Traditional Drumming

 Military drumming

Military drumming is one of the oldest forms of organised percussion and one of the main influences in drumming history. It has been used for centuries to communicate commands, maintain marching rhythm, and to intimidate enemies on the battlefield. Long before radios or electronic communication existed, drums served as an essential military tool because the sound could travel over large distances and cut through the noise of combat.

The origins of military drumming date back to ancient civilisations such as the Chinese, Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, who used drums in ceremonies and warfare. In medieval Europe, drums became increasingly important alongside trumpets for signaling troop movements. By the 16th and 17th centuries, military drumming had evolved into a formal system of coded rhythms known as "drum calls". Different rhythmic patterns communicated specific orders such as soldiers marching, assembling troops, charging, retreating, or changing formations.

Military drumming strongly influenced modern marching bands and drum corps and the traditional grip. Traditional rudimental drumming techniques evolved into contemporary snare drum performance, including the precision playing seen in military bands today. Many standard drum rudiments such as flams, rolls and paradiddles originated from military training exercises. Today, military drumming remains an important ceremonial tradition in armed forces around the world. Groups such as the The Royal Marines Band Service and the United States Marine Drum continue to use these traditions through parades and public performances.

Traditional grip

Traditional grip also known as orthodox grip or conventional grip originated from military marching drummers, dating all the way back to the 1400-1500s. Military marching drummers carried a snare drum on a sling hung around their neck or one shoulder, with the drum riding closer to one hip than the other while tilted slightly for easier contact. This caused the drummer to play “underhanded” with their left hand, and using what is called a "match grip" with their right hand, while marching. The first drum kit was used in the 1800's and it was mainly military marchers who were paying them, therefore traditional grip stuck around.

Nowadays traditional grip is mostly used in Jazz drumming rather than in other drumming due to the early Jazz drummers evolving their style from marching and military styles and instrumentation, although it is also used by some Rock drummers. It isn't as popular now as it used to be due to the fact drummers nowadays don't have many drummer influencers who use the traditional grip, whereas drummers like Stewart Copeland, buddy rich, Gene Krupa were influenced by early Jazz players and military drummers which dictated them to use traditional grip. Traditional grip is usually for soft playing, even though there are some hard hitting rock drummers who still use it due to them being influenced from early drummers who used the traditional grip.

Traditional rhythms and structures

Polyrhythm

The simplest definition of a polyrhythm would be playing more than one rhythm at the same time causing a conflict. An example of this would be playing a triplet at the same time as an 8th note. Many world cultures like Africa embrace complex polyrhythms and often create entire cycles based on 8ths and triplets and even groups of five or seven. The meters of the rhythmic cycle may stray from Western music’s traditional 4/4 time, and instead explore into 7/8, 5/16, 12/8 and more as the rhythms become increasingly complex.

Bell patterns

A bell pattern is a rhythmic pattern is a repeating rhythm that consists of hitting a hand held bell or percussion instrument such as a cowbell, hollowed piece of wood, wooden claves or cymbals. In ensembles like Djembe drumming, multiple drummers play in polyrhythms, and the bell pattern keeps everyone synchronised. It's quite important in ensembles because it helps musicians stay in time without a conductor, it defines the feel and the groove of the music and it also often reflects cultural rhythm systems that differentiate from Western time signatures. Bell patterns are often played in West African drumming ensembles, Afro-Cuban music and Brazilian music. 

Tumbao

Tumbao is a rhythmic concept in Afro-Cuban music, especially in styles such as son cubano, salsa and Latin jazz. It refers to a repeating syncopated pattern that gives the music its groove and forward momentum. Tumbao is mainly about syncopation which consists of notes being played off the main beats which creates the feel of "push-and-pull". The term can apply to different instruments, but most commonly heard in Bass lines, Piano, and congas. Tumbao comes from West and Central African musical practices which were brought to Cuba through the transatlantic slave trade. These traditions emphasised polyrhythms, syncopation, and call and response, which became popular in Afro-Cuban music. Enslaved Africans protected these rhythmic ideas in drumming, singing, and dance.

Traditional drumming across the world

Djembe (West Africa)

Description

The Djembe drum which is named after the Bambara phrase "Everyone gather together in peace", is a widely recognised drum originally from West Africa in places such as Mali, Guinea and Senegal. It is mainly played during weddings, ceremonies and social gatherings, and is estimated that it was created around the 12th century. It is typically carved from a single piece of hardwood into an hourglass/goblet, the head is traditionally made from untreated (not limed) goat skin. Tuning the drum consists of tightening the vertical ropes using a horizontal "Mali weave" to increase the head tension which usually creates diamond shapes. The size of the drum is generally 58-63cm with a height of 30-38cm diameter and is weighed normally around 9kg. It is played either by sitting or standing using a strap, it must be played while raising the drum off the ground to allow the sound to escape from the bottom to enrich the sound quality.

Tonal Range

"Bass" which creates a low pitched sound produced by slapping the centre oof the head with your palm.

"Tone"  A medium pitched sound produced by using your hand on the edge of the skin on the head.

"Slap" A high-pitched, sharp sound produced at the edge of the skin on the head using a relaxed hand.

Taiko (Japan)

The Taiko drum is a traditional Japanese percussion instrument known for its deep and powerful sound. The word "Taiko" translates to “drum” in Japanese, but it often refers to a style of ensemble drumming called "kumi-daiko". Taiko drums are usually made from hollowed-out wood with animal skin stretched tightly over one or both ends. Taiko drums are believed to have been introduced to Japan from China and Korea as early as the 6th century. Taiko drums come in a range of sizes, larger Taiko drums produce low and thunderous tones that can be felt as much as heard, while smaller ones create sharper, higher-pitched sounds.

The Taiko is played using two thick wooden sticks called "Bachi", and performances often combine rhythm, movement, and choreography, making them visually dynamic and musical. The Taiko has been used in Japan for centuries in religious ceremonies, festivals, and even in warfare to signal troops. Today, it is performed worldwide, blending traditional techniques with modern performance styles. After World War II,  the Taiko drum gained international popularity. Groups formed in mainly the United States and Europe where they would often blend traditional rhythms with modern influences. Today,  the Taiko drum is a preservation of Japanese heritage and a global performance practice.

Tabla (India)

The Tabla is a pair of hand played drums that are a key element to North Indian classical music. It consists of two separate drums, the smaller, higher-pitched dayan which is usually made of wood, and the larger, deeper-sounding bayan which is often made of metal or clay. Together, they create a wide range of tones, from sharp, ringing notes to deep, resonant bass sounds. 

Due to the lack of evidence, it is believed that the Tabla drums arrived somewhere between the late 1600s and the late 1700s. Historical evidence suggests that the Tabla evolved in South Asia from a variety of possible ancestors and influences, including drums introduced by Muslim invaders such as the "naggara"' as well as local drums such as the dholak, dhukkar or duggi, and the pakhawaj drum.

The Tabla is played with the fingers and palms, using strokes known as bols, each stroke represents specific sound. These strokes can be combined into rhythmic patterns, making the instrument highly expressive and flexible. It is mainly used in Hindustani classical music, but also appears in devotional music, dance performances, and modern fusion genres. It's ability to produce both rhythm and tonal variation play a big part of Indian musical tradition.

Udu (Nigeria)

The Udu is a unique percussion instrument known for its deep, resonant, and almost voice-like sound. It originally came from West Africa, and it comes from the Igbo people of Nigeria, where the word "Udu" translates to "pot" in the Igbo language. Traditionally, the Udu is made from clay and shaped like a water vessel with one or more holes. Unlike most drums, it doesn’t rely on hitting a stretched skin. Instead, sound is produced by moving air, when the player quickly covers and uncovers the hole with their hand, it creates a low-frequency :whoomp" or bass tone. Tapping the body of the pot adds higher, percussive accents, allowing for a wide range of textures.

Historically, the Udu was used in ceremonial and spiritual contexts, it was often played by women during rituals and community gatherings. Over time, it's unique sound drew attention beyond its traditional setting, and it began appearing in contemporary and world music. In modern use, the Udu has is used by many percussionists around the world. It shows up in genres ranging from world music and jazz  and experimental recordings. It's organic, earthy tone makes it especially popular in acoustic and minimalist settings, where rhythm and atmosphere are key.

bombo legüero (Argentina)

The bombo legüero is a powerful, deep-voiced drum that is used traditionally in Argentina folk music. It originates from rural regions of Argentina, especially in places like Santiago del Estero, where it has long been used to accompany traditional songs and dances. The bombo legüero traces back to the colonial period. The name “legüero” comes from legua (an old unit of distance), suggesting that the drum’s sound can carry for miles across open landscapes. And the word "Bombo" simply means drum.

The bombo legüero is traditionally made from a hollowed-out tree trunk, with drumheads made from animal skins such as goat, cows or sheep which are stretched over both ends. These are tightened with leather thongs, giving the drum a sturdy, rustic appearance. It’s played with two sticks, one heavier stick produces the deep bass pulse, while a lighter one adds sharper, rhythmic accents on the rim or head. When playing the bombo legüero, the drummer hangs the drum to one side and drapes one arm over it to play it from above while also hitting it from the front. 

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