Holding the Drum

There are two main playing positions for this tambourine. The two positions are commonly referred to as the cabaret style and the soft style. These lessons deal only with the cabaret style (see pictures #1 & #2). For those people who have never played riq before, I will try to take you step by step on how to hold the drum in this playing position. It definitely helps to see this in person, so if you can, I recommend taking a lesson. If not then refer to the first two pictures.

1) Make a C shape with your left hand (if your right handed).

2) Rest the riq into the C with one set of jingles facing down through the middle of the C.

3) Bring your thumb (bottom half of C) up to push against the back jingle.

4) Your forefinger (and possibly your middle finger will hold the riq where the skin meets the shell.

5) Moderately tilt the drum forward to rid yourself of any unwanted or excess shimmer of the jingles.

6) Your right hand will be used to play the drum sounds in this position. Unlike other styles of frame drumming, your right hand should not rest or pivot off of the shell. Keep it free to move. See pictures #3, #4, and #5. 7) Likewise your left hand will be used (along with your right) to play front jingles in your C. Use your ring finger in each hand (on that same jingle). Practice alternating right-left-right-left for a while to get the feel. See picture #6.

Doum; Open low pitched sound played with the index finger of your dominant drumming hand. To minimize motion it may help to visualize turning a doorknob to the left until your index finger strikes the drum head. See picture #3

This particular tambourine has very loud and active sounding jingles (Which is why before we even begin to play we slightly tilt the drum). These two lessons were prepared to teach some basic playing ideas, but more importantly it will give you some ideas on how to control and manipulate the jingles.

With your ring fingers in both hands alternate striking the jingle that is closest to the middle of your C grip (same as step 7 on how to hold the drum). See picture #6.

Shaking the tambourine back and forth. Imagine you are holding an egg shaker or small maraca with your left hand. Because of the weight of the riq, this motion will cause fatigue in your hand at first. Don't push it. When you get tired, stop and rest. It is also common for people to exaggerate the necessary motion at first. So, pay attention to keep the gesture small (this will reduce the amount of work required). If you are new at this tambourine, I recommend practicing shaking the riq back and forth keeping the notes even (think egg shaker) before you begin the lessons.

The triplet with the jingles is a side to side shake (more specifically a left to right rotation).

Step 1 Place your drumming hand parallel to the surface of the drum head.

Step 2 Rotate the drum to the left hitting the riq into your right hand (first note of the triplet).

Step 3 With a slight amount of resistance from your right hand, push the tambourine past your right hand, and follow through to the left (second note of the triplet).

Step 4 Bring the tambourine back to the right, returning to the original position (third note of the triplet).

Step 5 Repeat steps 1 through 4.