| Congas are Cuban drums that are of African Descent. | | | | fingers striking near the edge of the drums' head. This |
| These are single headed drums that are narrow and | | | | type of stroke produces a clear and resonant sound. |
| tall. They are believed to be derived from Congese | | | | Muffled Tone - The Muffled tone is achieved similarly |
| drums. Congese drums are drums that are commonly | | | | to the Open Tone. This is done by striking the drum |
| played in a region of Congo. Over the years, these | | | | with four fingers but at the same time holding it against |
| drums have found their way into popular culture and | | | | the drum head to create a muffled sound. |
| have even inspired the creation of the Conga Dance - | | | | Bass Tone - You can create a low muted sound or a |
| which is one of those wedding dance clichés that | | | | Bass Tone by playing with the full palm on the head of |
| you swore to never do but end up doing anyways. | | | | the Congo. |
| As African drums, Congas were made with the use | | | | Slap - The Slap is the most difficult technique in playing |
| of hollowed logs. The Cuban version of it is shaped like | | | | the Congas. This stoke create a clear popping sound |
| a barrel as early versions of these drums were | | | | and is done by hitting the drums quickly. When played |
| probably made using old barrels. Modern Conga drums | | | | in quick successions, this is also called the floreo. |
| are made of either wood or fiberglass with a screw | | | | Touch - This tone can be used in creating the Conga |
| tensioned drum head. The term "Conga" gained | | | | equivalent of drum rolls. This is achieved just by |
| popularity in the 1950's with the injection of the Latin | | | | touching the fingers or the palm to the drum head. In |
| Culture and Music in the United States. The word | | | | order to achieve the drum roll effect the heel-toe |
| Conga is a derivative of a name of the rythm called | | | | maneuver must be executed. The Heel-Tone |
| La Conga, the drums used were referred to as | | | | Maneuver involves combing touching the drum head |
| "Conga Drums". Conga players are called congueros | | | | with fingertips and with the palm. |
| and those who follow in the path of the players are | | | | At present, the influence of Conga music is still felt all |
| called rumberos. | | | | throughout popular culture. Music genres like: Samba |
| Here are a few basic strokes when playing the | | | | and Bossa Nova, as well as Reggae and Country |
| Conga: | | | | music often use Conga drums in their music. |
| Open Tone - This is achieved by playing with four | | | | |