to grab a free trial at CongaChops.com

[@victorfontanez8253]

Wish me luck

[@johnray6906]

I could listen to 21:35 all day. What a great feel. Even the little things like the two upbeats at 22:05 where the first strike is muted and the second one rings. That's amazing. You might just make me buy some congas.

[@CongaChops]

Thank you for you kind words! Glad you enjoyed the video, might be time to get some drums! ☺️

[@tomgreen6397]

Best video on congas. 100% on point for beginners to intermediate. Great teaching video!

[@CongaChops]

Appreciate your kind words 🙏🏼

[@hectorrivera2624]

“Tuning the most important and fundamental aspect “ solid teaching 👍🏼. Love your video!

[@CongaChops]

Certainly one of them! Thanks Hector, glad you dig the video 🙏🏼

[@WORLDDRUMCLUB]

Nice job! - Thank you for all your are doing to support our World Drumming community around the World!

[@CongaChops]

Greetings and thank you my friend! Just doing our best to provide high quality, actionable information for all of those who are interested in learning 🙏🏼❤️✨

[@zauwee]

Excellent job explaining. You’re a natural born instructor. Thanks!

[@CongaChops]

Thank you! Although I’d like to think I put some work and have of course been fortunate to be around some truly great educators 😅

[@henryzamora9756]

I'm glad I came across your video. I had rhythm & timing from dad teaching me bongo at early age. I never got lessons on how & where to achieve basic sounds on conga. I just watched players hand movements etc. Now, I can really practice techniques. It won't be long before laying down the real chops. Rate your video a 10. Thanks again.

[@CongaChops]

Glad you enjoyed the video and found it useful! 🙏🏼🙌🏼

[@arunshendurnikar7664]

You are a Super instructor.Everything you explain and demonstrate is very simple to understand and follow.The tonal quality is excellent.You are a great inspiration.God bless you.

[@CongaChops]

Thank you my friend! I’m glad you enjoyed the video 🙏🏼

[@enderman1819]

This helps me because I play the congas at my church

[@CongaChops]

🙏🏼🙌🏼

[@CongaChops]

Hey gang, thank you all for your support! Just to let you know the video is out of sync with the audio for one example at 22:45! By the time we noticed it had already been published for the Pasic live stream! Sorry!

[@JuusoHoo]

Great and clear guidance thank you!

[@CongaChops]

Glad you enjoyed it my friend!

[@Carlo-wi6bj]

Thanks for your very good explanation, you have the best instruction, congratulation from Dominican Republic

[@CongaChops]

Saludos y gracias Carlo! Me alegro que el video te sirva 🙏🏼

[@gpellicer1]

Very good teacher. I like your conga classes so much.

[@CongaChops]

Saludos! Me alegro que sean de tu agrado 🙏🏼🙌🏼

[@RobertaGluck]

Great lesson

[@PattonKat]

Best channel ever! Thank you! New to the congas and this is by far the clearest, most comprehensive beginner master class around. Looking forward to learning here :).

[@CongaChops]

Hi Katherine, thank you for your kind words! You can check out our step-by-step curriculum on CongaChops.com once you’ve made your way through out KZbin videos :)

[@claygeorge3697]

Very thorough and great first lesson. Will be following up on lessons from your channel. I subscribed. STOKED!

[@CongaChops]

Thanks for subscribing! We’ve currently got over 250+ full length lessons and a step-by-step curriculum at CongaChops.com 🙌🏼

[@myroncaballero5010]

Sir. Thank you sharing basic Percussion idea God bless.you.more

[@bullabonita]

Great conga overview - now gonna check out Conga Chops!

[@CongaChops]

🙏🏼💪🏼

[@tlodrums]

Great explanation!! Thank you 👍

[@CongaChops]

Glad you found it useful! 🙏🏼👍🏼

[@lebichonaucitron6044]

Merci beaucoup pour ces informations claires et bien détaillées !

[@CongaChops]

De rien 🥂

[@DirtyGuitar]

The explanations are detailed and realised in a very didactic manner. Great video!

[@CongaChops]

Thank you for your kind words my friend! Did my best to do exactly that : ) Present the material in a clear and concise manner for players of any experience level to be able to gain some insight.

[@josea.vargas3502]

Great teaching, clear and precise.

[@CongaChops]

Glad you enjoyed it Jose, thank you for your kind words 🙏🏼

[@nurkin6986]

Just got some congas, now I'm starting to learn how to make them sound! Thanks!!!:)

[@CongaChops]

Beautiful! Try to set aside some time each day, have fun with it!

[@timbranniganmusic3458]

Thank you for a really great video! You’re a wonderful instructor. I can use this single lesson as a master class, there’s so much in there. Thanks again!

[@CongaChops]

Glad you enjoyed it, Tim!

[@WilliamBrown-ph8rs]

Excellent teaching bro!

[@CongaChops]

Thank you my friend 🙏🏼

[@kimf.5409]

Excellent video!

[@CongaChops]

Thanks Kim!

[@vmega44]

Great Video. I have no experience with congas and bongos. One Question I didn't see covered. I'm left-handed and have two congas. Which side would the larger drum generally be on? Same for bongos as they are mounted above the congas. Thank you

[@CongaChops]

Most commonly, when playing two drums in the contexts described in this video, left-handed players will choose to set up with the lowest-tuned drum to their left, same goes for bongo 👍🏼

[@gpellicer1]

Thank you. Generoso from Venezuela and Spain

[@FLAMANGO12123]

Awesome I'm trying to learn drums to play at church but they have congas as well I gotta learn as well

[@CongaChops]

A little discipline goes a long way! 🙌🏼

[@cruzcartagena7750]

This is a great video. I'm a Bass player and will beging my new adventure soon as my congas arrive. What can I expect regarding 10 & 11 inch congas made by Pearl and are fiber glass with buffalo skin heads?

[@CongaChops]

Thanks Cruz! Those are a decent set of student-sized starter drums, but ideally you’ll want at least a set of full size drums whether they are at an entry or intermediate price- 11.75” & 12.5” drums, they’ll make a huge difference!

[@FunkyConga]

Good lesson for beginners!

[@CongaChops]

A lot to try and cover! 😅

[@charleshurt4863]

Wow, this was amazingly informative, and surprisingly simple, thank you very much for taking the time to make this video, MOST HELPFUL INDEED!

[@CongaChops]

Thank you for your kind words Charles, I’m glad you enjoyed the video and found it useful 🙏🏼🙌🏼

[@siki14-bv9qr]

cool!

[@CongaChops]

💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼

[@surfer103]

Do you have a video on how to tune the congas?

[@CongaChops]

Absolutely, it is the second lesson in our members-only Congas 101 Course: Congachops.com/c101-preview-clip

[@rjj106]

Hello. I bought some old Pearlcongas cheap thinking I would like to play but I need to replace the very worn heads. I can get goatskin , can that be used as conga heads? Thanks for any advice.

[@CongaChops]

Most rawhides will work, although steer, buffalo etc are more common. Just make sure it’s not too thin or you will end up with too much ringing : )

[@rjj106]

@@CongaChops thanks, the goat skin I can get is way thinner, probably 1mm,actually meant for a bodhra trad irish frame drum. what's on the congas is probably more than x2 that....I will foll

[@rjj106]

Sorry, I meant I will follow your advice and go for thicker hides....I think goat is too thin as you suggest. Thanks. I really enjoy your early learning lessons.

[@blahsywx2862]

En las clases hay versiones en español? Personalmente se ingles pero no estaria mal escucharlo en español 😅✌🏽

[@CongaChops]

Saludos hermano, todos nuestros videos menos este llevan subtítulos en español. Y nuestras lecciones de Timbal son en español 👍🏼

[@blahsywx2862]

@@CongaChops perfectoooo 🙌🏽 entonces no hay excusas para no tomar las clases gracias bro 😄✌🏽

[@julz7753]

as a beginner, what drum do you recommend and can I start with one or must I start in pairs?

[@CongaChops]

Start with a full size conga drum 11.75”- A used LP matador is a good place to start if you’re on a tight budget : )

[@brocongonigga3690]

Man you are the best👍👍👍great conguero that slap sound cool👍👍👍

[@CongaChops]

Thanks bro!

[@jahborndarklight195]

Just came across your channel I always wanted to learn how to play the congas

[@CongaChops]

Thanks for stopping by! Make sure to check out our full site if you’re interested in learning step-by-step from zero: CongaChops.com 🙌🏼

[@etchypi]

Your the BEST THANK YOU 😊

[@CongaChops]

Glad you found it useful!

[@1ELiMusic]

What microphones are those?

[@CongaChops]

My go to- Earthworks DM20, they do a great job of capturing sound, but they don’t make the sound 😉

[@1ELiMusic]

@@CongaChops right, exactly. Eso depende del músico. It’s all in the way the musician executes the playing.

[@denisranque1536]

Belleza ! Gracias por compartir !! 💯😃🎶

[@CongaChops]

Saludos! Con gusto 🙌🏼

[@damithweerasiri7931]

Excellent work brother ...i 💘

[@CongaChops]

Thanks Damith 🙏🏼

[@stephanel.4313]

Very good vidéo 👍 thanks.

[@CongaChops]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@SeonAlmeidaPercussionist]

Amazing.. superb techniques, n well explained along with the dynamics 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@CongaChops]

Glad you enjoyed it my friend 🙏🏼🙌🏼

[@phuphuism]

To a conga player who is intermediate or advanced this is a beginner video. But to a beginner it certainly is not. It will take a beginner 1 year to play a clean slap, open and closed as well as solid clean open tones and heel toes, muffs The exercise towards the end are rather ambitious for a raw beginner.

[@CongaChops]

Yes of course! To execute what I play in this video, there are years of dedication involved, especially when pertaining to sound and feel. But conceptually, what we present here is necessary for beginners understand and develop, of course at their own pace, from the very onset of their journey with this incredible instrument. What we did here was give a brief, condensed overview of some possibilities related to the conga drum for beginners to aspire to, hopefully motivating them to AMBITIOUSLY seek out more information. Are you suggesting that because the slap tone for example can take years to develop, that it shouldn’t be taught to beginners? If the bar isn’t set high, and some of the possibilities aren’t laid out, then what is there to look forward to learning 🤔 Did you enjoy or find anything useful in this video? Lastly, there’s a reason we refer to the movement as “Palm-Tip”- there is little to no sound produced when we strike the drum with our “heel” 🙌🏼 And of course, feel free to swing by CongaChops.com if you’re interested in seeing the material in this lesson broken down over several courses and lessons 👍🏼

[@phuphuism]

@@CongaChops I have been playing for 25 years so I am speaking from my learning experience. I'd start with clave and keep it simple. Teach the rudiments and simple rhythms played straight like the Tumba and Conga parts for Guagunaco and Tumbao. It's limitless how you can structure your courses. I assume that is your intent. To teach online or with KZbin lessons. I think if you look at the lesson's on Dance Papi that Edgardo Cambon has put together, that is about as good as it gets for AfroCuban percussion teaching on KZbin. Mike Spiro also has some nice material with his Conga Masters. Good luck to you :)

[@CongaChops]

As I replied above, all of things you just mentioned are covered in depth and detail, step-by-step on CongaChops.com - my intent is not to teach on KZbin as we have a thriving community on our website, and I am a full time touring musician : ) I personally don’t feel that KZbin is the best medium for a structured learning environment- students get much more out of the user interface and what we can offer on our site, including lessons, courses, follow-along practice routines, exclusive audio practice loops, hand picked playlists for every pertinent lesson on the site, and a members-only community forum. What we post here on YT are mostly just previews of our lessons. As for this video, as you can tell by the title- it was a Masterclass made exclusively for PASic 2020 last November, which we later published to our channel. This Masterclass was meant to give a brief overview of some possibilities of playing conga drums, along with a short glance over some basic concepts, all while keeping the lesson under 30 minutes. On CongaChops.com we currently have over 50+ hours of lessons, which makes it much easier to go in to detail in regards to all of the things you mentioned in our comment. If you’re interested, swing by the site. Otherwise, your comments don’t really have much relevancy in terms of what we currently do here on KZbin 👍🏼

[@phuphuism]

@@CongaChops Great, I'm old school, pay $40 for a lesson with a great teacher and play with people better then you. Keep posting and spreading the knowledge!

[@CongaChops]

Yet here you are on KZbin checking out free lessons, as we all well should be 🙌🏼 However, I guarantee you there’s plenty on our site you won’t find on YT or get from a $40 lesson anywhere, no matter who it’s with : ) Plus, that first free week will always be free, no commitment. Never know, you might even learn something 🤓

[@anonagain]

Helpful video - thanks. Will check out your website! One note - at 22:45 the main window is out of sync by one beat (the smaller inset is properly synced). It really threw me off for a second. :-) When the camera shifts POV, it's back in sync.

[@CongaChops]

Yes, we noticed : / unfortunately the video was already published for PASic with the mishap! Thank you for checking it out!

[@ivofechner8039]

Great video! Thanks so much. Just to let you know, I think the video from the side angle coming in at 22:45 is a bit out of sync, I almost tied a knot in my brain figuring out why what I was seeing didn't match the sound!

[@CongaChops]

We know :/ sorry it was something we did a while back for Pasic, and by the time we realized it had already been published for the live stream

[@petaluma0]

Thank you

[@CongaChops]

Our pleasure!

[@nickduffield7604]

Great lessons 👌

[@CongaChops]

Thanks Nick!

[@whyyouasking9744]

Is it oknmy first open tone is more lauder and fingers lil higher?

[@CongaChops]

Louder than what? As long as it sounds good you can place your fingers as you wish- reference your favorite players and records : )

[@sugengwibowo3496]

Good lesson.. 👍

[@CongaChops]

👍🏼

[@gianluigibarzellotti616]

What is the microfon's name??

[@CongaChops]

Earthworks DM20 ⚡️

[@augiedelharo1321]

👍🎶🪘❤️💯🙏🏻😀! Thank you 😊..

[@CongaChops]

Glad you enjoyed it my friend!

[@josemanuelsanchez7064]

Que tal, saludos desde México, una pregunta: ¿La suscripción anual de tus cursos están en Dólares?

[@CongaChops]

Saludos José Manuel, así, ambas opciones de suscripción que aparecen en nuestra página web están en Dólares Americanos- se acepta tarjeta de crédito, débito y prepago. Aquí puedes ver la información en detalle: CongaChops-es.com/membresias

[@CongaChops]

Cualquier duda que tengas, me dejas saber 🙌🏼

[@nowthatsfunky7676]

This is the most encouraging video. I have been getting back into playing conga drums and this will help. Love it🪘

[@CongaChops]

Woo! Glad to hear it!

[@RPProductionFoundation]

I play a little bit but not much but I would love to play salsas and others.

[@CongaChops]

You can learn step-by-step with over 60 hours of lessons from beginner to pro, here: CongaChops.com/memberships

[@garygordon406]

i cant get the closed slap or the open slap to sound like yours. Is my drum too tight or maybe too loose?

[@CongaChops]

It could be too loose, but you should be able get a slap (albeit not as crisp) even on a lower tuned larger drum. Try tuning your drums like we mention in the video- but chances you are you just need to spend a little more consistent practice time getting the sound. Focus on the point of impact like I mention in the video! And if you want more detailed step by step instruction and personal feedback from our Forum, swing by the site: CongaChops.com

[@garygordon406]

@@CongaChops, well I am 66 yrs old. Just bought my first conga. Yesterday was day one. Consistent practice time is probably the cause. Absolutely love this video. This video is the reason I bought my LP Classic 11.75. Working on the first Tumbao and getting the hang of it . Loving life right now.

[@theillestdrummer7822]

Wow brilliant lesson bro. I have have a couple of Stagg congas with stage skins and it sound really flat. How can I enhance the poppy sound as mine sound so sassy and flat. Could you recommend some good skins? Bless up

[@CongaChops]

Thank you for your kind words my friend! If you’re looking for a bright sound, I would go with Remo Fiberskyn 3 heads. However, the sound of the drum will depend much more on YOUR sound, no matter what head you put on it. We have a ton of lessons on developing sound from square one on CongaChops.com!

[@d-link8593]

Habe dich heute erst auf youTube entdeckt, sehr interessant mein Freund!!!

[@CongaChops]

Wilkommen! Be sure to check out our full lesson library at CongaChops.com 🙌🏼

[@djalitanaful]

why they sell conga pairs when we need 3 of them to play?

[@CongaChops]

You only need 1 to play my friend 🙌🏼

[@carlosrodriguez657]

Paulo ayúdeme a estudiar con usted

[@CongaChops]

Saludos Carlos! Aqui puedes mas de 50+ horas de leciones, cursos y masterclasses desde principiante a avanzado: CongaChops-es.com

[@JasonSirimanne]

Do lefty play the conga by swapping swapping the hand configuration ?

[@CongaChops]

Yes! That’s the most common approach. Lots of incredible lefty’s out there, including Giovanni Hidalgo!

[@Dan_the_Great_]

One issue I had before watching this was hitting with my thumb and it’ll hurt

[@CongaChops]

Hope the video helped!

[@wildesage4172]

Sitting here with my drum in front of me day 1, I feel this is not nearly "beginner" enough. -Not enough time spent on exactly which part of my hand/fingers should be striking the head for each sound. -Not clear what my hand/arm angle should be in relation to the rim and head. -Not enough instruction on hand posture. Should my fingers be held together on a slap? Splayed-out on a palm-tip? It looks that way, but no mention. Help me out here. -No mention of what I should be doing with my thumb. I was playing along for a while and the side of my thumb was hitting the head, and it hurts and is tingling now. This needs to be more clear for beginners. It's gonna cause injuries. I couldn't see myself subscribing to your course if this is what it's like. I'm sure you can do better, I just think it's an oversight. I hope you take my criticism to heart, it's meant to be constructive.

[@CongaChops]

Hey there, thanks for your input! This was actually a Masterclass we did for the folks at PAS (Percussive Arts Society) so the folks watching did have some prior musical training. If you want a full breakdown of everything you just mentioned, sadly we couldn’t jam it into a 30 minute video even if we wanted to! That’s why we have it all laid out in over 35+ hours of lessons on CongaChops.com - broken down into several courses starting with complete beginners. This Masterclass was meant to be more of a brief overview of some the basic concepts and of course some less elementary possibilities when it comes to playing congas. If you’re curious about exactly how much things get broken down and spoon fed in the curriculum on our site, you can always grab a Free 7-Day Trial at CongaChops.com/memberships - good luck on your journey with the drum!

[@CongaChops]

Just wondering if you saw my response above ☝🏼🙌🏼

[@wildesage4172]

@@CongaChops I did not, but now I saw this, so thanks for getting back to me. So I see, that makes more sense. In that case I will definitely take a look at the site for the true beginner content, thank you!

[@CongaChops]

Our pleasure! Let us know when you get a chance to check out the site 👍🏼

[@nateshue6893]

Thanks for this video! I wanna jam, just no formal training. Being getting compliments after watching your channel.

[@CongaChops]

Beautiful bro! Feel free swing to by the site for some more “informal” training 🤙🏼

[@chamithsalgadu6201]

❤️❤️❤️

[@xBUMSKIx]

We all just sitting here patiently waiting for you to bust out the grooves

[@CongaChops]

They’re in there, just scroll forward in the video 🙌🏼

[@xBUMSKIx]

@@CongaChops i waited bra - it was fire

[@robertourrutiaalbujar238]

8:05 "Let's check out the five basic tones that we can produce..."

[@CongaChops]

🙌🏼

[@imanmehryari6247]

👍👍👍

[@katemarin8703]

1:33

[@MrChinolugo]

E a rayo am oooookkkkk diablo

[@CongaChops]

💪🏼

[@theun-doing1225]

Still too FAST for this beginner 🥵🥵🥵

[@CongaChops]

That’s why we teach everything slowly, step by step, and in depth and detail in over 20 hours of conga lessons on our website! Impossible to pack it all in, in just 30 minutes 😅 CongaChops.com/memberships

[@LisaWalkerMusicChannel]

Way too fast for a true beginner

[@CongaChops]

To execute what I play in this video, there are years of dedication involved, especially when pertaining to sound and feel. But conceptually, what we present here is necessary for beginners understand and develop, of course at their own pace, from the very onset of their journey with this incredible instrument. What we did here was give a brief, condensed overview of some possibilities related to the conga drum for beginners to aspire to, hopefully motivating them to AMBITIOUSLY seek out more information. Did you enjoy or find anything useful in video? Feel free to swing by CongaChops.com if you’re interested in seeing the material in this lesson broken down in extreme detail over several courses and lessons 👍🏼

[@runeharderolesen8302]

Looks and sounds like a robot

[@CongaChops]

Deepfake

[@karenpurvisinteriors3092]

Why is Fox News propaganda the opening?

[@CongaChops]

Algorithms are tailored to show you what they believe may be of interest to you, there’s no way for us to control what ads are shown to you 🙏🏼

[@franklinwhaley9835]

Is guy on coke? Or an extremely limited budget? Lots of great info, but buzzing bees are two much. Such a detraction😢

[@CongaChops]

Buzzing bees? Not sure I follow. No drugs involved in the making of this video. Maybe check your headphones/speakers/ears/perception of reality 😂🥂

[@maritzaheg8538]

Bees???!!!Check your sound system/equipment.

[@martinmurray2269]

Talk to much rather that playing!

[@CongaChops]

It’s an educational video my brother, the entire purpose to explain things that are often not discussed, looked over, and misunderstood. Lots of confusion about proper sound and technique (among other things) out there. The beauty of technology is that those who just want to see the playing examples can simply fast forward 👍🏼

[@Candaluk]

Lol he talks English except when pronouncing the drums ... which you can't understand what the hell he saying so it's pointless English dude

[@CongaChops]

The names of the drums are native to the Spanish Language believe it or not. And make up about 1% of 30 minute video. If you didn’t learn anything from the 99%, that’s on you brah🤘🏼Pointless indeed

[@Candaluk]

many words are native to other cultures

[@CongaChops]

Yes, and such, it’s no crime to pronounce them in their native tongue. I think you might still be missing the point.

[@rogermansour993]

YOU'RE TALKING TO MUCH .WHO CARES HOW THE CONGA IS. MADE. PLAY BROTHER PLAY!#!!!!! ROGER MANSOUR. FORMER LESLIE WEST DRUMMER

[@CongaChops]

My friend, much of this incredible oral tradition is lost for that exact reasoning. Everyone “plays” but few take the time to give context, history, and explain (especially to those who are foreign to the language of the drum) the why, when, and how of what they are hearing ✌🏼

[@maritzaheg8538]

Rogermansour993. Clearly, you know NOTHING about musical pedagogy!!