Cajon Technque - Cajon strokes

[soungalo]

Hello everybody
I have a questions about Cajon technique : what strokes are used on this instrument ?
I know there are basically two strokes : the bass (played on the center of the box) and the "tone" (played on the edge).
Are there any other strokes traditionaly (or not) used on the Cajon ? Any kind of Slap sound ?

Thanks a lot

[davidpenalosa]

The cajon essentially has the same strokes as the conga drum: open tone, bass, slap. The slap is made with the finger tips. It is somewhat different from the conga slap because you use much less of your hand for a cajon slap. I found it to be the most challenging cajon stroke.
-David

[Diceman]

Assuming you are talking about a box cajon, there is also one other stroke played on the corners, where the screws have been loosened slightly. It is a sort of snap sound, different to a slap and can be played with flat finger tips
Also different bass tones can be played on different parts of the face, and either leaving the palm on after the strike or removing it. The bass tone can also be modified by putting your heel (with shoe removed) on the face.
Its worth spending time exploring this wonderful instrument for its many sweet spots.

Diceman

[davidpenalosa]

Assuming you are talking about a box cajon, there is also one other stroke played on the corners, where the screws have been loosened slightly. It is a sort of snap sound, different to a slap and can be played with flat finger tips

Hi Diceman,
That's actually the slap stroke I was talking about. I haven't been playing cajons that much in recent years though.
-David

[Diceman]

Cool David,
you can also get another slap by slapping the same as a conga in the middle of the upper edge. It produces a different sounding slap to skin, but is one for the armoury.
As you probably know, the Flamenco boys have adopted it and the technique is being developed further by them, its an evolving instrument.
Hey you should blow the dust off your cajon and start playing again, a very cool instrument.

Diceman

[tamboricua]

Hi Congaforum,

Take a look at the attached link:

Los Caminos del Cajón

There you will find a short preview of an upcoming cajón documentary titled Los Caminos del Cajón and that features cajón players from all his forms: Perú, Cuba y España. Among them you can see in action the famous "Los Chinitos" credited by many as the creators of the rumba style known as guarapachangueo.

Enjoy!

Jorge Ginorio

[davidpenalosa]

Jorge,
Very cool clip. That's definitely a DVD I'll be getting.
-David

[Diceman]

Enjoyed

[tamboricua]

David and Diceman,

Glad to know you guys digged!

Best,

Jorge Ginorio

[franc]

jorge,
great video clip. did you notice in the last song'' anabacoa'' one player was playing a cajon that looks like two stair step. the lower was the high tone and the upper step was the lower tone. great sound!!! do you know how this cajon is called?? loved it!! take care and ache!!! beautiful sound, yes!!!!! franc :0

[tamboricua]

jorge,
great video clip. did you notice in the last song'' anabacoa'' one player was playing a cajon that looks like two stair step. the lower was the high tone and the upper step was the lower tone. great sound!!! do you know how this cajon is called?? loved it!! take care and ache!!! beautiful sound, yes!!!!! franc :0

Hi Franc,

Hope all is well! Yes, I did notice the cajón in the clip. Very nice invento! The old guy doing the interview is explaining how they come up with that but unfortunately I don't know how they call it.

Saludos,

Jorge Ginorio

[Ivan]

Good stuff, bro! I can't wait until this comes out - I am all over it! It's about time someone put something like this together...

Have you seen the film/documentary called Latcho Drom? If not, well worth seeing!
Ivan



Edited By Ivan on 1146852574

[tamboricua]

Have you seen the film/documentary called Latcho Drom?

Ivan

Hola Ivan,

No, I'm not familiar with it! What it's about?

Saludos,

Jorge Ginorio

[Ivan]

Here's some general info... What I particularly like about this film is that there are no words... No one narrating; you are experiencing the film musically. Occasionally they are able to translate some of the songs, but this is by far one of the best films I have ever seen... I found a hit on amazon.com

Click Here

The film takes the viewer on a journey west, from India to Spain, with stops along the way, to dramatize Romany's nomadic culture. This journey takes place over a year's time, from summer through fall and winter to spring. Gatlif holds his camera on the elemental essentials of this life: water, the wheel, fire, beasts of burden and of sustenance, colorful clothes, jewelry, musical instruments, song, and dance. Throughout, via song and dance, young and old celebrate, embody, and teach the cultural values of family, journey, love, separateness, and persecution.

[Ivan]

P.S. Latcho Drom means "Safe Journey"

I hope you are able to rent/buy and enjoy!
Ivan