Tuning Conga Drums

Tuning conga drums is about the intervals among your drums and the intonation of each drum head. This video shares my process for tuning conga drums as well as the many issues you can face with getting your conga drums to sound right.
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[@SingYourselfWell]

This is very good, thank you, Kevin. Just got congas and needed this info.

[@RhythmNotes]

Glad it was helpful!

[@GrootsieTheDog]

I tune my 3 congas to the Coltrane melody "a love supreme".

[@RhythmNotes]

That's really cool!

[@jpb93360]

Little tip: Listen to Cachao's bass line from "descarga cachao" and you're done. Just avoid the lowest note of the bass pattern (the low D, second note of bass line)). You then have Tumba=A, Conga=C and Quinto=D. You can transpose the all thing one semi-tone below (A#/B/C#) or two (G/Bb/C)

[@RhythmNotes]

Thanks for the tuning tip!

[@32phoenixx]

Great vid! Could you please do a video on how to tune bongos and congas together?

[@RhythmNotes]

Just to be clear, you are asking for a video about how to tune bongos and congas in relation to one another?

[@32phoenixx]

Yes. That would great!

[@bongodoctor2014]

I have been working with Bram over the last week or two helping him to test and fine tune the new Bongo and Conga modes and he has done an amazing job. Drumtune Pro can now correctly detect the pitches of all sizes of conga and bongos and comes with a useful recommended tuning range guide. This is a real game-changer for me as a percussionist as I can now tune to specific notes and reproduce the same tunings each time. I imagine the best players in the world can do this by ear to a piano, but for the rest of us mortals this app opens the doors to congas and bongos that sound professionally tuned. every time... I tune my Congas and Bongos as follows: Tumba D3 Conga G3 Conga Bb3 Quinto C4 Quinto D4 Hembra D4 Macho F5 There is a brilliant guide to the tunings used by some professional players starting on page 31 of this research paper: The Conga drum : development, technique, styles, improvisations and the contribution of master drummer Ramon 'Mongo' Santamaria If you want any tips or suggestions on tuning your Congas and Bongos get in touch...😁

[@RhythmNotes]

Thanks for sharing!

[@bongoscongasantiquecashreg4544]

I am one that tunes my congas by hear & will for sure switch to remo skyndeep conga heads when can afford for my LP Giovanni galaxy & Aspire congas!!! Yes my LP Aspire congas blend nicely with my LP Giovanni galaxy congas since tuning them yeah have always used your tuning method so the different conga brands sure sound amazing man! I am a fussy one about conga sound quality & I am so very pleased with how nice my LP Aspire congas sound playing with my LP Giovanni galaxy congas take it from me as a professional conga bongo drummer I know what sounds good & what sounds like junk & LP Aspire congas do not sound like junk especially since they blend right with my LP Giovanni galaxy congas & so pleased with it!

[@RhythmNotes]

Thanks for sharing! ... It all comes down to how well the drums are tuned and played. I was particularly impressed with the LP performer series. For the money, you can't tell the difference between those and the most expensive drums.

[@bongoscongasantiquecashreg4544]

Yeah for you I am sure but my LP Aspire congas I think some person who did mine they don't sound like the LP Aspire congas sound you usually hear but they sound professional no kidding! I have looked on KZbin to see if any Aspire congas can match how good the quality is & of course none can top them!!! Yes I have heard of LP performer series but you would be saying if heard my Aspires are they really LP performer series congas wowza!! This is hard to explain but I think I have a blessing here that my LP Aspire congas sound great & professional for if they did not meet the expectations of my LP Giovanni galaxy congas sound then bye bye Aspires but since they are still a shock to me of whoever made the Aspires I have sure did the best job of sound oh yeah!!!

[@RhythmNotes]

I have noticed that there's different qualities of Aspire congas manufactured throughout the years. I'm not an expert on which years were better, but I am positive that the quality has varied. Sometimes drum companies level up the quality of a series one year only to rename the series the next. Not sure, but it's awesome that you have a good set!

[@bongoscongasantiquecashreg4544]

Yeah it is nice to have a good set! Mine are the new kind with the LP logo on the front rather than it saying LP Aspire so just letting you know! Such a blessing they are not junk! Am I a bad local professional conga drummer to use LP Aspire congas with LP Giovanni galaxy congas?

[@RhythmNotes]

Not at all. Good sounds are good sounds, right?

[@rafiq_rar]

nice sharing

[@RhythmNotes]

Thank you very much!

[@jeremias250]

If we are playing the f major scale what will the congas be tuned to be?

[@RhythmNotes]

Try starting with F (low drum) and C (high drum). If you have a third drum, try F-C-G where C is the middle drum. Sometimes C-F-G works for some songs. ... I tune the drums to the best resonance first, then adjust the pitches to the song whenever necessary. Most of the time, I don't need to adjust the pitches to the song.

[@QuigsAnton]

Hey Brother I just bought some pearl travel congas and am finding it difficult to get a good pitch as I am used to full body drums. Have you had any experience with these or other travel versions? I would like to just use the regular G C E tuning for now. Thanks for all your work pal and I am getting use out of your conga book.

[@RhythmNotes]

Glad to hear you’ve found my book useful … as for tuning the travel congas. I’ve used the LP Gio compacts, but I didn’t try to tune it to a specific pitch. My recommendation for when the heads are not cooperating with the pitch you’re trying to achieve is to find an alternative that works for the head and the music you are playing. For example, sometimes my heads will not resonate at the target pitch, so I’ll back off a half or whole step until it resonates well. Then, I’ll play a little and make adjustments if anything is clashing too much.

[@jeremyjenks902]

Great tutorial! Thank you. I did not realize that Synthentic heads should be tuned down after playing as well. I was thinking of trying out some Remo heads on my LP’s. Question- Do you primarily use synthetics, and why?

[@RhythmNotes]

It's not a requirement to tune down synthetics. Like I said in the video, it's something that I do because I have noticed a difference when moving the drums to a different location, like for a gig. I primarily use synthetic heads because they are more reliable for gigging. They almost always stay in tune once I bring them up to tension at the venue or room in which we're playing. But real skins sound the best. I just don't have the the time or patience to deal with inconsistent tuning and sounds.

[@jeremyjenks902]

@@RhythmNotes Good info. Thanks.

[@salpatalano2306]

Stays in same room.....same temp.....how long should the heads stay in tune....mine seem to want to be tightened after a few days...??

[@RhythmNotes]

Do you know the of the moisture stays the same because a lot of people talk about temperature but I have found that moisture is what is effected by temperature, especially for natural skins. That’s why I always run a dehumidifier in my studio to keep the moisture in the air very low.

[@conquistadorgeneralcontrac67]

🤦🏽‍♂️

[@kristopherdetar4346]

Wow, this tuning ritual is way more fussy than concert piano tuners. I just focus on playing beats and rhythm patterns much more than tuning at this point and a into the future. I have dozens and dozens of other instruments to worry about.

[@RhythmNotes]

I understand.

[@mickz4601]

Uh Butthead he said “lug lube” hahahheheheh

[@RhythmNotes]

I though the same thing. I almost bought a Bevis and Butthead shirt at Savers the other day.

[@augiedelharo1321]

Awesome 👍😻🙏🏻, I almost 😅 forgot , for example…. What 😮 would be the best skins to for my congas ( pearl) and bongos, and for my LP BONGOS that are made from fiberglass? Please pray for me that I’ll be able to learn how to play again…. It’s been 30 plus years since I’ve had my instruments stolen 🪘🎸 ! Thank you 😊 very so much for your prayers and your love ❤️ for LATIN MUSIC….. please advice and May god bless you brother amen 👍🪘🤟🏾😻🙏🏻

[@RhythmNotes]

Thanks 🤗

[@luiscosmesr5470]

brought those skins and they made my lp sound like tin cans. can you tell me why?

[@RhythmNotes]

I can't tell you why specifically. I would try tuning your drums low at first and push them as high as they will go before losing decent tone. Make sure that the tension rods are bringing the head down evening as explained in the video. ... It could also be that your drums and the room you play in do not work well with these heads. Lately, I've been thinking about switching back to real skins because I haven't moved them from my studio in a year. I've had more luck with Fiberskyn heads and fiberglass congas, so I'll probably go that route when gigs pick up again. I hope this helps.

[@regulusmine2336]

I do George of rhe jungle. Watch out for that tree.

[@RhythmNotes]

That works

[@davidcudlip6587]

I do that interval on my drum mounted toms on my set. 10" & 12". Is that pitch interval a 4th or a 5th?

[@daviewavie112]

Are those LP classic congas?

[@RhythmNotes]

LP Salsa Model ... so very close.

[@Dendfg]

tighten the drums if i have a c sound what sound will it go

[@RhythmNotes]

It's different for each drum.

[@adityatambe372]

Sir while tuning my congas the key get slipped by the nuts it's doesn't move and I have put the new nuts but after 7/8 days same problem I am facing. what's the reason sir please help me .

[@RhythmNotes]

Have you used any lubrication on the threads of the rod and nuts?

[@adityatambe372]

@@RhythmNotes yes sir I have put oil.

[@mdcongas]

What genres does this drum tuning fit for? I'm looking for the tuning that works best for pop, jazz, funk and latin. Thank you for your help. 🎼🎵🎶🪘🙌

[@RhythmNotes]

The tuning is general for conga drums. There’s a lot that goes into the tuning for different drums and drumheads. For example, I often use synthetic heads with pop, rock, funk because they cut through the louder bands more easily. The same goes for loud salsa bands. However, in dryer climates the real skins work well for live gigs. It all depends on the drum and drumhead as well as the weather and climate.

[@mdcongas]

I'm using the synthetic heads too. In my case, I'm using the full size tumbadora. What cord would work specifically for these four genres? I'm looking for the best intervals. Thanks again. 🎼🎵🎶🪘🙌

[@RhythmNotes]

Try C# and G# ... with a third conga in between, perhaps an F or F#. This could work for a lot of songs. This is the Giovanni tuning approach. I tune to the resonance of the drum, which is different depending on the type of head and environment (humidity).

[@RhythmNotes]

C# and G#

[@conquistadorgeneralcontrac67]

Detune when going from one room to the other?!!!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@RhythmNotes]

Ya, that’s a bit extreme but may be necessary if the moisture levels and room temps are extremely different.

[@MixingGBP]

I'm guilty of tuning my bongos using a guitar tuner that has a mic, lol.

[@RhythmNotes]

It’s not totally off the table. I’ve found that when you have multiple congas and bongo, tuning to specific pitches can be easier to maintain consistency. Tuning to specific pitches can also be cool for a specific song. I just don’t do it unless it’s really necessary.

[@MixingGBP]

@@RhythmNotes cool. I'm a bass player and I've just discovered that bongos and congas are such a foundational part of the music I listen to. Just got my first pair of LP bongos and already want a conga and tumba

[@RhythmNotes]

That’s cool. A lot of legendary conquerors were bass players. I too play bass and guitar as secondary instruments since about 12 years old.

[@lanes58]

He’s pronouncing the word conga wrong. It’s not conga like king cong, or coonga. It’s a long O sound

[@RhythmNotes]

You’re not wrong, but I guess we could pick each other apart on details like this and the music will still sound the same.

[@Jimbob-hp6ud]

Pedantic

[@BigTom-qn3oj]

Totally useless info

[@RhythmNotes]

Do you have a specific question about tuning or an alternate approach you want to share?