Practice certainly makes perfect. We are many times amazed at someones special talents, but if you are intrigued, and want to be as good, just listen, learn and most of all practice. I love what Ross can do and while I am a pretty good guitar player (in my estimation) I have always thought I was terrible at keeping a percussion rhythm or beat for any length of time. Ross is a master of his art and I love to watch and listen.
Hi Ross. Just bought my first Cajon this week. Enjoyed your tips especially for my lazy left hand. Sure feels different using fingers instead of belting my Brady with sticks. Looking forward to more of your videos. Thanks and cheers from the SW of WA.
Thanks Ross, Helpful to see practice ideas. I've been working on finger rolls this way as it's the way I also practice kit rudiments. You mentioned to say if anyone has any other ideas so here something I also have been doing...When doing the random 32nd notes at ad lib..I started adding the 32nd note finger rolls starting with left sometimes Eg.. (Single stroke 16ths, double 32nds) RLRLR LLRRLL RLR LLRRLL R Just useful for newbie cajon player like me if I get caught on the left hand. Loving your videos. Cheers!
ruclips.net/user/shortsgeHw8tS2XRQ?si=IWrRHNax8es4V4cE this short video is a quick starting point but there’s always room for more teaching on this subject I think. I’ll do more and let you know when it’s done. I’m currently editing a long piece of members content all about preparing for live performances. It’s called “Gig-Ready.” Part 1 is about accepting the gig and practicing well. Part 2 is about rehearsals. Part 3 (my current edit) is about soundcheck before the show. That will include some more info about mics and getting a good sound. Part 4 will be about the performance and afterwards. Anyway, I’ll be sure to let ya know when that’s done! In the meantime, keep exploring the channel as I have a couple of other mic and recording related videos that will pop up if you search for them.
I have a 13 tone tounge drum and the only chart of notes I can find seems to be for 8 tone or 11 tone what are the notes for a 13 tone any help is appreciated 😁
Nice! Why did I not think of a metronome app?!?! Good call. For whatever reason, I have better finger speed on my left hand. Odd, because I am right handed. I will give these techniques a go and see if I can even things out a bit :-)
Thanks for your videos! I'm an experienced Middle Eastern drummer but just bought a cajon and already love it. I'm used to doing finger rolls on a doumbek, but it's rather different on the Cajon. How do you get such a strong snare sound with your finger rolls? Do you have the faceplate on your Cajon pretty loose? Thanks again, I look forward to learning more from you.
This finger roll thing could easily be applied to a MIDI controller like a launchpad or a MIDI keyboard, for playing a roll on the snare drum for example. Have the exact same snare drum sample mapped to 4 different buttons/keys. Then have 2 fingers on each hand play in between those 4 keys and it'll sound a lot like a drum roll on an actual snare drum! Alternatively you could also do it with one finger on one hand and 3 fingers on the other; for example, middle finger on left hand followed by ring finger, middle finger and index finger on the other. Either way should give the same result; it should sound almost exactly like a snare drum roll! Or, you could make the roll even crazier sounding by using 3 fingers on each hand (meaning that the same snare drum sample would be assigned to 6 different keys instead of 4). I would do the roll with ring finger, then middle finger, then index finger on one hand and then just repeat that same sequence with the other hand :)
@@rosslmccallum thanks for the reply dude! :) Yeah, I've actually thought about trying out finger drumming on pads myself, right now I just finger drum on my desk or something like that. But that's the advantage of finger drumming compared to really any other type of drumming; you can easily practice finger drumming techniques even if you don't have a MIDI controller or laptop or keyboard nearby; practice finger drumming on your legs, your chest, or a table or a door or anything. The only issue I might run into with finger drumming is that some music software, like Ableton live for example, is not that accessible for blind people; I fall into that category. But at the same time that won't stop some people: I once heard about a guy who has performed live with Ableton (in a finger drumming style, if I remember correctly). Due to the software not being accessible for him, his (sighted) wife sets up the sessions for him. But when he gets on that stage, his musicianship and interaction completely take over and he can just perform independently, like any other instrumentalist. I find that really inspiring, because even though he might not be able to independently use Ableton, he still found a way to perform live with it even if that means having to rely on a sighted person to help him set it up.
@@justinnaramor6050 this will be awesome when get a feel for it. Sight or no sight, music is always all about FEEL and getting inspired by the people who bring that to life like you mentioned is the right way to go for sure. Keep me posted on your journey!
@@rosslmccallum Exactly, music is all about feel. Oh and thanks for such an incredibly quick reply! :))) I'll let you know how the finger drumming thing goes. I should mention that at the moment I only really use my RUclips account to write comments; I don't have any videos on here at all (yet).
Hey Nick! Two options on my channel so far :-) I have a course that’s available to channel members (paid). It’s called “Finger Technique From Zero”. Another option is to watch the other free videos I have to pick up the skills you need that way. I’ll link them both for you! ruclips.net/p/PLkFTJa7bYzTgYn9EA3qeS2r_w6QCQtnH1 ruclips.net/p/PLkFTJa7bYzTghJNumeHEzAnbLES-6zw_H
Hey thanks for watching! 😁 There’s now a 260 page eBook that goes with the Cajon Method 1.1 course. It's full of easy-to-read notation, practice tips and more. If you're interested, please consider joining the class. ruclips.net/user/rosslmccallumjoin Thank you! ❤
Cool video. Very informative. I also play cajon but i dont play in traditional technique. I play cajon by the tip of the finger. Called tabla technique
@Brendan Mather come to my channel. There are several videos by which you can get the thing. I naturally play cajon with the tabla technique. And in this technique i can play what i wish
Hi, love your videos! With me the finger roll feels more natural to start with the middle finger on the right hand and then go to the middle on the left and then index right, index left. Is this technique okay to use? I feel your technique would make more sense, but I'm finding it hard to pick up!
Thankyou! I'll check it out :) I've been drumming for roughly 5 years and have just moved into a small flat where I'm unable to fit my kit. One of your videos was recommended and after watching through a few of them I decided the cajon would be perfect for my needs! And I love it! There's so many different sounds to find!
The best cajon technique book that isn’t a cajon technique book is George Lawrence Stone’s Stick Control. All the rolls you demonstrated have exercises in the book. Check it out.
Hey , thank you for the videos , when I'm playing with my finger it doesn't as strong as normal tap , the strength comes with the time or when I'm practice I should to concentrate on strength even it means to low down the tempo ? Another question please , when your playing your hand touching the cajon ? if yes , how you place your hand before the roll without make a noise ? Thank a lot you'r very helpful !!
Hello Ross! I tried to play the finger roll in a pedestrian tunnel today, but the sound wasn’t really good...basically the finger roll sounds couldn’t be heard clearly! 🤦🏻♂️ So is it becoz of my fingers are not strong enough? (I used quite much strength to “strike” though lol) or is it simply becoz my Cajon is not good enough? I was using a Pyle Jam Wooden Cajon (PCJD18), which is likely the cheapest Cajon you could get in Hong Kong... Again, thank you for all of your tutorials. Peace.
That’s a good question. I’m glad you got to do some playing in a tunnel today. The live environment and natural reverb would be super nice. It’s not usually impossible to get a sound out of a cajon with finger technique but I have played one or two drums in the past which didn’t work so well. So I’m saying it’s possible but I don’t know for sure. Over years and years I’ve found the strength of my fingers made it easier to play and get a big sound out of most drums (not just the nicer ones). So I would try some other cajons when you get a chance and keep practicing in the meantime. I think all the practice I did on my first cajon (a cheap one that wasn’t so sensitive) made it super easy to play on the next cajon I got. I hope that helps!
Where do you get the Sela drum instrument. I think it could be great for practice of course but nice for sitting around a camp fire or at a party, like Karaoke of the drumming kind. Sounds great though that might be because you are playing it.
Hi Ross- I have a cajon just like the one in this video, and it has a single snare. My finger rolls don't sound as "snarey" as yours do in the video, regardless of the finger strength I use. Is it because of the recording, or because of my finger strength? I try to relax everything but my fingers when doing this exercise. What can I do to enhance the snare sound?
Hey Mixon! Thanks for the question. This was a while back now but I've got a feeling I might have had 2 snare blocks inside that cajon at the time. Also keep in mind that the acoustics of the room play a role in the frequencies we hear. And yes you're right the recording makes a big difference too. This was using a camera's inbuilt mic which means a fair bit of compression. That compression is going to make smaller sounds louder than natural by a little bit. But to answer your main question, try loosening or even removing the bit of foam that touches the snare inside the cajon. Then if you want even more, look at buying the extra snare block (they can be bought individually). Anyway just have fun exploring sound possibilities!!
If you look at your hands while performing the rolls, it seems as if your right hand's middle and ring finger are glued together as one finger, but you use only your index and middle finger of your left hand. Is that something subconsious? Would you recommend using only two fingers per hand or do you use all 3 usable fingers two sometimes for tighter rolls?
Thanks for the quick reply! Whilst hard to find decent cajon tutorials up front, your videos are definitely the most interesting for the somewhat more experienced percussionists/drummers that want to play cajon. I personally switched from drums and the hardest thing is you have to do all the bass work with your hands (cajon pedals seem kind of missing the point of a cajon). Then again, the best thing is you can play all the bass work with your hands! (I enjoyed some of the drum&bass vids floating around here as well) The thing I can't seem to find is some decent sheet music for the more advanced rhythms/improvisations/solo's, do you know of any good sources?
***** thanks for answering! i can do the finger rolls but they dont sound as loud as i want them to be, though this exercises help a lot, do you have an exercise specifically for finger strength?
Practice certainly makes perfect. We are many times amazed at someones special talents, but if you are intrigued, and want to be as good, just listen, learn and most of all practice. I love what Ross can do and while I am a pretty good guitar player (in my estimation) I have always thought I was terrible at keeping a percussion rhythm or beat for any length of time. Ross is a master of his art and I love to watch and listen.
Hi Ross. Just bought my first Cajon this week. Enjoyed your tips especially for my lazy left hand. Sure feels different using fingers instead of belting my Brady with sticks. Looking forward to more of your videos. Thanks and cheers from the SW of WA.
This video really helped me to practice cajon
Thank you for this video
^ _ ^
you're my best cajon teacher
Thanks! I’m glad I can help 👍
Hey Ross,
I just wanted to thank you, you are really inspiring and I enjoy all your clips. Greets from Belgium
Ross
you are a terrific player.
Thanks so much!
Thanks Ross, Helpful to see practice ideas. I've been working on finger rolls this way as it's the way I also practice kit rudiments. You mentioned to say if anyone has any other ideas so here something I also have been doing...When doing the random 32nd notes at ad lib..I started adding the 32nd note finger rolls starting with left sometimes Eg.. (Single stroke 16ths, double 32nds) RLRLR LLRRLL RLR LLRRLL R
Just useful for newbie cajon player like me if I get caught on the left hand. Loving your videos. Cheers!
Great lesson sir! I can certainly apply this to my djembe! Thank you so much!
Happy to help!
thanks for the lesson.. makes me wanna switch from darbuka to it..
Great lesson, percfectly explained! Thank you!
Hi Ross!!! Thanks a lot for your lessons, I learned a lot from your channel!!!! Mike.
Thank you, Ross, for this video!
Very good!! Almost magical!!
Thanks for the wonderful lessons. May I request you share a video on how set up mics for recording in studio and live performances. Thanks
ruclips.net/user/shortsgeHw8tS2XRQ?si=IWrRHNax8es4V4cE this short video is a quick starting point but there’s always room for more teaching on this subject I think. I’ll do more and let you know when it’s done.
I’m currently editing a long piece of members content all about preparing for live performances. It’s called “Gig-Ready.” Part 1 is about accepting the gig and practicing well. Part 2 is about rehearsals. Part 3 (my current edit) is about soundcheck before the show. That will include some more info about mics and getting a good sound. Part 4 will be about the performance and afterwards. Anyway, I’ll be sure to let ya know when that’s done! In the meantime, keep exploring the channel as I have a couple of other mic and recording related videos that will pop up if you search for them.
too good.
Thank you for tips! I'm a HandPan musician, tho it was good tip for it too!
REO MATSUMOTO oh cool! Actually I use finger technique on handpan too.
Ross McCallum whaaaaaa, do you play HandPan too?
REO MATSUMOTO started this year! Check out the newest video on my channel :-)
I have a 13 tone tounge drum and the only chart of notes I can find seems to be for 8 tone or 11 tone what are the notes for a 13 tone any help is appreciated 😁
Again learning from old videos after facing problem in finger roll.
The archive on this channel will hopefully always be a good resource.
@@rosslmccallum absolutely sir....❤️❤️
you're very good mate, insipiring
Nice! Why did I not think of a metronome app?!?! Good call.
For whatever reason, I have better finger speed on my left hand. Odd, because I am right handed. I will give these techniques a go and see if I can even things out a bit :-)
awesome!
Cheers!
Thanks for your videos! I'm an experienced Middle Eastern drummer but just bought a cajon and already love it. I'm used to doing finger rolls on a doumbek, but it's rather different on the Cajon. How do you get such a strong snare sound with your finger rolls? Do you have the faceplate on your Cajon pretty loose? Thanks again, I look forward to learning more from you.
thanks Ross :D
Thank You
You're welcome!
This finger roll thing could easily be applied to a MIDI controller like a launchpad or a MIDI keyboard, for playing a roll on the snare drum for example. Have the exact same snare drum sample mapped to 4 different buttons/keys. Then have 2 fingers on each hand play in between those 4 keys and it'll sound a lot like a drum roll on an actual snare drum! Alternatively you could also do it with one finger on one hand and 3 fingers on the other; for example, middle finger on left hand followed by ring finger, middle finger and index finger on the other. Either way should give the same result; it should sound almost exactly like a snare drum roll! Or, you could make the roll even crazier sounding by using 3 fingers on each hand (meaning that the same snare drum sample would be assigned to 6 different keys instead of 4). I would do the roll with ring finger, then middle finger, then index finger on one hand and then just repeat that same sequence with the other hand :)
Yeah it works on lots of other stuff! Getting the dynamics right is a little harder on pads but it can be done :-) have a fun with it!
@@rosslmccallum thanks for the reply dude! :)
Yeah, I've actually thought about trying out finger drumming on pads myself, right now I just finger drum on my desk or something like that. But that's the advantage of finger drumming compared to really any other type of drumming; you can easily practice finger drumming techniques even if you don't have a MIDI controller or laptop or keyboard nearby; practice finger drumming on your legs, your chest, or a table or a door or anything.
The only issue I might run into with finger drumming is that some music software, like Ableton live for example, is not that accessible for blind people; I fall into that category. But at the same time that won't stop some people: I once heard about a guy who has performed live with Ableton (in a finger drumming style, if I remember correctly). Due to the software not being accessible for him, his (sighted) wife sets up the sessions for him. But when he gets on that stage, his musicianship and interaction completely take over and he can just perform independently, like any other instrumentalist. I find that really inspiring, because even though he might not be able to independently use Ableton, he still found a way to perform live with it even if that means having to rely on a sighted person to help him set it up.
@@justinnaramor6050 this will be awesome when get a feel for it. Sight or no sight, music is always all about FEEL and getting inspired by the people who bring that to life like you mentioned is the right way to go for sure. Keep me posted on your journey!
@@rosslmccallum Exactly, music is all about feel.
Oh and thanks for such an incredibly quick reply! :))) I'll let you know how the finger drumming thing goes.
I should mention that at the moment I only really use my RUclips account to write comments; I don't have any videos on here at all (yet).
Hey Ross I’m still confused on how to even roll my fingers like that. Is there a tutorial on how you roll your fingers or a technique I can practice
Hey Nick! Two options on my channel so far :-) I have a course that’s available to channel members (paid). It’s called “Finger Technique From Zero”. Another option is to watch the other free videos I have to pick up the skills you need that way. I’ll link them both for you!
ruclips.net/p/PLkFTJa7bYzTgYn9EA3qeS2r_w6QCQtnH1
ruclips.net/p/PLkFTJa7bYzTghJNumeHEzAnbLES-6zw_H
Hey thanks for watching! 😁 There’s now a 260 page eBook that goes with the Cajon Method 1.1 course. It's full of easy-to-read notation, practice tips and more. If you're interested, please consider joining the class. ruclips.net/user/rosslmccallumjoin Thank you! ❤
Hi , how can i find pdf versions about lessons? thanks for lessons.
Cool video. Very informative. I also play cajon but i dont play in traditional technique. I play cajon by the tip of the finger. Called tabla technique
@Brendan Mather come to my channel. There are several videos by which you can get the thing. I naturally play cajon with the tabla technique. And in this technique i can play what i wish
@Brendan Mather ruclips.net/video/pdBELsOsKTg/видео.html
Hi, love your videos! With me the finger roll feels more natural to start with the middle finger on the right hand and then go to the middle on the left and then index right, index left. Is this technique okay to use? I feel your technique would make more sense, but I'm finding it hard to pick up!
Thankyou! I'll check it out :) I've been drumming for roughly 5 years and have just moved into a small flat where I'm unable to fit my kit. One of your videos was recommended and after watching through a few of them I decided the cajon would be perfect for my needs! And I love it! There's so many different sounds to find!
Hey bro, what metronome app do you use? While im here just wanna say great vids man.
The best cajon technique book that isn’t a cajon technique book is George Lawrence Stone’s Stick Control. All the rolls you demonstrated have exercises in the book. Check it out.
Love using stick control for cajon, big influence for me! Thanks for the comment 😁
Hey , thank you for the videos , when I'm playing with my finger it doesn't as strong as normal tap , the strength comes with the time or when I'm practice I should to concentrate on strength even it means to low down the tempo ? Another question please , when your playing your hand touching the cajon ? if yes , how you place your hand before the roll without make a noise ? Thank a lot you'r very helpful !!
+Cajon Groove Guide Thank you! Keep uploading technics video please! Have a nice day :)
Hello Ross!
I tried to play the finger roll in a pedestrian tunnel today, but the sound wasn’t really good...basically the finger roll sounds couldn’t be heard clearly! 🤦🏻♂️
So is it becoz of my fingers are not strong enough? (I used quite much strength to “strike” though lol) or is it simply becoz my Cajon is not good enough?
I was using a Pyle Jam Wooden Cajon (PCJD18), which is likely the cheapest Cajon you could get in Hong Kong...
Again, thank you for all of your tutorials. Peace.
That’s a good question. I’m glad you got to do some playing in a tunnel today. The live environment and natural reverb would be super nice. It’s not usually impossible to get a sound out of a cajon with finger technique but I have played one or two drums in the past which didn’t work so well. So I’m saying it’s possible but I don’t know for sure. Over years and years I’ve found the strength of my fingers made it easier to play and get a big sound out of most drums (not just the nicer ones). So I would try some other cajons when you get a chance and keep practicing in the meantime. I think all the practice I did on my first cajon (a cheap one that wasn’t so sensitive) made it super easy to play on the next cajon I got. I hope that helps!
@@rosslmccallum Thank you so much for your comment. it really helps a lot. Respect and Love from Hong Kong :)
Where do you get the Sela drum instrument. I think it could be great for practice of course but nice for sitting around a camp fire or at a party, like Karaoke of the drumming kind. Sounds great though that might be because you are playing it.
I went there and I wonder how much it would be to build one from kit form? I'm pretty good at wood working kinda projects.
Bass drum rolls?
Hi Ross- I have a cajon just like the one in this video, and it has a single snare. My finger rolls don't sound as "snarey" as yours do in the video, regardless of the finger strength I use. Is it because of the recording, or because of my finger strength? I try to relax everything but my fingers when doing this exercise. What can I do to enhance the snare sound?
Hey Mixon! Thanks for the question. This was a while back now but I've got a feeling I might have had 2 snare blocks inside that cajon at the time. Also keep in mind that the acoustics of the room play a role in the frequencies we hear. And yes you're right the recording makes a big difference too. This was using a camera's inbuilt mic which means a fair bit of compression. That compression is going to make smaller sounds louder than natural by a little bit. But to answer your main question, try loosening or even removing the bit of foam that touches the snare inside the cajon. Then if you want even more, look at buying the extra snare block (they can be bought individually). Anyway just have fun exploring sound possibilities!!
Uhh what if you can't do the 30 second notes? Helppp
Do you have tips for tuning a cajon
Hey Ross, may I ask what app you are using? Thanks
If you look at your hands while performing the rolls, it seems as if your right hand's middle and ring finger are glued together as one finger, but you use only your index and middle finger of your left hand. Is that something subconsious? Would you recommend using only two fingers per hand or do you use all 3 usable fingers two sometimes for tighter rolls?
Thanks for the quick reply! Whilst hard to find decent cajon tutorials up front, your videos are definitely the most interesting for the somewhat more experienced percussionists/drummers that want to play cajon. I personally switched from drums and the hardest thing is you have to do all the bass work with your hands (cajon pedals seem kind of missing the point of a cajon). Then again, the best thing is you can play all the bass work with your hands! (I enjoyed some of the drum&bass vids floating around here as well) The thing I can't seem to find is some decent sheet music for the more advanced rhythms/improvisations/solo's, do you know of any good sources?
Hey there!
Do you typically start with your index or middle finger?
Hello! Middle finger is how I start.
@@rosslmccallum Thanks man! The bird it is
So are you just using your index and middle finger? Not all four on each hand?
That's right. Working on 4 haha
@@rosslmccallum Nice! Keep it up man. I definitely see this as your style. It's intriguing to see the distinction between Cajon drummers.
What fingers does he play the rolls with
Here’s the breakdown :-)
ruclips.net/video/R8Vo7O8lzeI/видео.html
I have the dark brown cajon behind you, How do u like it?
hello sorry i can't tell which fingers you are using for the roll. is it just the index and middle finger? or all four fingers?
Cajon Groove Guide wow okay thank you so much!
Hi Ross! I tried looking in the comments but couldn't see any answer. Are you using 3 fingers on each hand or just 2 fingers? cheers :)
emilyrose franks 2 Fingers
I suggest you to use 3 fingers, its much easier
I haven’t really tried 3 but 2 works well for common subdivisions. Quickly breaking 16ths into 32nds etc. Good luck with whatever you try :-)
I have a question. When you do the finger rolls, do you lay your hands on the cajon or are they not touching it?
***** thanks for answering! i can do the finger rolls but they dont sound as loud as i want them to be, though this exercises help a lot, do you have an exercise specifically for finger strength?
***** Trust me, thats the word (patience) most of us don't want to hear hahahahaha. but it's true! D:
Is that a doorknob in the middle of the door?!
sup dude ?? ,,
"more variations" how many fingers you use ? ,,2 fingers /3 ?
+Cajon Groove Guide thank's a lot dude ,, I getting used although sometimes seen amateur xD
Which fingers are you using? I'm trying to see but you're going so fast I can't tell.
Sure! I have a video here which shows you which finger and the order nice and slowly: ruclips.net/video/R8Vo7O8lzeI/видео.html
@@rosslmccallum thank you!
I also have trouble keeping my fingerolls on beat
+Cajon Groove Guide I definitly will, Thanks!
+Cajon Groove Guide Yeah i would be interested!
+Cajon Groove Guide When would it be?
+Cajon Groove Guide Sweat! I will definitely watch it.
Hi..I am completely new at drumming...but i bought a Cajon...What is the best thing to start with? is it even posible to start with a cajon drum?
btw i already started with your finger drumming tutorial practise:) was thinking it will come handy once
why do you speak so much.there's no use of explaining so much. speak for 1 minute,play for 3 minute.that ll be better.
Always a balance. Thanks for the feedback and I hope you’re still learning a lot even if it takes a bit longer on some videos.