The 7 most common conga sounds

People often think that if you're a drummer then you can play any kind of drum. Nothing could be further from the truth. Unlike the snare drum or tom toms used in modern rock and pop, hand drums like congas, bongos and djembes are played by getting a variety of tones or sounds from just one drum. There are slaps, basses, open tones, open slaps and so on and so on.
This video is designed to be an introduction to what I consider to be the 7 most common and useful sounds that a beginner conga student should learn and master. I teach a lot of young children and this video is made with the idea of supplementing their lessons or serving as a reminder or refresher of the materials I have introduced to them.
Hopefully it will also be useful to viewers who are not fortunate enough to live in a place where learning from a real teacher is possible. I hope I have demonstrated the different sounds in a manner in which it is easy to understand them and that those unable to find instruction are able to take advantage of this video.

[@boomertees]

Actual spot on lessons without all the babble.

[@WORLDDRUMCLUB]

Great basic sounds instruction. I think many people will expand their base of tones for a variety of hand drums, not only congas. Thank you.

[@kckel69]

WORLD DRUM CLUB thanks!

[@bongoscongasantiquecashreg4544]

This is how I improved when I was a beginning playing congas in the past!!! Now professional at congas using LP Giovanni galaxy congas with LP Aspire congas yeah to save money but the blend man with how I tuned by ear just sounds like really are a set so I am the most different & daring conga drummer that was like save money have six congas use the LP Aspire congas along with my LP Giovanni galaxy congas & let's see how these blend & it works professionally! Trust from me the sound fussy conga player that nailed the challenge of make do with what you have to save money & I have to say those LP Aspire congas do not sound entry level they sound professional & thrilled!

[@joshuamatias1990]

You probably dont give a shit but does anybody know of a way to log back into an instagram account? I was stupid lost the login password. I appreciate any tips you can give me

[@fletcherjax5078]

@Joshua Matias Instablaster =)

[@boboloko]

@@fletcherjax5078 how do I keep my fat hungry dog from stopping every thirty feet in search for scraps of food on the sidewalk when I take him on walks?

[@kckel69]

Wow, so kind. Thanks and so glad you liked!

[@Misterdandamanify]

very clear. I like your cat too

[@pr-ji1ni]

Excellent video. All beginners need to see this!

[@grasscutter1963]

Love your training videos, the way you put your words into print helps me follow through so much easier than to just listen to someone talking as they tend to carry on and on so much that I loose focus. Just wanted to say thanks and keep them videos coming. 👍👍

[@stephenpopovichl122]

Great instruction-clear and to the point with good demonstrations!!

[@kckel69]

Thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed!

[@prajeshbhattacharya]

Superb! The summary of all the strokes at the end, was very useful.

[@kckel69]

Thanks for the props. Glad you found the video helpful! Happy drumming!

[@ambermuso10]

That was a great intro Kelly- thank you

[@BassNewbie]

Thank you! The best online instruction so far. Re-inspired to start playing again.

[@estrela3889]

Kelly, great video! Awesomely useful for true beginners like me! Clear structured, with the repetitions in both views, no anoying blablabla... really so well done! Thank you!!!!!

[@sandesilva2733]

Great lesson, Kelly! Thanks.

[@listairgin]

Thanks for explaining this, I have often wondered how all the different sounds were made. I love the sound from Congas. Many thanks. 🌌🌠

[@kckel69]

Thank you. I'm glad you were able to get something out of my video!

[@talibabdulaziz-pp2iu]

Great basic instruction video that every conga student must learn .

[@kckel69]

Thanks Talib! 🙏

[@crisw3826]

Amazing! Clean and clear. So helpful. Great descriptions and camera angles. Thank you.

[@kckel69]

Cris W thanks for the kind words! I’m glad you found this helpful! Good luck and practice, practice and practice!

[@coolstallioncowboy]

Excellent instructions clearly demonstrated. Thank you so much. Now I am prepared to practice.

[@jessiezong8211]

Beautifully demonstrated and explained. Love the cute cat, too! Thanks for sharing!

[@kckel69]

Jessie Zong thanks for the kind words! Yes, the cat is popular!

[@michellemcnair4825]

As a Djembe player of many years (traditional west african tecnique), this video is a clear way for me to practice hand technique. If i fall back into trying to play Congas with Djembe technique (easy for me to fall back into), i can pull this up and get back on track. Thank you!

[@kckel69]

Djembe technique is definitely different than congas. I’m glad you found this video helpful! If at all possible find a good teacher who can really help you find and tighten up the different sounds used in playing congas! Happy drumming!

[@deelister1349]

Great video (and cat looks mesmerised) :)

[@boomertees]

Great video lesson. Thanks!

[@MrRentgould]

Very informative , thank you

[@theshulamite67]

Best tutorial i've seen so far

[@proverbalizer]

clear and concise. I would have added closed slaps to the the routine (between open slaps and pressed slaps) that way you get to hear and internalize the difference in tone (the added pop and crispness you get from placing the other palm on the drum for the pressed slap), and then after pressed slaps you could do pressed open slaps... the distinction between a pressed closed slap vs a pressed open slap is something I never really thought about before...it's very subtle, but still noticeable

[@kckel69]

Thanks for the comment. How many slaps does Giovanni have? The gradations are endless (not really)! I get what you mean, however. I'm content with these basic strokes for beginners. Variations on the slap belong in an advanced video in my opinion. Thanks for adding to the discussion!

[@JuanRios-kh8sq]

thank you for this. I've been looking for a good beginners video. Congas are the first instrument I've ever tried to learn so other than liking music I dont have any musical background. Simple video to learn the basics. Now I'll understand and have a basic skillset for other videos where lesson one is not the strikes but a simple jam.

[@kckel69]

Thanks and I am glad you enjoyed the video. Take your time and learn to make good sounds. You can view some more of my videos for other patterns to play or look up Dance Papi on KZbin. He was my teacher.

[@fuadjafarov8514]

The best video lesson I've ever seen

[@luisemilioparejapareja3686]

Love conga drums

[@felgarplay8299]

Fantastic !

[@EdwardAllenCanada]

Excellent tutorial thx

[@maxshyt]

as a newbie to conga i m watching this everyday for basic tonal practice

[@kckel69]

Maxwell SHI making distinctive definite sounds is very important! I’m glad you find this video helpful! Thanks and happy drumming!

[@chidinmabethel7039]

Best video ever on playing the Conga!

[@kckel69]

Thanks for the compliment!

[@foxdieengine7098]

hello! thank you so much for this video! very informative!

[@Andro93010]

0:55 the cat is listening 😂😂😂

[@brianbaker5640]

Excellent lesson, now I need to go out and get a conga. Cool cat, remember their ears are way more sensitive than ours, no crashing cymbals near them.

[@radarlove6283]

I've played congas and bongos back when I was teenager (69-76) and going back and forth into many music groups. - Now that I'm in my 60's I'm at the front and I using my percussion skills. I had to find my way back and get into the conga playing routine and here I am starting all over again from scratch. Thanks for the upload! By the way... I've counted 6 sounds that you have used, Your Title Says... 7 Sounds. Don't mind me, but you should have re-titled the segment as... The Most Common Sounds Used In Playing Congas

[@kckel69]

Thanks! Welcome back to playing again! Wish you the best!

[@shaunminahan5279]

Thank you, gave me a lot more to work with. Love your cat !!!

[@cosmofonia-luigiantonio]

Awesome video, thank you very much! It will be in the bibliography of my article on non-European instuments in contemporary music.

[@kckel69]

Cosmofonia - Luigi Antonio Irlandini why thank you so much!

[@MythicalCretures]

this is perfect. simple. just information. no pizazz. Thank you!

[@kckel69]

Thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed it and we’re able to learn from it!

[@ljcaballero2143]

Excellent, thank you.

[@michaelbortolin5888]

very helpful thanks

[@Schnurzpips]

Thanx for that and greets from Wuppertal

[@kckel69]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed! Cheers!

[@martinreilly2752]

Very helpful introduction to technique, thank you!

[@emilwillbas3171]

Nice one! Thanks

[@kckel69]

Thanks I’m very glad you found it useful! Happy drumming!

[@joedambra3961]

awesome help thanks!

[@fabieng6864]

Thank you so much

[@bluesoulreggae1356]

Very good - thanks

[@kckel69]

Thanks BSR!

[@AbstructureTube]

0:38 - the cat on the right is thinking - "What the hell is he doing?"

[@kckel69]

She's been a big hit...lots of cat comments! Cheers!

[@maxddrummerdocumentary830]

Thanks so much for this. My son has autism and is learning to play conga drums, and he can't tolerate much talking. Your videos will be perfect for him to learn the sounds. Thanks!!!!!!

[@wizardso.p2845]

cool my samba (drum) teacher taught me that first rhythm!😀

[@1929able]

Many thanks.

[@banderas2000]

use to play these as a kid. i am looking to get a new one today

[@lindasmith6668]

Thanks so much

[@magpercussion3005]

Subscribed!

[@bongoscongasantiquecashreg4544]

I have the LP Giovanni galaxy congas & have to do this requinto as is, quinto toned to conga & conga as a tumba for now until can afford to buy the tumba for my set plus my LP Aspire congas blend in nicely as well! If you have LP Aspire congas try to blend them with your LP Giovanni galaxy congas & hear what I mean for I am blown away!

[@kckel69]

Bongos congas & antique cash register collecting by all means use what you have and make the most out of them 👍

[@bongoscongasantiquecashreg4544]

I totally love how my LP Aspire congas sound along with my LP Giovanni galaxy congas just amazing how much tuning makes the difference man! You would be shocked yourself if heard how they sound!!!! I make the most out of them & always amazes me the quality of both the Aspires & galaxy are made & sound. For being sound fussy I am pleased what I have!

[@mmh7980]

Not bad for a start. The heel movement with the palm is often confused with the bass, but it's only done with the heel of the hand, for example when you do a roll together with the tips, is more of a technical move (an important one) than a sound. Interesting that the cat doesn't freak out, I had in mind getting a kitten and wondered if it wouldn't freak out when it heard me practicing the congas.

[@kckel69]

Thanks for the comments. Always room for improvement, right. Cat loves congas hates the trap set!

[@robertgomez7229]

nice

[@AKLHWO]

Wish to have more of the cat! My cat didn't behave so well - it behaved so badly that the flautist doubled up with laughter...

[@umannyt]

Thanks! I heard only 6 sounds. Did I miss one?

[@pattybreiland7015]

Great video, thanks! But, in the end we end up with 6 sounds...not 7. For a point of clarity, is the heel the same as the base? I was under the impression that the heel did not include your entire palm but only the "heel" of the palm. Thanks again!

[@kckel69]

OK. I'm sorry if it is misleading. Bass/heel, front/toe, open, open slap, slap, pressed slap and muff.

[@estanochebien]

Excellent video on technique. Is the cat available for gigs? Some"pros" have the technique but lack dynamics. To be versatile and be able to play in any situation you have to be able to produce these sounds at whisper volume. So many times I have tried bringing players into high end restaurants and it's always like bringing a bull into a china shop. Way too busy and way too loud. They are always daydreaming that they are at Woodstock with Santana when people are trying to eat dinner five feet away...no way Jose. Is it any wonder people like myself just sequence the percussion when we actually prefer a live player.

[@ronrealtor888]

Great learning video for me starting out, but need more of the cat.... she has a calming effect.

[@kckel69]

RonRealtor 888 the cat is the star of this video!

[@hamid19701]

Merci

[@angiejohnson6319]

Nise vid! 😊

[@IUSECAMERAS]

do you listen to any Go-Go music?

[@jbomb895]

I'm having trouble distinguishing between the open tone and the open slap. Your hand position appears almost identical for those two and when I try to do the open slap I seem to be getting the full open tone still. Do you have any additional pointers to help me bring out the tip sound of the open slap?

[@kckel69]

***** You're not alone! But if you emphasize the tips of your fingers for the open slap and focus more on the entire meat of your fingers for the open you should be able to distinguish the two different sounds. The open tone should be a pure, warm ringing tone. The open slap needs to have a sharp, bright tone to it. A good exercise would be to take my video of practicing opens and slaps and change the slaps to open slaps. Try alternating between open tones and open slaps. Have fun and keep practicing! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqXUdq1pjNR6mLc

[@jbomb895]

I'll keep at it, thanks

[@Lux67Devil]

What kind of LP is it, and what's the size?

[@joeynighttrain1126]

Thanks

[@kckel69]

Thanks, glad you found this useful.

[@annamorgan6094]

My favorit

[@fernandrenauferrer7049]

the best thing in this video , is the cat

[@mpinzo0098]

Hahahahaha the cat on the corner! like "im listening ok".

[@matthewbatki]

that cat is brilliant.. :)

[@kckel69]

Cat is the most commented on this video!

[@joymeans2197]

Matthew Batki

[@user-nc5zj7us5z]

Yes.. i like and i will learn more and your cat is so cute... auw...

[@kckel69]

alice haans thank you!

[@user-nc5zj7us5z]

I will learn and if i get difficult i will asked you....

[@chriscrichton98]

THATS FUNNY THE CAT IS IN THE BACK GROUNG , WITH THE EXPRESSION , " THESE HUMANS " !

[@rodneydietrich1281]

The conga drum and it's rhythms has it origins in Africa and Cuba and thus, it is Afro-Cuban in origin. The conga is likely a descendant of a one or more African drums, which were brought to Cuba, as well as the Cuban Cajon.

[@kckel69]

rodney dietrich well said. Thanks

[@InsightMike78]

forgot to mention the cup on one hand slaps from outer side of hand but nice video.

[@williamfallon1498]

Now all we need to see is an example of how these techniques are applied to a song.

[@AutumnLuz]

Thumbs up for the cat🐈

[@skylieringram]

So it is basicly like playing a djembe?

[@kckel69]

Well...kind of yes and no. There are many similar strikes used in playing both djembes and congas such as opens and slaps and even basses, but techniques are different. To my knowledge (and I'm not that familiar with playing djembes) the heel/toe pattern used in standard tumbao is not part of the normal routine on djembes. But I defer to those with way more knowledge and experience on djembes.

[@groundcrew9066]

Hi kItty!!

[@jrvalanze]

You missed the regular slap at the end.....

[@JohnWilson-qo3tx]

You left out the skizzum ...where you lick your finger and you slide it over the drum the make a long sound..

[@Stew5B]

I was waiting for the 'Cat Slap'. ;) Someone had to say it.

[@kckel69]

The cat is quite a hit!

[@wizardso.p2845]

the bass and the heel are different

[@toolguyslayer1]

how are you so sure Congo drums aren't originated in Africa initially I mean that would seem like the most likely place

[@emmanuelsilagan]

Let the cat play, hoooooomaaaan!

[@ceemor3404]

The cat ain't impressed with how he slaps the drums lol Cats slap better then us hahaha

[@justscanningby9902]

Hello Cat Meow!

[@rarerecordreporter]

2.00 look ar rhe car!

[@TTMPlayers]

Cat is nice listener

[@jcyberj]

So that's where the pop comes from!

[@jcyberj]

The African history of these instruments is fascinating and hand drums are now an international phenomenon. These African instruments are played and danced to internationally. However, this video was one of the most succinct presentations of the basics that I have recently seen.

[@kckel69]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@dddddjoshi]

Papa Gato 🐈

[@augiedelharo1321]

🎶🎶🎶🎼🎼🎼🪘🪘🪘👍👍👍!

[@pastoresmanuelyramonitamad4452]

levanta la mano izquierda mucho y el seco lo hace muy abierto y no es uniforme.

[@pedalmotoadventure2017]

E

[@GrootsieTheDog]

There are no rules to conga playing so yea, a good drummer can play any drum. Now if what you mean to say that not any good drummer can play any particular style or music they are not familiar with, then I would still say yes but with a little time.

[@ricardotorres848]

Cosmo Spacemonkey There are rules for rhythms. A person cannot play drums without order and pretend to be doing good. A very superficial thinking of yours.

[@GrootsieTheDog]

You misunderstand me. And you have a very basic & narrow understanding of rhythm - so I understand why you would only see it from your own paradigm without the ability to look outside yourself and your own limited ideas. To say I am superficial simply because you lack a more complex notion of music is absurd? No, there are no rules to being a great artist and a unique and creative individual. So get out of your superficial realty. Especially if you are going to insult someone...troll. But that is beside the point because you completely misinterpreted what I wrote.

[@sambac2053]

If one is playing traditional music- the music the conga drums are designed for ,there are specific sounds that are used to play the parts,and there are specific techniques for producing those sounds. If you are playing freeform , there are no rules, if one is playing structured music there are, Both are valid. Being able to do either,and both is when things get interesting.

[@bagusbudiman129]

hey cat, what are you doing?

[@kckel69]

😹

[@ytafuzzy9511]

face cam when??

[@kckel69]

😂😂😂

[@williamstef2914]

You should make a video of your cat.

[@ABCOnlineEngChina]

test

[@DavidKrautscheid]

either you must make the video again cause you missed one tone or you must change the title from 7 to 6

[@williedavis8554]

yes I only seen six