If you are practicing using the Hand Drum Mojo beat randomizer, you will notice that the Doum tone appears randomly. This is to help us get used to playing the Doum tone (D) and to help build confidence to tackle different rhythmns as well as improvisation.
The doum tone is probably the most important tone to know when practicing the hand drums. The doum plays a crucial role in defining the rhythmic structure and adding complexity to musical compositions
When you are practicing with your hand drum, be it a frame drum, darbouka or other type of hand drum, knowing how to get a deep resonant doum tone is key.
Variations in Notation
The ‘doum’ sound is integral to drumming patterns and is transcribed differently depending on the musical tradition and educational context. Common notations include:
- Doum: The most widely used representation, reflecting the deep, bass quality of the sound.
- Dum: A simplified version, often used interchangeably with ‘doum’.
- D: A shorthand notation, frequently seen in drum tablature and teaching materials. This is how you will see the doum tone written in our practice material here at Hand Drum Mojo.
Despite these variations, they all signify the same essential sound: a full, bass stroke that is fundamental to many rhythmic patterns.
Techniques for Producing the Doum on Frame Drums
Frame drums, such as the tar, riq, and bendir, are versatile instruments found in numerous cultures. The technique for playing the ‘doum’ can vary depending on the drum’s size and playing position:
Upright Style
In the upright style, the frame drum is held vertically or at a slight angle:
- Position: Hold the drum with one hand, allowing the other hand free movement across the drumhead.
- Stroke: Use the palm or the full length of the fingers to strike the drumhead. This ensures a deep, resonant sound that characterizes the ‘doum’.
Lap Style
For the lap style, the drum rests on the player’s lap, allowing for more control and nuanced movements:
- Position: The drum is placed on tthe lap.
- Stroke: Strike the drumhead’s center with the fingers or the heel of the hand to produce the ‘doum’. Alternatively strike the center of the drum by pivoting the hand so the thumb strikes the surface. This style often allows for quicker transitions between strokes and more intricate rhythmic patterns.
Doum on the Darbuka and Other Hand Drums
The darbuka (or doumbek), a goblet-shaped drum, is another instrument where the ‘doum’ plays a vital role. Techniques for the darbuka often differ slightly from those used on frame drums due to its shape and playing position:
- Position: The darbuka is usually held under the arm or between the knees, with the drumhead facing outward.
- Stroke: The ‘doum’ is produced by striking the center of the drumhead with the palm or fingers, ensuring the hand stays relaxed to allow the skin to resonate fully.
Other hand drums, such as the tabla (in Indian music) or the djembe (in West African traditions), also utilize a deep bass sound akin to the ‘doum’, though the specific techniques and names may vary.
The Importance of the Doum in Rhythms
In Middle Eastern music, the ‘doum’ is more than just a sound; it is the heartbeat of the rhythm. Patterns such as maqsum, baladi, and saidi rely on the ‘doum’ to provide structure and emphasis, creating the foundational pulse that drives the music forward. The placement of the ‘doum’ within these rhythms helps define their unique characters and supports the dancers and musicians who interpret them.
Beyond the Middle East, the deep bass tones similar to the ‘doum’ are crucial in various global music traditions. In African drumming, the bass tones of the djembe mark the primary beats, anchoring the rhythm and interacting with higher-pitched tones to create complex polyrhythms. In Indian classical music, the deep strokes on the tabla (baya) form a dialogue with the treble strokes (daya), generating intricate rhythmic cycles.
Example of the Doum in the Middle Eastern Rhythmn Masmoudi
The masmoudi rhythm, also known as masmoudi kebir (big masmoudi), is a fundamental rhythm in Middle Eastern music, often used in traditional and contemporary compositions. Hear below how the doum sound is fundamental to creating the strong rhythmn on the darbuka.
The ‘doum’ is not merely a percussive element but a universal language spoken through the drum. Its profound, resonant tone transcends cultural boundaries, connecting the rhythms of the Middle East with those of Africa, India, and beyond. Understanding and mastering the ‘doum’ opens a gateway to the rhythmic heart of many musical traditions, underscoring its significance as both a technical and cultural cornerstone in the world of percussion.