What is the future of music? Some would say that it is in the hands of electronic producers and DJs, while others might argue that the future lies with traditional instruments. But what if there was a musical instrument that could combine the best of both worlds? The tongue drum! This unique instrument can be played using 6 different scales, making it perfect for any type of music. In this blog post from beatrootdrum.com, we will discuss the history and evolution of the tongue drum, and show you how to play it!
The tongue drum is a percussion instrument that originated in Africa. It is made from a hollowed out tree trunk or log, and has a series of raised ridges on the top surface. These ridges are meant to be struck with the sticks, and produce a unique sound. The tongue drum was originally used as a ceremonial instrument, but has since been adapted for use in various genres of music.
The first scale that was used on the tongue drum was the pentatonic scale. This 5-note scale is found in many African musical traditions, and is still used today. The pentatonic scale provides a foundation for much of African music, as it can be played in any key without sounding wrong.
The next scale to be used on the tongue drum was the blues scale. This 6-note scale is commonly used in blues and rock music, and gives the tongue drum a distinctly different sound. The blues scale is perfect for creating solos and improvising, as it allows for a wide range of notes to be played.
The third scale to be used on the tongue drum is the chromatic scale. This 12-note scale is the most versatile of all, and can be used for any type of music. The chromatic scale allows you to play in any key, and create any melody that you can imagine.