Congas and Bongo Setup - Percussion Lesson

Congas and bongo are common feature in a percussion setup. This video includes tips for playing congas and bongo at the same time and a couple of examples that are broken down for the lesson.
00:00 Video Intro Congas and Bongo Setup
01:07 Playing Congas and Bongos Together
01:35 Example 1 Congas and Bongo
02:07 Example 1 Breakdown
02:38 Blending Congas and Bongo
03:02 Example 2 Congas and Bongo
03:54 Example 2 Breakdown
// Lesson PDFs
🎵 www.rhythminsider.com
// Conga Drumming Guide
⭐ rhythmnotes.net/conga-drums/
// My Gear
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// Related Videos
"Bongo Beats for Funk and R&B - 3 Rhythms"
▶️ • Bongo Beats for Funk a...
// Related Articles
"How to Play Bongos - Martillo, Salsa, and Other Grooves"
🎵 rhythmnotes.net/how-to-play-b...
"Congas and Bongos - 10 Differences Between These Drums"
🎵 rhythmnotes.net/congas-and-bo...
// Demo Song (play-along tracks)
"Soul Searching" by The New Fools via Epidemic Sound
"Strollin'" by Tigran Viken via Epidemic Sound
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// Downloads (sheet music, lessons, other resources)
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DISCLAIMER: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission.

[@fabriciocosta6905]

Hi, Kevin! I love playing congas and bongos, but rarely I put them together on the same groove. Thanks for the excellent examples and insights. I'll try to do that more often!

[@RhythmNotes]

Thank you. I’m glad you like the video.

[@rickytumpalh.tambunan1107]

I love playing congas & bongo... 😇 Thanks for your youtube content... 👍

[@RhythmNotes]

You’re welcome!

[@freddrums2002]

oh wow man! I absolutely love the blend you get on the 2 instruments. so funky! So inspiring thank you!

[@RhythmNotes]

Glad you like it!

[@rosegerise9146]

Really appreciate you posting such a clear example!

[@RhythmNotes]

Thanks. I’m glad you found it useful.

[@Swagman1957]

Hey Kevin. Thanking you for all your excellent work, especially in this, truly the best "Conga n Bongo" tutorial that's out there. Thanks again. Pls more of the same. 😇

[@Swagman1957]

Maybe adding cymbals?

[@RhythmNotes]

I'll see what I can do. I've been wondering if viewers would be interested in congas, cymbals, shakers, etc. in one setup.

[@RhythmNotes]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lajeanette33]

So happy to have examples with notation ! Thx 😊

[@RhythmNotes]

No problem. The email with the lesson PDF goes out in a few hours rhythminsider.com

[@lajeanette33]

@@RhythmNotes go it! I’m a « longtime » subscriber 😊

[@ivannio8519]

Inspiring. And a good example in mentioning Curtis Mayfield :) Great sound and playing too :)

[@RhythmNotes]

Yes! Thank you!

[@kla2822]

👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@RhythmNotes]

Thank you!

[@chihchiawang2154]

Your vidoes really help me a lots !!! May I ask , how did you record percussion like bongo and conga ? I didn't see any mic in the video

[@RhythmNotes]

Most of time I use overhead mics. Older videos are Shure 81s and now I used AKG C414s. I also use a variety of preamps, depending on the situation.

[@chihchiawang2154]

@@RhythmNotes thx for your reply ! I will keep watching your channel !

[@solomongrundy6806]

Hi Kevin, apologies since I am sure someone already asked but I haven't found it: What is the bongo stand you are using? Much appreciated.

[@RhythmNotes]

It's a Pearl bongo stand. Here's a link kit.co/rhythmnotes/congas-and-bongo/pearl-pb700-primero

[@ppg19782]

Hi Kevin.... Any recommendations for a not too expensive bongos ??? Really appreciated 🙏 Much blessings 🙌 🥁🥁🥁👍👍👍

[@RhythmNotes]

I like the Matador bongo for the money. You can usually find one for $200 kit.co/rhythmnotes/beginner-congas-and-bongos

[@tamadrum32]

What do you recommend for tuning when using this setup?

[@RhythmNotes]

I always tune to the best resonance of the drum, head, and conditions. For the difference between bongo and congas, I try to keep them an octave or more above the congas. The last time I tuned bongo to pitch, I tuned the hembra to A5 and D6 (C4 is middle C). With this tuning, I think I tuned the quinto to F# and the conga to C#. ... anyway, if I had to tune them now to pitch, I would start there and adjust accordingly for the best tone quality.

[@tamadrum32]

@@RhythmNotes Thanks! This is great advise. I'm using this setup for a gigging band and I'm trying to dial in on the best tuning that would sound good in multiple keys. Your videos are my go-to for percussion tips, so I really appreciate the reponse.