practice

start by alternating hands and getting a consistent sound - bass

alternate hands at the rim of the drum, find a consistent sound on both sides - tone

while alternating hands, alternate between (1&2&3&4&) bass, and (1&2&3&4&) tone.

it really is this simple. remember to keep your shoulders relaxed.

when you're warmed up, start to experiment - yes, I said experiment. while alternating hands - stay at bass for a while then shift to tone for a while, leave out some of the beats. play.

your brain (and your body) likes patterns. use simple patterns - create one, or find some online and play along.

whether for music making or wellness, practice starts with alternating hands. the simplest pattern, moving between bass and tone, is where you start.

it's also a pattern you can easily return to.

home base, or regroup.

too slow?

increase the tempo.

really challenge yourself and slow it down.

for wellness

a pattern at about 60 BPM can take you to a relaxed state that continues after you've stopped physically hand drumming.

this is a 2-3 minute clip from a beat I built for wellness and listening.

start building stamina with shorter sessions. try alternating hands throughout this relax/refocus track.

you'll build up quickly to the recommended 15 - 20 minute practice.

Project . mindFUL -2m+.m4a

for music making

use the clip above, or

find other practice tracks at my pinterest/rhythm page

or put on background sound of your choice

and find the beat.

see how relaxed you can play.

when comfortable - experiment.

practice is more than just playing. it is also listening. yes, even if you are playing alone. the best way to practice listening starts with a background track. These are easily found online, or make your own.

in west-african handing, the alternating of hands helps to keep the beat and allows for fill-in ghost notes.

a very simple wellness practice

alternating bass only, about (60 - 80 bpm).

breath comfortably with a longer exhalation as you drum.

if comfortable, close eyes - or soft focus on the ground in front of you.

3 - 5 minutes.

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