Talking Drum - Gan Gan

A talking drum is a beautiful instrument created by the Ashanti and Yoruba people of Ghana and Nigeria. The talking drum is also called a "waisted" drum because it has an hourglass shape with a "waist" in the middle.

Playing a talking drum is a great introduction to African music! They are easy to pick up and great for beginner musicians. It is a musical instrument that greatly compliments any music type. The talking drum can be played in a standing or seated position. Hold the curved mallet in the hand you normally write with. Tuck the drum under the opposite arm, the center of the ropes about even with the biceps and ribs. Some also may prefer to place the drum vertically between the legs so as to squeeze the ropes between the thighs. As you strike the head with the flat surface of the mallet change the pitch by squeezing the ropes at various intervals. Try to make your talking drum mimic a song you know or a spoken phrase!

For high tones: After squeezing the cords tightly, hit the drum with the stick near the drumhead's center, and bounce the stick off the surface.

For lower tones: After releasing the cords, hit the drum with the stick near the drumhead's center, and bounce the stick off the surface.

Cleaning and Care Instructions:

The talking drum is very durable, however you should avoid exposing it to too much direct sunlight, extreme heat or cold, dampness, rain, snow, etc,....

Your talking drum can be cleaned with a damp cloth, but don't apply cleansing agents or other cleaning tools.