How to Play the Tambourine

Summary: There is something magical about the sound of a tambourine, bringing rhythm, emphasizing beats and adding a sound that is so anciently sensual it is unmistakable. One of the oldest instruments, tambourines belong to the percussion family and can be made of wood or plastic with small metal jingles and a drumhead. Originally, tambourines were often used in ancient Middle Eastern bands and played primarily by females as an accompaniment to seductive belly dancing. Today, they are part of most rock, folk and blues bands and are often mounted on drum sets to be played by the drummer.

In this free video series, our expert will teach you how to play the tambourine. In this free music lesson you will learn how to properly strike a tambourine and how to play a variety of rhythms. You will get step-by-step instructions for playing a flam, a thumb roll and keeping time on the back accent. Whether you want to add more percussion to your band or just advance your tambourine playing skills, this video will give you all the information you need to play the tambourine.