congaplace.com

Posted: **Tue Sep 21, 2004 4:40 pm**

I have had a lot of help from many people here about finding a teacher here in Japan. Thank you very much to all of you, especially JC, thank you so much. Unfortunately however, due to a lack of teachers in my area ( I live in west Japan, everyone rlated to congas seems to be living in East Japan) I ended up buying a book called "Conga Drumming" by Alan Dworsky and Betsy Sansby. The book took ages to get here from the US but after only starting the first lesson it seems to be reasonably decent. In the book they have introduced the 'touch' stroke. After practicing, I realised by touch and their touch was sounding quite different. Mine was sounding a little simiolar to my open stroke. Can anyone help me here---- when playing the touch stroke, do the fingers stay on the head for a bit or do they kind of bounce straight off the head?
I was guessing that maybe this could be making my touches sound openny. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I am sorry to bother everyone with what i am sure to seems to be a menial topic.
P.S - JC, I was reading about you possibly coming out witha instructional vid. With the knowledge that you have after all of your experiences, I'm am positive that it would help to spread the good word of the conga culture. I for one would definitely be lining up to get even just a glance of it. All support and blessings to you !

Posted: **Tue Sep 21, 2004 5:00 pm**

gaijin94
hi!! warm saludos from puerto rico. for me ''touch'' means to simply give a slight touch to the conga head to help you keep in time .it is a silent stroke but as esential in conga drumming. for me that is the meaning of ''touch'' i know that J.C. for his vast experience can elavorate more in this issue and also correct me if i am wrong. my best and ache to you and all in this magnificent forum!!!!!! your, friend franc:O

Posted: **Tue Sep 21, 2004 7:46 pm**

I do n't know from where the name touch comefrom,but it doesn't difine a technique,the strokes are, slap,muffled slap,full tone,half tone,tipping,bass,sliding,etc.

Edited By zaragemca on 1095796228

Posted: **Tue Sep 21, 2004 8:01 pm**

As the newbie I am, I guess I cant add much to this:) But I have one thing for franc:
Maybe you already know it, but different people call different things for touch. The touch you talk about can also be called the "ghost hit", which as you say, is for keeping the track. The other touch is simply the same as the toe in "heel-toe", am I right?

im glad if i can help, saludos!

Posted: **Tue Sep 21, 2004 8:26 pm**

Saludos NaVajO brother,the 'ghost hit' are the 'tippings',the heel-toe(created by Tata Guines),are called double strokes,or double slaping.My point is that calling something 'touch stroke',would not difine anything,becouse whatever you do, you have to 'touch' the congas.

Edited By zaragemca on 1095798692

Posted: **Tue Sep 21, 2004 9:55 pm**

Whether 'touch' or 'tip' the stroke we are talking about does not let any open tone through. If single-stroking left and right then the fingers do need to remain for a fraction on the head. The volume and strength is up to you The stroke can be quite definite, so that that lovely chatter is built up between the more powerful notes, or it can be virtually silent, there to time you up and not much else.

Simon B

Posted: **Tue Sep 21, 2004 10:38 pm**

Hi Zaragemca
Plz, what you mean by half open tone? And by full tone I suposse you are referring to a normal open tone..

Thank You

Saludos, Luis

Posted: **Tue Sep 21, 2004 11:51 pm**

Gaijin...I'm sorry there is nobody near you . Dworsky's book is ok for a starter. You may want to go to Kalani.com and order his videos. They are very good, and I have always recommended them. Mine won't be out for a while yet. There is much to script for it. It will be at least 2 hours and cost around $50 bucks US. I see some videos now for $30 bucks and their only 1/2 hour, what's up with that. The "touch" is just what it is, a "touch" or "ghost note". Just keep following the book but play the CD and read the sounds out first with the Cd , then play along with them. they are pretty simple to follow....let me know how it comes along....."JC" Johnny Conga....

Posted: **Wed Sep 22, 2004 1:24 pm**

Thank you all very much for your help and advice. i apologise if i didnt explain the "touch" stroke very well. I am sure it is hard to try to help someone when they are not really sure what they are trying to explain. That is definitely one thing i will be working on besides just my drumming......terminology !
thank you all so much again..... this forum blows me away everyday i come here. Muchas Gracias !

Posted: **Wed Sep 22, 2004 2:42 pm**

Chris, thats' whats great about this forum. if you really love and enjoy your drumming to the fullest ,this is the forum to look for. all members are comitted to do everything in their power to help you . there is always something new to learn from everyone in this forum, especially from the pros. i am deeply involved in this forum. i have learn a lot . i do appreciate all the help and knowledge that i get every time i enter. saludos!!! áche to you and all in this forum!!!!!!your friend, franc:laugh:

Posted: **Wed Sep 22, 2004 4:51 pm**

This is a very interesting topic. I also have Alan Dworsky book, and the definition of the basic strokes is a litle different than the names used by Zaragmeca on his reply. I'm sure both are technically corect.

I believe all of the starters here; me included, will greatly benefit if the pros in the forum could develop a list defining all of the basic strokes and their associated techniques.

Regards,

KinoConga

Posted: **Wed Sep 22, 2004 9:49 pm**

Yes,Fonseca... full tone,is similar to the open-tone,..half-tone is a more skillfull technique to switch the pitch of the conga with the hand-stroke.But it is more easy to catch it on a Djembe which is more sensitive.

Edited By zaragemca on 1095890292

Posted: **Thu Sep 23, 2004 1:39 am**

hey guys i need a little help!!! in my church band they started to practice for our Christmas event....which is great and all but it's trans-siberian orchestra music....and it sounds really good...has anybody played this type of music and if so...can you give me some tips.....i found myself just doing improv...please help!!!:D
p.s. has anybody tried the new timba congas http://www.timbapercussion.com they are the makers of gon-bop

Posted: **Thu Sep 23, 2004 8:12 pm**

No I and I should think many others certainly haven't played that sort of music, but it sounds interesting!

Simon B

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Touch Stroke - How are they played?