5 Conga Patterns Every Drummer Should Know
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- Опубликовано: 24 июл 2024
- The traditional conga patterns mostly come from Afro-Cuban music. Some of the patterns have evolved over the last half a century while maintaining their roots.
This video includes notation and explanations about how to play the following five conga patterns. It includes some examples in the context of a song.
0:00 Introduction
1:02 Tumbao
2:57 Bolero (Non-Traditional Variation)
4:10 Guaguancó
5:41 Merengue
6:37 Rumba Columbia
// Conga Guide eBook
⭐ congaguide.com
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✔️ gum.co/congapatterns
"10 Conga Patterns ..." (with transcriptions)
🌐 rhythmnotes.net/conga-patterns/
Conga Drumming Guide
🌐 rhythmnotes.net/conga-drums/
// Demo Songs (play-along tracks) via Epidemic Sound
"I Saw What You Did" (Mambo) by Tiki Tiki
"Infinity Pool & Pool Tables" by Mythical Score Society
CLICK HERE for one month FREE trial of Epidemic Sound
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Also, check out these videos on conga drumming.
▶ Good Sounds on Congas • Good Conga Sounds - 5 ...
▶ Conga Drumming Warmups • 3 Conga Drumming Warm ...
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I'm curious ... what make or model congas are you thinking about?
Jai Mata Di I have no money Sir thanks for reply
@@deweshrawat3874 The download is free. Pay what you want, even if it's $0. Enough people with money pay to make it free for those who don't. No worries.
I don't own congas but I'll make do with a worn out traditional hand drum that I have. Definitely going to check out your resource and start familiarising with the rudiments. Thanks so much for your efforts!
Smile when you play. You're PLAYING THE CONGAS! 🤗🤙
You’re very right!
So funny you said that. I once stood in front of Andy Garcia as he played bongos with the legendary Cachao, and I couldn't fathom how Andy had such a miserable face on the whole time...never smiled once as he played with an idol!!
@@chrisshenzo2594
Playing along with Cachao was a serious matter. You need all the concentration in the world. He was a legend of Cuban music with his masterful handling of the double bass.
@@Alfredo-vh6un True, but I was close enough to surmise that Andy's musical contributions to that evening were fairly superficial. He should have been grinning from ear to ear to have his idol honor him by having him on stage. No??
Now that was concise. Saving me a lot of time by getting straight to the point, thank you for that
You're welcome ... I'm glad you liked it.
Man used footprints as an example. Legend!!
One of my favorites!
I have had about 15 years experience as a drummer.Having previously studied the instrument I mean kit drums, this new horizon is a new challenge like learning another instrument.Yes I might fast track learn due to my background, but always got something to sink my teeth into.I can say I am on a new learning journey.Keep up the tuition.
Thanks for sharing! And I totally agree. No matter how long I play, having something to challenge my development as a drummer is key.
Hey there!! Your videos are really helpful mostly for beginners who just start taking an interest to play conga. You're really amazing!!
Hey, thanks!
Thanks a million! First day laying out a sampler with conga samples and as a guitarist, I needed some great easy examples to get me started... much appreciated!
I’m glad it worked for you.
@@RhythmNotes Yeah, it's on a track already! Nice work there.
Very nice! Thanks so much. (I've taken up practicing my kpanlogo drum again so I can contribute to the "joyful noise" my neighbors are making every evening at 7pm to thank all the health care workers, first responders, grocery clerks, and everybody else out there putting their own lives at risk to keep the world turning in the time of the coronavirus.)
That's great! Making music for our heroes. Thanks for sharing. We all need inspiration at this time and stories like this do it for me.
I've been drumming since 1972,today we're embarking on another project God permitting,but brother you've got Soul, I'm totally digging Your style 🎉 Keep up the good work 💯
Thanks! I'm glad you like my videos ... and thanks for the kind words.
You did a GREAT job....this was very helpful!!!
Glad it was helpful!
Love your playing. I’m a drummer and just picked up playing Bongos while singing. Will subscribe
Thanks!
Nice Video my friend and very practical en easy to follow. Thanks very much!
Thanks Mike!
You are very giving and your teaching is brilliant. Thank you !!!!
You're very welcome!
You are legend.i was looking for a vid. Like this for years!!! Love you bro!
Thanks Jack. I’m glad you found what you’re looking for.
@Rashad Harris That's a good idea. I will put it on my list for next year.
@Rashad Harris I have the links you posted in a comment a couple of weeks ago. Thank you.
Just fantastic video and playing Kavin!! Thanks!
I'm glad you like it!
this is amazing---unbelievably helpful--thank so much. godspeed to you and yours:)
You are very welcome!
Well presented and insightful. Thank you
Thanks for watching!
Great lesson. Simple a nd useful. Thanks a lot 👏👏👏
You are welcome!
This is great --Thank You!! The notation really helps too.
I’m glad you like it!
Very helpful. Just got a set of 3, and learning. Thanks
Glad to hear!
I love congas and djembes; great explanations 👍😁
Thanks!
Good tutorial video! Useful conga patterns!
Thanks a lot!
Excellent summary. In addition to being a fine percussionist, you also have good teaching skills.
Thanks for the kind words, Michael.
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@@RhythmNotes erre ll
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Super. Basics are important. Perfect demonstrated.
Glad it was helpful!
Just found you a video ago!!
Nice stumble. Great presentation.
Thank you kindly!
Well done very nice beats!
I appreciate you mentioning it, Angel!
thanks for your teaching clip.
You are welcome
Superb lesson thank for this help....go ahead ❤️
Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the lesson!
Glad it was helpful!
Muy Bueno Hermano muchas gracias por compartir
Eres muy bienvenido
Veo tú video y me dan ganas de empujarme un sánguche Cubano. ¡Cosa más grande de la vida, chico!
Disfrute de su comida!
Thanks. Very clear and useful.
Glad it was helpful!
This was awesome! Very neat and informative. I'm definitely going to need to practice though 😅
I'm glad you found the video helpful. Let me know if you need anything else.
Practice practice ..thats what its about
Very good video. My granpa was from Borinquen and I've been looking into this stuff I know the sound of but now how it's made.
I will check your channel to see if you have already done this, but I would like to suggest:
You show the 2,3 and the 3,2 very clearly and slowly. But then you jump to a full on fast flow with two parts. As a novice it's hard to know what'$ happening.
If you haven't already, it would be great to slowly work up to that fast/pro part.
Exellent video and explation especially paying homage of how the musuc flower through the Caribbean and that African roots flow through much or our pop music today.
Right on bro. Thank you.
This video breaks down the tumbao slower ruclips.net/video/ucH27VXgO_4/видео.html … the 5 conga patterns video was made early on in the channel and I was still learning what viewers needed / wanted.
Great lesson, well organized, clear. Thank you ! Only feedback is that you might considering breaking down the beats by hand in the video, for beginners.
Thanks Jairo! I was thinking of doing videos for different levels. Your feedback is helpful!
You mean handsetting ?
Great video for beginners.
Thanks for mentioning it.
Spectacular drum licks
Thanks!
Kevin!!! This is great!!!
-Zach Burd
Thanks Zach! … hope you’re doing well.
This mans invited to the cookout 🔥🔥🔥
I'll be there!
Thank you.
You're welcome!
Great lesson 🙏 thanks
My pleasure!
Tq very much teacher!!
You are welcome!
Excellent teaching! Jesus gave you a great purpose! You are a blessing!
Amen!
these are good videos friend.
Thank you! I’m glad you’ve found some value.
Nice video!!
Thanks for watching!
Hey there!! You’re videos are AMAZING! I play congas for a latin band but I am still so new to the percussion world. I have the rhythms down except for the 6/8 pattern and guaguanco! Do you have a video of how to do the really fast moves you do in between when playing 6/8? Is that just from practicing certain movements?
The fast moves you're talking about might be the heel and toe strokes. This playlist includes more explanations on the different strokes and exercises you can do to build technique and chops. I would start with the sounds video and then the exercises video. ruclips.net/p/PLfaZqBOzNnofr-qIVbpSibYUC8fiDzsKP
Cool! Thanks.
Glad you liked it
great stuff thanks! whats the song your paying along to on the Bolero section?
"Infinity Pool & Pool Tables" by Mythical Score Society
Thank you !!!!
You're welcome!
Thanks for sharing! Very great source of information. By the way, it's not "Columbia" but "Colombia".
Thanks for watching!
Thank you for the explanation and music notes. Just learned bongos now I’m new to congas. Do you have that music sheet available on your site by chance?
Conga Patters rhythmnotes.gumroad.com/l/congapatterns
eBook rhythmnotes.net/conga-guide-ebook/
Nice, you should try some Haitian Congo patterns as well.
I wouldn’t know where to start. Any suggestions?
New subscriber!!!
Thanks for subbing!
Really helpful - thank you.
☮️🙏🪘🎶
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks buddy
You’re welcome!
Perfect :)
✔️
MUITO TOP GRACIAS 🔝🔝👏
Thank you so much.
Everybody is a teacher.
Right on Gary
Nice
Thanks
un miilon de gtacias !!!
You're welcome!
Exactly how it should be taught. With Clave in mind.
⭐
Very correct because some of the things I've heard on music websites use claves with congas and djembes
thanks
Thanks for watching!
Hey Kevin, thanks for the great lessons. I am looking at some Meinl headliners and wondering whether to buy the 10 and 11in or 11 and 12 in. I won't be playing professionally, but I am an Australian elementary music teacher looking to expand my repertoire and engage the kids. What size do you recommend? Thanks!
I would go with the 11 and 12. Thanks for reaching out!
@@RhythmNotes thanks, I thought so, but its good to reflect with a higher authority!
Bravo
I'm glad you like it!
Yes!!!
Right on!
I have a request, but I don’t know if you’re willing to fulfill it. I was wondering if you could make a video on the pattern for Ay, Cosita Linda by Nat King Cole. I’m not even sure if a conga is playing or not 😂, but if it is, I would love to hear your take on it, and how to play it. Thank you.
The maracas and bongo are prominent. I bet it has timbales and perhaps one conga drum. That's how I would approach it. I wrote it on my board. I'll see if I can work up an arrangement.
That third one would have benefitted from a click track or count in to see where it fits around the beats.
I'm used to visualising the rumba clave at half that count speed, so it has accents on the 1, 1a, 2a, 3and and 4. i.e.: the clave fits into one bar of 4 beats. Also starting in the middle of what you played, but all claves can be interpreted with different starts.
I always write clave in two measures and interpret in cut time because it outlines the musical phrase. It's easier to conceptualize the two sides of clave and the call and response nature of Afro-Cuban music.
Nice video sir good really nice video sir ji
Thanks for watching. I’m glad you liked it.
I was gifted a congo drum, but the top is trying to come off, how do i fix it.?
I would need more information about the drum. How is the head held onto the drum?
Hello dear friend, I didn't find the video/link of the claves history. is it somewhere in your website?
ruclips.net/video/T-bXVeAmGiM/видео.html
Thanks! Hungary ✋
No problem 😊
I dont understand something; when you talk about the bomba on the 2-and note in alignment with the second hit on the 3 side of clave... there is one side of the tumbao where there is a "toe" and the other side an open tone, followed by an open tone on the 3, is that the bomba you refer to?
The bombo note is the first open tone on the low drum. It's right after the slap on beat 2.
@@RhythmNotes thanks
what do you recommend for a beginner as far as a set goes on a budget?
On a budget and looking for good sounding drums, check out these Meinl congas amzn.to/3mHPE7K ... I usually recommend the LP Performer series, but it's hard to find them for a good price. Here's more of my thoughts about buying congas rhythmnotes.net/conga-drums-buyers-guide/
In Guaguancó in the end of pattern last note is quater note but you play additional eight note. Am I wrong or is it mistake in sheets?
You’re right. I play it with a touch (or muted tone) on the and of beat four and it’s written without that eighth. It can be played either way. The notation is a guide. Different teachers will pass on various filler strokes and conversation patterns because rumba developed in the slums in different neighborhoods of Cuba. The example notated and in the video is a basic Havana style Guaguanco yet the drum parts from Matanzas are different. I’ll do a video in the future about drum parts and improvisation for Guaguanco.
What are some Conga patterns that work with 2-3 rumba clave?
These conga patterns work well with 2:3 rumba clave ruclips.net/video/xp-bTK1hIWk/видео.htmlsi=vsboAbRVmEGY-FqM ... But you don't run into 2:3 rumba clave much. Perhaps check out some timba and songo patterns. In terms of folkloric stuff, I haven't ever heard of 2:3 rumba clave.
@@RhythmNotes Interesting. I asked because remember watching a video here on RUclips where a Afro-Cuban based, latin-jazz, band were performing Caravan (by Duke Ellington) at a London Jazz Festival (think it was the year 2017, the video is probably still up on RUclips and you can watch it yourself), and i think i the band played som sort of a rumba inspierd version of caravan where they used 2:3 rumba clave instead of the typical 3:2 you'll often find in guaguancó. I could be remembering this all wrong and they were actually playing 3:2, I didn't bother checking before i asked lol. But I'll be sure to check out the patterns! Thanks!
6:15 Merengue
1:32 tumbao
3:54 bolero
5:10 guahuanco
7:43 rumba colombia
Pambiche conga pattern
@@RhythmNotes Pambiche??
@@Misterdandamanify It's a style from the Dominican Republic that uses that conga pattern. A lot of drummers use it as their go-to for merengue, but merengue has a bit more to it than that. I'm not an expert styles from the Dominican Republic, but I'm learning. I'll do a video next year about different conga patterns for Dom Rep styles. ... I'm not sure you solicited all of this info, but it's what's on my mind. Cheers!
@@RhythmNotes yeah sure, thanks for the info!! Just trying to understand .. I think merengue has a wide variety of constructions, tones etc..I try to learn too
I'm trying to learn about conga in to use it in my arrangements. I'm not a percussion player and I'm sitting with this video and a MIDI keyboard trying to play those patterns in a VST instrument lol
What I feel like I'm missing is the understanding of what sort of rhythm or grooves goes which each. Where is the accented beats etc. I'm not very familiar with latin music and don't know a lot about claves...
It took me years of listening to salsa clapping clave and dancing on the half notes to understand how the accents and phrasing works. For example, listen to Willie Colon, Los Munequitos, and Batacumbele. That’s gives some salsa, rumba, and songo to feel how different groups phrase with clave. You’ll notice that the song stuff is like son and rumba combined.
Shahar,
there are many different beats that cover Latin American music. The most common in pop music is called Latin Jazz.
Like anything, the basics must be learned first: tones, hand positioning, tuning the congas properly etc.
A successful use of all 3 Latin drum instruments by different percussionist's (congeros, bongeros, timbaleros) will sound like a perfectly snychronized train engine.
I would suggest listening to the music of a band leader named Perez Prado. Look him up on RUclips. In his heyday (1950's-60's) his band had many popular dance tunes. His style is called Mambo. Once you learn the beats and patterns, basically any adaptation to the various other Latin rhythms can be made (with the exception of, "Cumbia Mexicana", it has its own distinct beat).
Congas are usually played with the entire hand, bongos with the fingers, and timbales (along with wood blocks and cowbells) with sticks. Good luck and have fun.
I noticed that most of the video the second drum is notated below the third line of the stuff, but in the Rumba Columbia it's notated below the second line of the stuff. Is that on purpose?
No. I may have taken it from two different files. This video was made long before I started making notation documents (PDFs) specifically for the video.
Whenever I hit my drums I tend to forget traditional patterns and just solo. But if I ever find myself playing congas for old-age cha cha dancers in a local scout hall I’ll reach back for your video
Sounds good, Chris!
Hello! I'm right-handed but I feel much more confortable to invert the movements on conga. My right hand does the slap and toe moviments easily. Can I keep this or should I try to invert the movements? Thanks for the lesson!
I would play the heel / toe strokes either with left hand or right hand.
I only have one conga drum, and I can't afford another. Do you have some tips on how i can develop my studies and techniques on congas?
Check out the videos in these playlists
Technique and exercises ruclips.net/p/PLfaZqBOzNnofr-qIVbpSibYUC8fiDzsKP
Conga patterns ruclips.net/p/PLfaZqBOzNnocXggC_8kFqZ6cx1fVEhbBf
On the classic recordings of the Arsenio Rodríguez Conjunto, made in Cuba from 1941 to 1951, the conguero plays one single conga, then there's bongó, clave and maracas, but never timbales. But these recordings are very hard to hear and even running them through AI doesn't help much. I'm interested in knowing what the basic parts are for conga and bongó on the various parts of the arrangement. Most history books cite these recordings as arguably the most important and influential in Latin music history and from a strictly musical point of view, they're to die for - hooks upon hooks in addition to innovations like - first records to use conga AND bongó, multiple trumpets playing riffs, and so on. What RUclips badly needs is a set of videos showing how the SINGLE conga was matched up with the bongó. There are zillions upon zillions of videos and tribute recordings that play these seminal songs with timbales and two or three congas - it defeats the whole purpose - what did the pioneers play and how did they play it? That's what's needed. Here's an example: ruclips.net/video/cpT6syOb4FU/видео.html
I know that when it comes to the conga part, the tumbao was one tone on beat 4, instead of the two tones commonly played today. It opens up in the montuno section at the end. Changuito goes over this in his DVD "Evolution of the Tumbadoras" ruclips.net/video/trCrvSG0dLE/видео.htmlsi=wlRbXGxpNlD3s887&t=936 ... are you familiar with this video?
@@RhythmNotes Thanks - and yes, I love that video - need to revisit it immediately!
Nice overvew. _(For review?)_ thanks!
You bet!
@@RhythmNotesAfter years of djembe (on the street, after years of recorder and autoharp!) I'm //finally// getting ready to pivot. I'm gonna test my handing, and if it isn't horrible, I'll go with 2. If I suck, I'll settle in on 1.
cheers!
Sounds like a good plan!
What is the name of last pattern? (not 5th one). The ending pattern
It's just a funk conga pattern ... no particular name.
just got some conga's was a former drummer sold my kit to free up space . so far I'm doing fare on them . but need more help
Let me know if there's a particular lesson you're looking for.
@@RhythmNotes basic starter hand movement for one
This playlist has a few videos that may interest you. ruclips.net/p/PLfaZqBOzNnocXggC_8kFqZ6cx1fVEhbBf ... there’s one on sounds and another on warm ups that I suggest.
I will suggest you make beat that one can sing to zoom people in
Good suggestion
lo hiciste facil de iniciar
Me alegro de que haya ayudado ... Lo siento si mi español es malo.
What’s the song for the bolero?
"Infinity Pool and Pool Tables" by Mythical Score Society
👍👍👍👍👍👍
Thanks!
PRO...
Thanks for watching!
Okay what are they ?
I listed them a minute into the video and each video chapter is a new pattern (links to each conga pattern are in the description) … if you want more patterns and notation, click the link rhythmnotes.net/conga-patterns/
En bolero la marcha no se toca, tocas hasta los 3 tiempos y medio en la conga y luego terminas el tiempo y medio restante 2 en la conga y en la tumbadora.
Mi español no es bueno ... La variación de frase se explica en el video 03:45
Curious, why not just use one conga to play the patterns?
I like using two, maybe three sometimes. … here’s a video with one drum tumbaos ruclips.net/video/lln16yW_iv8/видео.htmlsi=K7EFJ-oIa5T0FUuC
@@RhythmNotes Great video, thank you! Love your incorporation of history and people involved. 🎉
Don't follow pattern, feel a groove and play the way you feel.
I get what you’re saying and agree … and I like to think about learning patterns like developing vocabulary. That way when you can expand the expression of your feelings on the instrument.
S - Slap - pofon jobb kézzel úgy, hogy közben a bal kéz a bőrt lefogja
T - Toe - ujj
O - Open Tones - nyitott hang úgy, hogy a bal kéz nem fogja le a bőrt
H - Heel - sarok, azaz a kéztő csukló feletti része
Thanks for supporting viewers!
@@RhythmNotes I'm a new beginner :) and your lessons is perfect. Nice.
Good demo in latin music context; needs to go a bit slower however.
Thanks Robert. I’ve taken a slower approach in my videos since then.
Why don't you make beats with it
I’ll get right on it.
Not bad gringo not bad at all
Thanks for watching!
I have not heard you mention Haiti in any of your video where all the rhythm took place whether you want to accept it or not. Anywhere else modify it and make slower or faster.
Everything in human history has been a development on top of a development. There is very little true authenticity that anyone can prove. If you want to shed light on Haitian rhythms and their influence on other rhythms, go for it. I am just a student of this music. If you have something to share, share it with substance so the world can benefit. Trying to call me out for what I haven’t done doesn’t help anyone.
you're a good conga player but there's no U in Colombia!
I'm sorry