A drum you sit on is a unique wooden percussion instrument that combines a seat and a drum in one. They are designed to allow a drummer to strike the front face (known as the tapa) using their palms and fingertips to produce a range of different tones, including snare and bass. It’s an easy-to-play percussion instrument that’s great for beginners, has the potential to take your drumming to new heights and is well worth checking out if you’re in the market for something different.
The best cajons are constructed from a combination of woods. Each piece of wood is carefully selected based on its size, sound quality and grain. This results in an excellent-sounding percussion instrument that’s durable and will last for years to come. It’s important that you keep in mind that the quality of your cajon is just as important as its design, which is why we recommend choosing a model from a manufacturer with a good reputation and solid reviews.
The first thing you need to do before getting started with your drum box is to find a comfortable chair or stool to sit on. This is a hugely important step because maintaining proper posture while playing will not only help with the overall sound of your drumming, but also reduces your risk of long-term back problems.
Once you’ve found a drum stool that’s comfortable for you, it’s time to begin setting up your kit. Start by positioning your snare drum and cymbal stands in their desired positions. Then, position the mounted toms in a way that’s comfortable for you to reach. Lastly, place the floor tom so that it’s close to the snare drum and mounted toms, but not so close that you can’t easily hit them.
If you’re planning on using a second crash cymbal, position it between your mounted toms and the floor tom. Be sure to angle the cymbal slightly upward, so that it’s easier for you to play by letting your wrists rest on the top of the cymbal.
A common mistake that many beginning drummers make is raising their arms too high when they play. This can cause their drum strokes to sound pushed and forced, which isn’t good for your technique or the overall sound of your music. Instead, try to keep your elbows tucked in and your hands relaxed.
A variant on this, which is better suited for quieter locations or musical passages, is to focus your strikes on the pads of your fingers rather than your palms. By striking with your pads, you’ll get a subdued but still distinct bass tone that can really stand out against the other instruments in the song. To do this, simply strike with your right hand on the front of the drum box and place the majority of your contact with the front tapa surface with the pads of your fingertips. This gives a softer and more delicate bass tone that’s great for a variety of genres.