PERCUSSION
A FEW FAST FIXES | Mark Shelton
Correcting either technique or tone quality problems can stretch into a lengthy process . First comes the time-consuming hunt for the cause of the difficulty followed by a search for a solution along with hours of practicing so that the solution will be ingrained thoroughly .
What joy when a challenge that hampers our performance can be corrected quickly and simply ! The following paragraphs provide fast fixes to some common hand percussion tone and technique problems .
PROBLEM : Improper articulation and sustain of tambourine POSSIBLE CAUSE : Position of Tambourine FAST FIX : The position of the tambourine plays a major role in both the sustain of the jingles and articulation . For general striking , hold the instrument at approximately 45 degrees to the floor . This position will shorten the after-strike ring of the jingles , producing a drier sound appropriate for articulating rapid rhythms . You can increase the sustain of the tambourine jingles a bit by holding the instrument perpendicular to the floor . This position allows the disks to ring for a moment after a strike .
PROBLEM : Uneven spacing when shaking straight eighths or sixteenths on tambourine POSSIBLE CAUSE : Position and path of tambourine FAST FIX : To play straight , evenly-spaced eighths or sixteenths using the shake motion , the tambourine should be traveling with the shell perpendicular to the floor and along an imaginary line parallel to the floor .
PROBLEM : Poor triangle sustain / muffled tone POSSIBLE CAUSE : Suspension loop material FAST FIX : The triangle holder should be equipped with two separate loops of fine-gauge string , thin fishing line , or light-weight plastic ties . ( Loop # 2 is the safety loop .) Never use wire or heavy cord that will buzz or significantly inhibit vibrations .
PROBLEM : Uneven spacing when playing straight eighths or sixteenths on shaker POSSIBLE CAUSE : Position and path of shaker FAST FIX : When performing a stream of evenlyspaced eighth or sixteenth notes , the shaker should be held with the chamber parallel to the floor and move along a path that is also parallel to the floor .
PROBLEM : Poor projection and / or tone quality of hand drums POSSIBLE CAUSE : Tuning too low FAST FIX : If the tones of congas , bongos , and djembe are not cutting through the mix , check the tuning of the heads . There is a tendency to tune hand drums too low . Experiment with tightening the head to improve both tone quality and projection . Remember to tune so that the tone fits correctly into the overall mix of instruments .
PROBLEM : Double attack when playing maracas POSSIBLE CAUSE : Unnecessary motion FAST FIX : When playing the maracas in the classic position ( handles parallel to the floor ), a double attack can occur when the fill material strikes the upper area of the bulb before coming down to produce the desired attack against the lower area of the bulb . This can be caused by making unnecessary motion . The key to producing clear and crisp articulation is to use smaller movements that will send the fill material upward without striking the upper area of the bulb .
PROBLEM : Claves tone is muffled POSSIBLE CAUSE : Grip Issues FAST FIX : The proper holding method is a crucial part of producing a traditional claves tone . One member of the pair will strike the receiving ( stationary ) clave . To hold the receiving clave , curl the fingers of your non-dominant hand in towards your palm with the thumb resting against the side of the index finger-resembling how your hand would look if you were going to knock on a door . This forms an echo chamber for the clave to resonate . Lay the clave over your echo chamber so that the stick rests on your knuckles and the fleshy area just below your thumb . Grip the striker clave in your dominant hand ( similar to a loose matched grip ). Try a few clicks and listen . Gripping either clave too tightly will choke vibrations . Your grips are correct when the claves sound with a clear , resonant tone .
Technical skills sufficient to achieve your musical intentions along with appropriate tone quality are essential to good musicianship . Whether it takes hours of troubleshooting and practice or simply a fast fix , make the necessary investment of time so that you can fully express your musical ideas .
© 2021 Mark Shelton Productions / Percussion For Worship
Mark Shelton Mark Shelton is a freelance musician , content creator , and music education consultant based in Dallas / Fort Worth . Performance credits include North Carolina Symphony , Tin Roof Tango , Daystar Singers & Band , Gateway Worship , Wichita Falls Orchestra , Strata Big Band , TALEA , and Dallas Wind Symphony . www . marksheltonmusic . com percussionforworship . blogspot . com