Tuning your Drum

I was finally able to vend at my local market this weekend and it was a beautiful day. The sun was out and many people came to enjoy all the wonderful crafts, foods, and music. About this time every year I notice that a lot of people end up seeking me out or calling me to find out how to tune up their ashiko or djembe. Those beloved drums that have been sitting and waiting for the warmer weather that indicates the start of the outside drum circle season. Maybe they have been tapped on occasionally but for the most part have been gathering some cobwebs. So here it is.....the play by play on how to tune your drum. This can be used on any drum that is headed with the rope tuning system. And please note that these instructions are moving from right to left but your drum may tune from left to right. Just apply the same steps moving in the opposite direction.

Step One
Take your lead rope and cross over the next two vertical ropes that have not been crossed

Step Two
Go under one rope with your lead rope

Step Three
Go over the second rope with your lead

Step Four
Go back under both ropes with the lead rope

Step Five
Push the woven lead rope down as far as you can

Step Six
Pull the lead rope until the vertical ropes cross each other
Continue steps one through six until your drum sounds how you want. The more ropes you cross the higher pitched your drum will be.

If you still have troubles getting your drum tuned up please come see me down at the Saturday Market here in Eugene. I would be happy to show you how to do it. If you have time you can stick around for the drum circle that takes place every weekend on the courthouse steps. It's great fun and a wonderful way to learn new rhythms and techniques. And if you still don't have a drum to call your own, let me know. I can fix that! Stop by my booth or visit my Etsy shop at http://www.slaphappydrums.etsy.com/

Have a wonderful day!