Where do I begin? - I want to start, but don't know how.

[RayPaganJr]

I don't know why it has taken me so long to take up an instrument, but I have always loved the sound and the feel of congas and bongos. I would love to start and will be soon making my purchase after doing a little research first.

Can anyone please steer me in the right direction please. Need information on either videos or books or whatever is out there that will help. I can't read music notes, and I don't really want to. I want to practice as a hobby. This is my first post and I'm happy to have found this site.

"Papo"

[vinnieL]

Ray,

I am going to send you a private message with my number I live a few minutes from you call me.



Vinnie

[vinnieL]

private message was sent

[OLSONGO]

Where to begin? First get some drums, check Craigslist in your area , look for Matadors or if you are lucky you may find a drum that someone may not know what they have, and next find a teacher, and from there on is practice, practice, practice.

Paz Olsongo

[vinnieL]

I spoke to Ray and he knows what he wants as far as looks and is looking at several options as far as drums are concerned. And he is not looking at cheap stuff so he already ruled out LP aspires etc. He is on the right track. We live within a few minutes of eachother so maybe one day we can jam some.

[RayPaganJr]

Looking forward to getting into this. Most likely will have made my purchase by the end of the week. Still up in the air as to what to get, but it's fun going through this search. Thanks Vinnie.

[vinnieL]

No problem brother welcome to the forum and enjoy there are a lot of great people that are extremely knowledgeable and helpful here.

[pavloconga]

I can't read music notes, and I don't really want to. I want to practice as a hobby. This is my first post and I'm happy to have found this site.

Hey welcome to the Congaboard and to the world of drums! As for reading music, you don't need to have the ability to read music to play congas - especially when you are first starting (sure it may help in some situations later). In Cuba and Africa the tradition of the drum has to a large extent developed and been passed down thru many generations without written music.

ciao pavlo

[RayPaganJr]

It looks as though I may have a selection of a conga drum narrowed down to two. I'm anxious to get started, but at the same time imagine how horrible I'll sound. But we gotta start somewhere. Ordered "Mel Bay The Tomás Cruz Conga Method, Vol. I: Conga Technique As Taught In Cuba (Book & DVD)" Will try to absorb as much as I can from whatever source.

Later, Papo.

[vinnieL]

You are doing things the right way. A great friend of mine told me to just take things slow. Study and practice slow and build from there. You would actually be surprised if you do a rhythm or part of one real slow and repeat it over and over again with good technique it comes rather quickly. I sat in front of my TV again at the urging of my friend just practicing certain things and then all of sudden it clicked! It takes work but it is a lot of fun and you are left feeling with an incredible feeling of satisfaction when you cross a hurdle.

[RayPaganJr]

I gotta shut this computer off. My eyes are bugging and I need to watch the Dolphins lose another game.

There are a lot of short-clip lessons on Youtube. Some are quite informative, some just go too fast for me and are for th more advanced. Hope this video is useful.

Papo.

[pavloconga]

I've heard good things about the Tomas Cruz DVD series. That's a great starting point, you're on the way...



Edited By pavloconga on 1192398837

[RayPaganJr]

From what I read, it seems to be a good book/dvd. Tomorrow I will most likely be ordering my conga. I'll keep you all informed.

[JohnnyConga]

Just my advice to keep in mind that the dvd's/books do not "teach'" you how to apply these rhythms. Or counting and other things one should know as a conga drummer. A"mentor" along with this form of learning will get you quicker results and 'hone' your 'technique' and develope 'your' sound on the drum. But you have to start somewhere if a 'mentor' is not available....Any questions please email me at johnnyconga@hotmail.com'

Johnny Conga....

[RayPaganJr]

Sent you an e-mail. And yes, I agree with you about the mentoring. I'm sure there is someone out there that will avail themselves sooner or later.