Hand Percussion for Vocalists

Every singer thinks they can play hand percussion… but most actually do it wrong! 

There are techniques you need to know so your percussion sounds amazing… and you don’t have to think while your hands move. 

Learn how to play the two most common instruments that a lead or backup singer plays – the tambourine and shaker – in this 2-hour workshop.

Instruments provided.

Curriculum

Counting in 4/4 Time

• Finding the 1
• Counting Beats
• Subdivisions
• Upbeat vs. Downbeat
• The Backbeat

Finding The Groove

• Kick on the 1 and 3, Snare on the 2 and 4!
• Quarter Note Groove
• 8th-Note Groove
• 16th-Note Groove
• Swung vs Straight

Tambourine and Shaker Technique

• Half Note Grooves
• Quarter Note Grooves
• 8th Note grooves
• Swung 8th Note grooves
• 16th Note Grooves
• Washes
• Entering and Exiting Cleanly

When to Use Each Instrument

Further Listening