Mona Tavakoli Cajon Lesson For DRUM! Magazine

Get Your Free DRUM! Mag Pack ► pro.drummagazine.com/free-dru... Drummers! Learn how to play the cajon from one of the instrument’s leading practitioners, educators, and ambassadors: percussionist/vocalist Mona Tavakoli, co-founder and co-director of the Rock N' Roll Camp For Girls LA, who produced this lesson video exclusively for Drum Magazine.
Drum Magazine's January 2018 issue cover artist helped bring the cajon into mainstream popular music in North America in recent years while collaborating, recording, and performing with singer-songwriter Jason Mraz and her own band, Raining Jane. In her interview with Drum, Tavakoli describes her path from concert and marching percussion and drum set to “the box,” which further inspired her percussive artistry.
“I mean, I love the kit,” Tavakoli shared with Drum. “But the footprint of the cajon is so much smaller, yet still I can get so much out of this tiny box. I can scale everything down. And with the right cajon you can get so many of the sounds that a drum set can provide too.”
In this video, Tavakoli, using her signature Latin Percussion MT Box cajon, draws upon her background and experience as a drum set player to demonstrate how drum set parts translate to the cajon, with careful attention to hand and foot techniques for best emulating drum set sounds on the cajon. She also presents insights into how she developed her personal approach to the instrument, including her “cricket” technique for varying the cajon’s pitch. This lesson includes techniques for creating bass drum, hi-hat, snare, and tom sounds, as well as using brushes for additional textures. She also plays a variety of grooves to demonstrate the cajon’s musical versatility.
Visit Mona Tavakoli on the Web at www.monatavakoli.com, and find more information about the Rock N' Roll Camp For Girls LA at www.rockcampforgirlsla.org.
Visit Drum Magazine at www.drummagazine.com.

[@neilaltschuler6064]

Im 66. In buying a cahon. I've been beating everything you can imagine for tone over my lifetime. Finally found my instrument. Thank you for the introductions. I just need a little more technique. Got the grooves in my head. . cant wait. Thanks for the variety of possibilities

[@PULSZERO]

have you buyed one?

[@sailingguditta58]

Man oh man ! I’m 55 and just starting out whilst living on a yacht Perfect place to rock out love it x man

[@WingChunMindForce]

Way to go bro! I'm 65 just buying my first, like you have drummed on sinks, washing machines, whatever all my life. Few years on snare in pipe bands taught me rudiments and I have always grooved with that foundation. Have fun!

[@UweSchmidt-zn5kk]

Yes, I too am 64 and have bought a cajon. I used to drum in bands for 10 years. Now I enjoy acoustic sessions with my son on the guitar..... just for fun ...

[@CemMidillili]

You’re not alone :))

[@captainkurts]

I just found Mona and I'm a fan!! She's crazy talented with wide-ranging creativity! And her humor keeps me super-engaged!

[@DoNotLikeThis]

Thanks Perú for giving this instrument to the world!

[@vijaykishor2925]

Thanks Mona ..for giving a space and praising our traditional musical instrument "Ghungroo" in your video...love from India!!!

[@MusicWithAngelosante]

She's so dope! Had the pleasure of seeing her live while she was touring with Jason Mraz!!!!

[@obrien92]

It's mesmerizing to watch her play! She has such a warm energy and is a true performer

[@abhishekmalhotra8689]

I am a vocalist from India. I must say this is a really good video. I actually learnt a lot and will definitely share this video with my band's percussionist. Thanks a lot. Stay musical❤️

[@faryh3360]

So Glad To Find a Talented Persian girl teaching CAJON ! Thanks

[@benjaminm2594]

Yeah. I thought so.

[@shamseshomali110]

Farzaneh Heidarian : Afarin be shoma khanom mohtaram .arezo mikonam har jay donya ke hastid,hamisheh shaad v salamat baashid .VIVA IRAN .From Germany vahid farman ara .

[@AishawithanEye]

OMG... I saw you perform at my university (CU Boulder) back in 2009 (maybe 2010) and you were my first live show and it was the first time I saw anyone play the cajon! I thought it was the coolest thing ever and was blown away by your performance--yes, specifically you, on the cajon. I bought Wyoming Sky on iTunes and listened to it hundreds of times. Now, years later, I'm getting into music production and ran across this video. It is a sign... I MUST GET A CAJON AND LEARN FROM YOU, SENSAI!

[@OmKar-fd7xv]

I play Cajon just as a hobby, although I practice with professionals, I never really learned to play Cajon from anyone or anywhere. I don't know how but I can pick up the beats by listening to most of the songs but couldn't able to produce full set sound... This video was really helpful for me, thanks to youtube for recommending this to me.

[@hosufin]

I'm 45yers old man . I see and hear your performance and sound ,Those are Fantastic and beautiful , Thankyou for watching !.

[@GraemeMarkNI]

She’s so physical. Using her athleticism to connect her whole body to the instrument. Cool stuff 👍

[@paulquinn344]

You are amazing. I am a drummer new to the Cajon and I am learning so much by watching you. THANK YOU! What a beautiful and talented young lady you are. From a 62 year old drummer in Fresno CA

[@cassidymccurdy805]

This lady has completely rocked my world by rocking the cajon! Thankyou!

[@thundercranium]

Great tutorial, and I love seeing someone who obviously loves what they are doing!

[@nikkojayantonino717]

that was the quickest comprehensive drum lesson I have seen!

[@paulachacon1]

I'm a musician and a teacher who wants to pick up a little cajon to support my groups. You are a great teacher, totally practical and relevant rhythms and tips, and you have a great energy about you. Love your video!

[@secilymusic]

Mona is one of the best teachers I've ever known and she chi founded Rock n Roll Camp for Girls in Los Angeles. She's been so good at sharing her knowledge with the young'uns. ☺️

[@sdustin7986]

I ventured here a few back. I had six months in a hotel w nothing to do, and a live sit in a bar, where this was more practical than setting up a drum set. The Cajon, gives you a bass drum, fills , rides, and can act entirely in the same way as a full set of drums. Like congas, djembe, and bongos, it’s a more intimate , physical, interaction. I was able to transfer all the above hand drumming to the cajon. I recommend it . Plus you don’t need to haul your throne to the gig ! 😂👍🥁🎼

[@sdustin7986]

Ten fingers…limitless expression.

[@alan2a1l]

That is amazing. I've listened to other Cajon demos, but you explained exactly how all that is really happening. Other folks seem to like to keep their tricks to themselves. Thank you, Mona!

[@jmckinnon23]

Love how you feel it! I studied under Joe Sefcik who taught Joe Morello and Ed Shaunessy a LONG time ago. Bought a custom Cajon from Bonham but has been sitting idle. You have inspired me! Check out the article in not so modern drummer, Growing up in the shadow of Joe Morello. From April 6, 2014. You made sure you knew your lesson or else...

[@cadrav5465]

Love this! Veteran and 1st Responder jam band I'm in often calls for cajon instead of full kit especially when we play at VA hospitals.

[@drummerplusone]

I see people giving this awesome instructional video thumbs down, now please tell me what don't you like about this video? So ignorant....truly ridiculous. Great video!

[@ShiningEyeBrigade]

Very useful and accessible, thanks! Also, love the way the joy from the groove radiates off of you. Such a clear reminder to fall in love with the sounds you produce.

[@Jack-of7go]

She plays pure sounds. She feels the music especially at 5.07

[@primeminister1760]

Jacob Prakash hahaha lmao great comment u rule jacob

[@scottrowe533]

Very talented and groove-centric lady. I saw her tearing-up a cajon percussion kit on a couple of Jason Mraz videos and felt compelled to learn more about Mona. I love that she seems to be carving out her own little niche in the percussion world. Way to go, Mona! I hope to see you collaborating with other major artists in the future.

[@harley1969chuco]

All that cool sound from a box ...thats Amazing

[@willamssulcabelaonia4003]

Good Job Mona. Cajón Is The Peruvian National Instrument. 🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪🇵🇪.

[@spanishjo4282]

I really loved the way you teach. Clear and straightforward. You are the best cajon professional professor in Cajon teaching!

[@garywebb7266]

Just bought a cajon as a gift for someone else, and I learned more in a couple minutes than I thought was possible with this instrument. Mona you are very talented and innovative to say the least. Now if I could find a video as comprehensive as this one on setting up and adjusting the cajon I'd be all set, but so far haven't found one. Thanks again, Mona.

[@farshimelt]

You can tune the cajon by tightening the top row of screws until the're all the way in, then back off a half turn. Loosen the side screws until you get the bass sound you want. Most cajons have an adjustable set of snares inside that you can adjust like a snare drum.

[@komastas]

OMG, what a great moment to hear this with headphones... You rock madam!! I love the instrument....

[@Branhawk]

So cool! Been playing set for 20 years and have been rocking cajon for a bit now but this girl is cool!

[@GirlArmy21]

Coolest thing I have seen in years!!! Totally getting one (former snare and pipe drummer)

[@noeldoak1]

Of all the Cajon drums i've heard yours sounds best

[@Kirankumar-xq3lc]

Beautiful playing Mona it’s Amazing god gifted

[@marklicano1978]

You are the Queen of Cajons! God Bless you sister.

[@richardheilman5248]

Mona your style and vibe with the cajon is awesome, your video was so useful in understanding the way to get some variation and "personality" out of the sound-thanks!

[@SanjayTiwari-zt2kf]

That beat 🪘 at 7:15 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@SIMaiMela]

I love the way you are explaining everything! This was the sound that I was searching for...Thank you very much!!!

[@ajayanjaanlama]

Thank you so much Love from NEPAL 🇳🇵

[@littledebs58]

Mona, superior cajon drum lesson. Mahalo!!

[@LeoL-ib9wz]

Peruvian cajon !! I love it

[@jpandmelody]

This was so much fun to watch and learn from. Nice work Mona! Love the soul and personality you put in your work!

[@Stringman1950]

Music in her bones. Amazing. Gifted.

[@sabastiandjo]

Wow! Such a wonderful and intriguing beats!! Thank you ever so much for your lessons. The simple yet the best explanations. Thank you youtube algorithm for recommending this to me. No wonder this was recommended while I was browsing through Cajon instrument on Amazon😆. I'll be getting a Cajon soon. Please wish me luck friends☺️

[@hartvenessa]

Love your direct & clear way of teaching.

[@burningions]

I was searching this instrument for my 8 y daughter , now I myself is attached to it. And You are absolutely amazing, loved it at first view. Highly appreciated, please keep up this good work.

[@ekunina5410]

Get her one too then you can Jam together!!! 🎶

[@Greg-wr8bj]

I learned so much from this video! This person explains the different techniques so well.

[@cdeck9867]

Phenomenal! If only I was a Cajon! Its been too long lets get this post back alive!

[@michetrue-aspoonielife4me389]

I am so jazzed that I came across your video wickedly awesome. Brilliantly done whoop whoop. Being a drummer, I found it hard because I can't have my kit in a one bedroom apartment...noise and all and I'm shut in so the Cajon works perfectly. Love your grooves and I also use my foot to climb up the Cajon to bring in the sound of the Toms...you are so awesome, rad and badass and you have given me fresh eye's. Super impressive✌💖💖💖💖😉👍👏🙌

[@TennRides]

That was absolutely amazing. She is VERY talented.

[@sandiws]

Thank you for sharing Mona, I can feel that good, positive energy from you. Beautiful. Just beautiful.

[@jasonkillion6827]

So much passion, what a joy to watch.

[@northog3279]

Spanish folk instrument. It is so usual to see people here, on Spain, using it with a guitar and having fun just singing and playing it on their freetime or holidays. Essentially it is the spanish "drum set" for a flamenco song too.

[@farshimelt]

Excellent info, especially the Djembe technique about separating the fingers to let the sound out. That cajon is tuned nicely. Lot of players don't know how to tune a cajon. Great sounding drum. Thank you.

[@Vesper_Songs]

Thank you for this wonderful demonstration! I just got a cajon and am getting used to it and this video gave me lots of ideas.

[@gmonay2k]

Love her energy

[@skmgamer8214]

I m in love with this instrument 😍

[@JustFun-iz9rf]

I never knew about this. Sounds great and thank you for sharing.

[@occhinopercussion8562]

Fantastic! You’re all over that thing, Mona. Great video about how to get LOTS of different sounds.

[@hardeepharidas1328]

Very talented...loved it😍mona.

[@santoshtandrothu165]

Loved it 👌🏻😍 You are a great teacher 👩‍🏫 Clear & Concise 👏🏻👏🏻

[@AnupChapain]

Thank you for this lesson. I am excited to practice Cajon now.

[@ptrgriffin75]

very talented. i actually just got a cajon because i saw a video of her with jason mraz and loved the sound. gotta say i really love her smile too.

[@MrTeff999]

Among the best how-to videos I’ve seen.

[@ricardoontiveros7914]

Thank you Mona Tavakoli. You are a true visionary Artist. Your technich is inspiring your sounds are amazing. I am getting your Signature Cajon

[@aintyourmama2095]

Funny, smart and talented. She is pure gold.

[@egbcop]

thank you!!!

[@crashcoursezed7947]

I LOVE HER

[@AkshaySingh-bg2ws]

Hello This guy @Juyal Beats posted an impossible cajon solo is it really impossible if not how hard is it?I am asking this questions from some cajon players

[@drstew1]

Oh my Gosh. You are serious. I loved the power in your beats. I could see very powerful dance. I have a friend from back in the day and still who would love this Jonzid he’s done lots of great dance at Sadlers Wells. Beautiful rhythm. Thanks for sharing

[@koenjongerling8233]

That is a GREAT video. I really enjoyed your enthusiasm and those are very clear examples with a great explanation.

[@laoshema7829]

Bravo!!!!talented musician 🏆

[@ronroc]

Love this! So inventive. I like the idea of exploring different ways to create a percussive foundation for songwriting.

[@aksy1121]

That expression when you love what you do!

[@alirezamahmoudi2412]

Thanks for sharing ur experience Mona❤

[@FreyaGem]

Hell to the yes. Great video and tips on how to get more out of the cajón! I will definitely be using your techniques.

[@seancambern1235]

FANTASTIC lesson! Thank you very much!

[@antaravaishnavi]

3:27 "Namaste" and "pyar" from India! ❤️🤗🇮🇳

[@EeJoKi]

Thank you Mona T! I've been wondering how those sounds were produced through that box in Raining Jane!

[@Kybalion-xi7yi]

Amaizing ideas !!

[@josephbusuttil3030]

Brilliant Demo!

[@biggreencherry136]

This girl has serious cajones

[@lypimentel]

She's so nice! And talented. Thank you!

[@mehdimoghaddam7456]

Love it

[@mindlab780ab6]

Thank you for sharing!👍🏼 I learned a lot 😀

[@freeamerican2313]

The first time I saw or heard of one of these is when I saw a local band called steel Creek band playing it and I loved the sound it made

[@henriqueguerra3952]

This is a great video! Great tutorial! Thank you, Mona Tavakoli

[@visheshl]

Awesome video... Nice tricks you have in your arsenal

[@bugsycline3798]

she's awesome. great feel

[@taina8391]

I used to Sing with a Peruvian group, and Sang Festejo with them playing the Cajón. They are awesome 👍

[@danilozanussi8209]

Excellent instructional video. The different sounds are very clear.

[@montybhairaskhan3793]

You are genius Doing your work freshly

[@vikramb149]

Extremely talented

[@ceciliacambioli2776]

Fabulous! Nice mixed up. Thanks for sharing.

[@martapiador6137]

I super like this! thanks for sharing these tips, will definitely apply this on my Cajon playing.

[@sdevaraj1987]

End portion really awesome.... wow

[@juliekrol]

Mona, you’re amazing! This is a great video, thank you!

[@TamPhan-ik8tn]

Beautiful , and pro presentation, love it

[@congajoel]

Excellent lesson. Thank you

[@nameparsi]

Mona is the best

[@jpromano_]

WOW! Great playing

[@dub.rchapman75F]

Hearing a Rio de Janeiro beat at 7:27 pretty catchy lesson thanks for uploading.

[@hasmukhvaza4594]

NICELY GIVING PRACTICE TO EVERYONE

[@timotiusasbanu9732]

very cool this guy playing percussion. Thanks for the tutorial