Fantastic Djembe Tuning Tutorial

YouTube browsing led me to a most fantastic tutorial on tuning my djembe. It is in multiple learning modes -- aural and visual with actual demonstration.  Even better, the drum teacher REPEATS the process. Since mechanical skills are not my forte, I need all the repetition I can get. Yes, one can replay a YouTube video ad nauseum, but at least by having the method shown two times, I am saved some clicking around on the computer and frustration with waiting or dragging for the right part.

Djembes have pitches, but not as in A = 440. The head naturally loosens over time as it is played - similarly to guitar strings loosening after an amount of playing. Therefore, tuning a djembe means tightening the goatskin head. (If your djembe does not have ropes, this does not apply.) I had been taught in a drum class how to tighten the Mali Weave on a djembe. However, it looked so intimidating that the iron gates of my brain's intake section slammed closed. In addition, when I was taught, I did not have an oppportunity to actually practice. Then there are helpful friends who are so proud of their ability to tighten a djembe head, that they do the whole operation for me in 3 minutes. So, instead of teaching me how to "fish for a lifetime," they give the proverbial fish for one day. Well meaning buddies, but still...

All the instruction I had received prior to discovering this YouTube required that one use a sturdy stick, such as a drumstick for the procedure.  The video contributor, mollyandboy, shows how EASILY it can be done using the sturdy stick and

a vice grip!

Genius!

In case you want to use the copy and paste method, the video is at this url: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPY4D4uTzQg&feature=BFp&list=WLFECDF3504742A675&index=1

I rate it an A++++++.  Please send comments if you choose to try this 2-tool method.  Thanks!

Photos and text copyright 2011 Maren E. Morgan