This percussion instrument is one of the most popular and most widely
used in all of Middle East, and even eastern Europe. It has many
names, such as tabla, touberleki,
derbake, dumbek
and derbouka.
This gobelet shaped drum was originally made out of clay with a
fish skin head, but others made out of metal, wood and even
glass can be found. . By its rich sound and melodic qualities, the
derbouka
gives its player (the drabki) the possibility to develop a complex
and creative musical discourse.
Basic playing position
In the following exercice, we will use a sitting position where
the player holds the derbourka hoirzontally on his left knee (for
a right-hand player). In order to make sure the drum does not roll
of the knee, it is advisable to raise the left foot heel or even
to put a phone book under the foot. Also, in order to stabilize
the darbouka while playing, the inside of the left elbow must rest
on the base of the drum.
Basic strokes
On the derbouka, there are mainly 2 elementary strokes: a stong
accent called Doum, and a softer accent called Tak.
The Doum is done by the right hand fingers closed together (excluding
the thumb and the wrist) with a stroke parallel to the center of
the head. The Tak is done by both the right and left hands.
The right hand Tak is produced by the tip of the middle and third
fingers with a sharp wrist stroke on the edge of the head. The
left hand Tak is done with a forearm movement at an angle of ± 45°
that makes the palm of the hand strike at the top of the drum,
snapping the third finger at the edge of the head.
Rhythms
Here are a few examples of arabian rhythms. For each of these
examples, we will approach the basic rhythm fisrt, and then the
different
related fingerings.
Legend:
D = Doum, T = right hand Tak, K = left hand Tak
S = Silence, Upper case letter = Loud, Lower cas letter
= Soft
Ayoub
Originating from Egypt, this rhythm is usually played slowly,
to accompany the Zaar (ceremony meant to drive away bad spirits).
This rhythm is also often used to accompany the Baladi ("belly
dancing").
In this case, it is played faster.
Probably one of the most popular and better know thythms, the
Maqsoum
(also namedi Masmoudi Saghir, Baladi or Dû-Yek) accompanies
danse as well as oriental arabian popular and classical music.
