Cajon Lesson 1 - The Basics

Full cajon course available at www.playcajon.org
Learn cajon with me! Subscribe to my RUclips channel for free lessons and courses. Beginner to advanced. :)
With this first cajon lesson, you will learn the first things you need to know to get you going as a cajon player. The cajon drum is growing in huge popularity across the world. You can play rock, jazz, flamenco, blues, metal, Afro-Peruvian, & many more styles with this amazing drum-set in a box.

[@astonspider]

Bet you couldn't guess that a 74 year old woman would be grateful for your lessons? We have a little group who entertain at nursing homes and she is losing the ability to bend some of her fingers for strings / woodwind ... so now she's learning to play the Cajon! Your instructions are wonderfully clear and precise, very easy to follow. Thank you!

[@playcajon]

astonspider Wow thanks! That is fantastic. Does she watch the lessons on RUclips? If you think she would benifit from access to playcajon.org let me know, I will give her a free account. [e-mail]

[@larushka1]

Me too. 67 year old uke player here having arthritis problems and decided to learn the cajon! Thanks so much for this.

[@audreyporterfield582]

❤❤❤❤

[@freshtank1]

astonspider 7

[@tartantales1366]

fantastic

[@rosemarymillan5864]

I’m self quarantine and this is what I’m doing lol thanks

[@iisnopel3769]

Rosemary Millan SAME

[@What_the_Chuck]

Me too! Just ordered my first cajon

[@echadvoice1040]

Rosemary Millan same here😅

[@rosemarymillan5864]

So who got the basics down LOL ive been bangin around making all kinds of beats haha

[@echadvoice1040]

@@rosemarymillan5864 Its not that easy to catch.. I'm getting it though

[@joshuaplatt1528]

Fell in love with this instrument when my middle school band teacher showed my percussion class but never actually got to dedicate time to learning the techniques. Thank you so much.

[@tranadams]

Awesome! I'm a music teacher and I just bought one of these for one of my classes. I'm going to tell my percussion student to watch your videos.
Thanks!

[@sandraragole2411]

💣🎼🎵🎵🎶🎵🎶🎶 great DOPAMINE for me

[@AP27081]

Just got my first cajon for my 40th birthday and had no idea how to play. Looked it up here and this was the first video I came across. I just want to say thank you, this is a great simple first instructional video. I like how you explained what you'd be teaching from the get go and I really dig how you threw in some cool flares and fills as teasers. Thanks for putting this together! Cheers, brotha!

[@playcajon]

AP27081 Thanks for the nice comment. I am so glad that you found it helpful. I love that so many people are learning from this lesson. Just so you know, I have a beginner course on my channel that you also may find helpful: ruclips.net/p/PL3X7pmvXXEDBC2G1CGXsv0l1OXJEGOjdo - Good luck! Paul

[@joannethomson9667]

Thank you! My Dad had a Cajón which I spent a whole day mucking around on at his place. He said I could have it once I got my driver's license. Well, I just got my driver's license! I now have my Cajón ❤ I don't know anything about it, so I was grateful for this video! Thanks!

[@playcajon]

Hey Joanne! Yaaas! Not only do you have a cajon now but you can also drive yourself to gigs! Glad you enjoyed the lesson. Let me know if you have any questions. :)

[@erinrideout7583]

Oh man, I just got a cajon today for Christmas. Thanks for this!!

[@____7460]

Erin Rideout same

[@ladokola6075]

What me too

[@poojadhote3084]

@@____7460 d

[@z_peach_z9703]

my whole life growing up i wanted to play drums but my disabilities made it too hard, until i discovered cajons which made everything way more possible! finally got one for christmas and so far i’m learning pretty well :D

[@playcajon]

That is wonderful to hear. I hope its going great for you ❤️🔥

[@teyakingvetwife]

You're a natural teacher - Thanks so much for sharing your skills!

[@isabelvaldez1482]

This was really great start! I play drumset and my gospel band wanted me to try Cajon! This will be a great help to start off the fundamentals of Cajon...

[@iva4654]

I do gcse music, and sometimes we have to do do group work and even though I am a pianist, I usually play cajon in the group (especially because my group is mainly pianists too haha). I’d say I’m good at working out how to play and match the cajon with the rest of the instruments. Thank you for making the video! It made me realise some mistakes I have been doing.

[@playcajon]

Hey Vee! I’m really happy I could help you out. Got loads more lessons on the channel too that might help further. Good luck with everything! :)

[@PeterHyatt]

A good job teaching. Nice, step by step instruction, clarity, encouragement...the teacher possesses a gift for teaching.

[@playcajon]

+Peter Hyatt Thanks very much Peter. - Paul.

[@lorenzmartincruz]

+Peter Hyatt Will get a cajon soon and yeah i strongly agree

[@beyondginger3051]

Just started your lessons, thank you for reaching out and providing musicality with details of cajon.

[@charlie5thumbs351]

Be careful not to hit your cajones!

[@Luckyhat66]

I cried

[@ClaudiaAitaCosta]

That's cojones

[@fynii9478]

Claudia Aita Costa It's almost as if it was a play on words

[@Codswallop58]

Fynii yeah, it's like a joke, except jokes are funny.

[@fynii9478]

We found our deadpan

[@inmyopinion2229]

I am sooo inspired to try this out after watching this tutorial. Gonna get myself one. Thanks for making it look easy.

[@lovecraftwithme]

Thank you for doing these lessons, it is so much appreciated :) And absolutely fabulous.

[@kimberlycurtsinger72]

You are a GR8T Teacher. The best I've found and I've really been looking. Thank you so much

[@heatherherrin8533]

This is much better than the “Boom boom chick” I was taught! 😂 and then the added foot... what!!!! I’m gonna be killin’ it Sunday mornings... 😉

[@lenkakrivankova]

Thank you, looking forward to the next lesson ☺ I am a fresh Cajon owner and eager to learn!

[@chloew904]

You are really awesome and I actually understand the way your teaching it. By the way on a completely unrelated topic your accent is the best

[@zamranjustin7911]

Hi...so watching your tutorial in 2020 and glad to see tha Tabla in background...I'm from Pakistan and also play tabla myself.

[@tancold39]

Today I start playing on Cajon. By your lessons. Thx!

[@playcajon]

Hey, Thanks. I am glad you they are helping you. Good luck with your cajon journey. - PJ

[@dawnbenoit1541]

Thanks for talking about posture I never realized how important it is to sit property on the box drum thanks again

[@shrewtracks8108]

Good job on reminding people not to hurt themselves. No one else seems to on these youtube tutorials.

[@uyscutiniktiw9166]

Glad to see a tabla! 🇮🇳

[@amotorcyclerider3230]

Just watched this and I am very impressed. Very good teaching and clear to the point.

[@95atnoon60]

Thanks for keeping it simple and clear. Appreciate your insight.

[@bubbanderson]

Thanks for this. Just bought one. The comments on posture were great and very valuable.

[@playcajon]

+bubbanderson No problem! I am glad you got yourself a cajon and that you found the lesson helpful. I also have a free lesson on posture here: playcajon.org/free-lessons/ Enjoy!

[@playcajon]

Thanks Kennedy. I always appreciate the kind words.

[@clydesidestompers715]

Thank so much for this and great lessons. I just bought a Cajon today this video is massive help. Cheers

[@UniFrost]

"it's so simple it's ridiculous." thanks very much for the vid, just got a cajon and this has helped so much in directing me how exactly to practice, thanks again!!

[@playcajon]

No problem. I am glad you enjoyed the lesson. Good luck. P :)

[@kevinvalayten3578]

thanks my 6yrs old son trying, got one for xmas
.....you make it simple...thanks boss for help

[@playcajon]

Thank you so much. I am glad you have found it useful. The will be more to come. P :)

[@playcajon]

@mrgrowler Yes my friend. I actually just posted this article on choosing a cajon a few days ago: playcajon.org/2014/02/05/which-cajon-should-i-buy/ Hope it helps.

[@theconsciousspender9379]

Play

[@PRMIN30]

I love the way you teach, you are teaching for a cajon dummy like me...the only beginners video I found helpful

[@HVorissi]

so great and clear lesson for cajon! thank you so much!

[@caderiddle5996]

Supposed to have one arrive tomorrow. I’ve been missing my old drum set so I thought this could be fun to try. I remember some people playing one of these at church camp.

[@playcajon]

Thank you! It is a good one. My first ever cajon actually. She's a beauty. :)

[@DaXeN24]

thanks for the upload. just bought mine and learning the basics really helps

[@jackied.v.carson6059]

Great instruction, helped me a lot!

[@noonster55]

I play the drums, I just wanted to try something different. I thought it would be so easy. I'm glad I picked your channel as my first lesson. Thanks for the posture tip, very important....

[@djRangzen]

Bro, Thank You for your beautiful t-shirt. And I just started learning Cajon from ur Video here. Cheers.

[@taleinz1]

Just picked one up today / let the lessons begin 😀😀

[@chhmo9851]

1:24 Well, I often use a big cup just to create another sound. I love it! But I agree, like you said, you‘ll find it.

[@Solstice9999]

Great lesson! Looking forward to the second one. :)

[@bicguitar]

What a legend! I have just got a cajon for my birthday, so this helps loads. I like how he was putting ghost notes into the first groove, I really gives me some ideas.
Thanks

[@strungupbare8345]

i loved it

[@user-kj4cf6up1v]

Sir you are an amazing teacher.

[@kennedydjimpe8450]

You're a great teache dude. Keep'em coming.

[@shehzeencassum239]

Thanks really great video! Just statring off.. Really nice explanations- I look forward to your next videos! Saludos

[@ArrowMLambs]

Here’s 2 👍👍 thanks! Very helpful!

[@tanyaerskine7657]

Just bought one. Thanks for the lesson!

[@johnerwinperia9175]

I'm gonna Buy Cajon thanks man for the tutorial!

[@deborahreisman2291]

Thank you, I enjoyed the first lesson!

[@bernieheveron1929]

Thanks for the vid! Very helpful.

[@P34V3Y7]

Thanks man. Just got one of these for Christmas because it's a running joke that I can play anything besides drums. This helps a lot

[@lowratedchess]

I am going to college next year and they have a cajon in the music class so this was helpful cuz when i was playing it i was that guy who was slapping the bass a bunch, but this video helped a lot.

[@playcajon]

Hello, You can use it on any cajon but each cajon reacts differently. Look for a cajon with a thinner playing surface.

[@rob5982]

Thank you your lesson helped me to get started

[@zandersolis4865]

Thank you Paul I’m a new canon player and this helped alot

[@Shayman94]

This instrument spoke to me and I just ordered one. This'll be really helpful! Subscribed!

[@playcajon]

Absolutely wonderful. It spoke to me around 15 years ago too! Good luck and stay in touch 🔥

[@sammixedpinoyvlog266]

Wow this is to much good for my kids because I want to learn my kids how to mastering the beatbox. Or all music instrument.stay connected my friend. Thanks.

[@Cmack6025]

Loved to see you demonstrate the Bodhrán

[@ma269713]

Very helpful...thanks Paul

[@surajkundey3436]

I am looking first time your show best teaching thanks

[@sethhjorth8853]

Thank you for this! My first lesson :)

[@cbvoicenotes267]

I love how Paul mentioned that it’s VERY important to have a GOOD posture! Something I need to work on DEFINITELY…😎

[@playcajon]

Thanks so much! Yea you're totally right. It's good to slide yourself back so you're kind o' hanging off the back a bit too 👌

[@walkercoleman3813]

Thanks. I got a Cajun for my birthday but did not know how to play it. You should make more cajon videos. Pls

[@jesmineloualynah7369]

I just saw a beatbox in the street so i picked it up immediately and here I am, tryin to learn 😁

[@beatrizponce1631]

Thank you soooo much for this lessons 🥳🥳👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@playcajon]

Thanks so much for watching ❤️

[@subatomic10]

You've just saved my back ! Great lesson

[@gorgeous1588]

Thanks! it really helped me a lot.

[@whiterottenrabbit]

Thanks, dude! Great tutorials, by the way! Keep 'em coming! :D

[@ryannicodemus7917]

Best beginner video made for cajon.

[@balletforever7993]

Just here now....flamenco dancer...joints not good so need to learn this to keep with flamenco...excellent lesson ...thank you

[@panagotube]

Thanks man, very didactic and pedagogical, I see you know how to beat that f drum 🥁 and most important...how to teach and give us some in to it... you're great, thanks again...be well

[@no25g]

awesome dude... keep it it up.... hopefuly u'll keep on adding more lessons

[@ONALTIKIRKALTI]

thnx for first lesson... I am livin in istanbul and today I am play some for first time... and I find you... ok... I am learn from you and when I play good something with my friend I will be posting my video to you by you tube... thank you so much....

[@realemmettdaly]

good video, very clear tutorial . well done. will be watching all and learning ! congrats you have a new student :D

[@StopFear]

This video was published more than 10 years ago! Omg! But it is still an excellent video, I actually couldn’t tell it was old just by visually assessing because of his indoor lighting.

[@youtubkeeper]

It sounds so good. I want one, but I feel like I'm already spreading myself too thing, trying to master guitar, bass and singing. Oh well! Ordering now!

[@mikansan8216]

Instruments are contagious 😔

[@jkops2]

If only we had enough limbs ...

[@eliseweimholt2439]

who else is here learning how to play during quarantine?

[@ChazEevee]

Elise Weimholt bro same haha

[@danpierce6252]

I totally learning this during quarantine!

[@anmolnepal4607]

I don't have the instrument but i'm still watching it😂😂

[@berherbi]

very good thx , keep on the good work
berherb

[@clovisgeigers7020]

Drums are really cool. :D

[@cbvoicenotes267]

Great video! REALLY sounded like he knew EXACTLY what he wuz talkin’ bout’!😉♥️👊

[@playcajon]

Let's hope so 😅❤️

[@halshazly]

very nice video, please keep them coming!

[@ferguson4096]

This vid was very helpful! Thank you very much.

[@BlackOpSpoofMaster]

I've never seen a RUclipsr reply to so many comments thx so much for lessons helps me so much +1 sub.

[@playcajon]

Isaac Walter Thank you. I think it is always good to try your best to get back to people who contact you. No matter how many comments. I hope I can always respond to everyone. - Paul :)

[@thegusglynnband]

Great tutorial, thank you! :)

[@MattA1300]

this is very nicely broken down.
great vid it helped alot!!!

[@TheLastDayOfDecember]

very useful. thank you very much.

[@playcajon]

Daisy Kupfer No problem! Glad you enjoyed it. - Paul.

[@Neuanda]

Thank you!!!! Please come up with another video very helpful :)

[@mkpoddar7381]

Thanks for first lesson

[@esKpea]

thanks for the vid bro. really appreciate it!

[@PIlotrcm]

We will
We will...
Rock you!

[@DavisPeers]

There are usually 2 allen-key holes on the bottom. If you tighten them they'll pull the snares tighter and reduce the rattle.

[@ldahui]

Hello, I'm getting a cajón within a few weeks. Being a first timer I wonder if you get all three tones "by default" or if it actually depends on how you strum the cajón. Can you advise on this? Great lesson for beginners btw

[@AuntieBecky85]

I have really short arms so I still need to reach down to play but thank you for the reminders about one’s back. Maybe more stretches will help?

[@playcajon]

Thanks very much @halshazly Many more to come. P :)