 Riq Lessons from Randy Gloss!
Before You Start: There are two main playing
positions for this instrument. They are commonly referred to as the
Cabaret style and the Soft style. these lessons deal only with Cabaret
style. Click on the images below for a better view.
Holding the Riq
 1.
Make a C shape with your left hand. (if you're right handed)
2. rest the Riq into the C with one set of jingles facing down through
the middle of the C.
3. Bring your thumb (bottom half of C) up to push against the back
jingle.
 4.
Your forefinger and possibly your middle finger will hold the Riq where
the skin meets the shell.
5. Moderately tilt the drum forward to rid yourself of any unwanted or
excess shimmer of the jingles.
6. Your right hand will be used to play drum sounds in this position.
Unlike other styles of frame drumming, your right hand should not rest
or pivot off the shell. Keep it free to move.
7. Likewise, your left hand will be used (along with your right)to play
the front jingles in your C. Use your ring finger in each hand (on that
same jingle). Practice altenating right-left-riight-left for awhile, to
get the feel. (See picture #6, at left)
The Drum Strokes -
 Doum;
an open, low pitched sound, played with the index finger of the
dominant drumming hand.
(Sound files forthcoming)
 Tak;
High pitched sound, played close to the edge of the drum head. Use the
ring finger of your domanant hand. (pic#4)
 Kat;
closed stroke, played in the middle of the drum head. It is a
relaxed stroke, so approach it with a mildly cupped hand.(pic #5)
The Jingles; This particular
tamborine has very loud and active sounding jingles (which is why before
we even begin to play, we tilt the drum). These two lessons were
prepared to teach some basic playing ideas, but more importantly, it
will give you some ideas on how to control and manipulate the jingles.
With
your ring fingers in both hands, alternate striking the jingle that
is closest to the Middle C of your grip. (Same as step 7 on how to hold
the drum) See pic#6.(at left)
Shaking the tamborine back and forth.
Imagine you are holding an egg shaker or small maraca in your left hand.
Because of the weight of the Riq, this motion will cause fatigue in your
hand at first. Don't push it. When you get tired, stop and rest. It is
also common for people to exagerate the necessary motion at first. So,
pay attention to keep the gesture small. (this will reduce the amount of
work required.) If you are new at this tamborine, I recommend practicing
shaking the Riqq back and forth, keeping the notes even (think egg
shaker) before you begin the lessons.
The triplet with the jingles is a
side to side shake (more specifically a left to right rotation)
-
Place your drumming hand parallel to
the surface of the drum head.
-
rotate the drum to the left, hitting
the riq into your right hand (first note of the triplet)
-
With a slight amount of resistance
from your right hand, push the tamborine past your right hand
and follow through to the left (second note)
-
Bring the riq back to the right,
returning to the original position (third note of the triplet)
-
repeat steps 1 through 4
Okay! Have you thouroughly
familiarized yourself with the material on this page? Then we are ready
to begin.
Move on to the first lesson.
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