How To Play The Cajon: Intermediate Level from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

Students will increase their hand technique by working on some challenging hand patterns and drum rudiments used by drum set and rudimental drummers.
Learn to adapt some popular music grooves and fills to the cajon.
Study world music rhythms like the bossa nova, the samba and flamenco and arabic rhythms.

Take your cajon skills to the next level.
Improve you self confidence, and learn to express yourself on this amazing hand drum!

Students will increase their hand technique by working on some challenging hand patterns and drum rudiments used by drum set and rudimental drummers.
Learn to adapt some popular music grooves and fills to the cajon.
Study world music rhythms like the bossa nova, the samba and flamenco and arabic rhythms.
Take your cajon skills to the next level.
Improve you self confidence, and learn to express yourself on this amazing hand drum!

Syllabus

Students will be ready to begin the course after a helpful review of the basic tones of the cajon, some thoughts about notation and some helpful tips on how to practice.

Welcome to the course and here are some helpful tips and things to think about while you are working your way through this course.

A review of the basic tones of the cajon and some discussion about notation.

You can download a pdf of all the exercises and material in this course. You will find the pdf in Resourses.

A discussion of hand technique and the benefit of applying drum set and rudimental snare drum rudiments to the cajon. An introduction to the Paradiddle hand pattern.

Here are some exercises that use the paradiddle.

A discussion of the Paradiddle-diddle rudiment.

Here are some exercises that help to develop the paradiddle-diddle.

An introduction to the Double Paradiddle.

Some double paradiddle exercises.

An introduction to the 5 Stroke Roll.

Here are some exercises to develop your 5 stroke roll.

An introduction to the 7 Stroke Roll.

Here are some exercises to develop your 7 stroke roll.

An introduction to the Flam.

Here are some exercises to develop your flams.

An introduction to the Drag.

Here are some exercises to develop your drags.

A introduction to applying Rock or Popular music beats to the cajon and some grooves to practice.

A discussion about adding fills to your cajon grooves. The function of a fill and some ideas about musical phrasing.

Here are some 2 beat fills that you can apply to your cajon playing.

Here are some 4 beat fills that you can apply to your cajon playing.

Some discussion about Funk music and funky grooves.

Part 1 of applying some drum fills to funky cajon grooves.

Part 2 of applying some drum fills to funky cajon grooves.

Part 3 of applying some drum fills to funky cajon grooves.

Here is an introduction to the Shuffle. The shuffle is an important rhythm to master because it's found in a lot of different kinds of music.

Here are some triplet based fills that work well with the shuffle.

The Half-Time Shuffle is a unique variation of the shuffle and is discussed here.

Here are some triplet based fills that work well with the half-time shuffle.

A discussion about Maqsoum which is an Arabic rhythm and some exercises to help you learn this rhythm.

Here is a fun music play-along for you to "jam" along with. Have fun!

A discussion about Ayoub which is an Arabic rhythm and some exercises to help you learn this rhythm.

A lesson on how to play the Bossa Nova on the cajon.

A lesson on how to play the Samba on the cajon.

A lesson on applying some conga technique on the cajon.

Lando is a traditional Peruvian rhythm. Students will learn how to play it.

Students will learn how to play this challenging Flamenco rhythm called the Buleria.

Students will learn how to play another more modern variation of the Buleria.

Congratulations! You have completed the course.

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores world music rhythms like Bossa Nova, Samba, Flamenco, and Arabic rhythms, broadening a player's repertoire and cultural understanding

Teaches drum rudiments such as paradiddles, double paradiddles, and flam drags, which are essential for developing hand technique and coordination

Adapts popular music grooves and fills to the cajon, providing practical skills for playing in various musical settings and genres

Requires prior experience with the cajon, as it builds upon the 'How To Play The Cajon: For Beginners' course

Includes play-along tracks, which allows students to immediately apply what they've learned and improve their timing and improvisation skills

Provides a PDF of exercises and patterns in music notation, which is helpful for students who learn best with visual aids and written materials

Reviews summary

Intermediate cajon: techniques, grooves, world rhythms

According to learners, this course offers a largely positive experience for improving cajon skills. Students particularly praise the hand technique section, which incorporates drum rudiments and is seen as highly effective for building control and speed. The coverage of popular music grooves and fills is also well-received, described as practical and fun to play along with. Many found the section on world music rhythms a valuable addition, even if some desired more depth or examples. The instructor's teaching style is clear and easy to follow, and supplementary materials like the downloadable PDF and play-along tracks are highlighted as helpful resources. While most agree the course successfully takes their skills to the next level, a few reviewers felt certain sections could be more challenging or detailed for a true intermediate level.

Suitability for intermediate varies.

"This course really takes you to the next level."

"Felt more like an upper-beginner course. Not enough challenging material for someone already comfortable with basic grooves."

"A solid intermediate course for cajon."

Good introduction to global styles.

"World rhythms section is a great addition."

"The world music rhythms are interesting..."

"World rhythms section is a bonus."

PDF and tracks enhance practice.

"...the PDF is super helpful."

"Play-along tracks are a nice touch."

"The PDF material is well-structured and useful for practice."

Easy to follow and understand.

"Clear instructions..."

"Instructor is clear."

"The instructor is very easy to follow."

Useful rhythms for playing along.

"The grooves and fills are practical and fun to play."

"Grooves and fills are well-explained."

"The variety of grooves and fills is excellent."

Effective exercises for skill building.

"The hand technique section is very useful, especially applying drum rudiments."

"Absolutely love this course! The rudiment application is genius. My hand speed and control have improved dramatically."

"Excellent course! Improved my hand technique significantly."

Some sections could be deeper.

"...I found the pace inconsistent, sometimes too fast in the grooves section."

"The world music rhythms... felt a bit rushed. Needs more detail and practice examples there."

"Expected more from an intermediate course. ...the grooves section lacked variety. The world rhythms were barely touched upon."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in How To Play The Cajon: Intermediate Level with these activities:

Review Basic Cajon Tones

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Reinforce your understanding of the fundamental cajon tones (bass, tone, slap) to ensure a solid foundation for the intermediate techniques taught in the course.

Browse courses on Tones

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Practice each tone individually.
Combine tones in simple patterns.
Record yourself and listen back.

Explore Percussion Method Books

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Supplement your learning with a percussion method book to reinforce fundamental rhythmic concepts and techniques.

View Alfred's Beginning Snare Drum Solos: 23... on Amazon

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Obtain a percussion method book.
Work through the exercises.
Apply the concepts to the cajon.

Paradiddle Practice

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Improve your hand coordination and dexterity by practicing paradiddle variations, a key rudiment covered in the course.

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Practice single paradiddles slowly.
Increase tempo gradually.
Try paradiddles with accents.
Apply paradiddles to cajon grooves.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Explore World Music Cajon Tutorials

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Expand your knowledge of world music rhythms by seeking out and following online tutorials for cajon playing in different styles (e.g., Afro-Cuban, Brazilian).

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Search for tutorials online.
Follow along with the instructor.
Practice the rhythms slowly.
Incorporate into your playing.

Compose a Cajon Groove

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Solidify your understanding of rhythm and groove construction by composing your own original cajon groove incorporating techniques learned in the course.

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Choose a time signature and tempo.
Experiment with different rhythms.
Incorporate fills and variations.
Record and refine your groove.

Read Advanced Percussion Books

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Expand your knowledge with an advanced percussion book to reinforce fundamental rhythmic concepts and techniques.

View Rudimental Jazz (Music Instruction) on Amazon

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Obtain an advanced percussion book.
Work through the exercises.
Apply the concepts to the cajon.

Practice with Other Musicians

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Enhance your timing and groove by practicing with other musicians, applying the rhythms and fills learned in the course in a real-world musical context.

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Find musicians to jam with.
Choose songs to play together.
Focus on locking in the groove.
Experiment with different fills.

Career center

Learners who complete How To Play The Cajon: Intermediate Level will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Percussionist

A Percussionist is a musician who plays percussion instruments, creating rhythms and textures in various musical genres. This course helps percussionists expand their rhythmic vocabulary and improve their hand technique on the cajon, a versatile percussion instrument. With instruction on drum rudiments, popular grooves, fills, and world music rhythms, the course provides a percussionist with essential skills to enhance their performance. The play-along tracks allow musicians to practice expression, improve concentration, and explore different genres. Percussionists will find the lessons on Bossa Nova, Samba, Flamenco, and Arabic rhythms particularly useful.

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World Music Performer

A World Music Performer specializes in playing music from different cultures around the globe. The world music performer helps hone skills in playing rhythms like Bossa Nova, Samba, Flamenco, and Arabic rhythms. This course helps world music performers expand their repertoire and add a new percussive element to their performances. The course's focus on specific rhythms, like Maqsoum and Buleria, helps performers to create authentic and engaging musical experiences for their audiences. The ability to learn and adapt world music rhythms is essential for a world music performer.

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Session Musician

A Session Musician is a versatile musician who is hired to play on recordings or live performances. This course helps session musicians expand their skill set and offer more to potential clients by mastering the cajon. The course covers a wide range of styles, from rock and funk grooves to world music rhythms like Bossa Nova and Flamenco. Session musicians will be able to apply the lessons on hand technique, fills, and musical phrasing to their playing. A session musician will be able to learn to adapt popular music grooves and fills to the cajon.

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Drummer

A Drummer is a musician who plays a set of drums. Taking this course may be useful to drummers who wish to expand their rhythmic toolkit and explore hand percussion techniques on the cajon. The course covers drum rudiments, popular grooves, and fills, which drummers can adapt to their playing style. The study of world music rhythms, such as the Bossa Nova and Samba, is also valuable for drummers seeking to broaden their musical horizons. The course's easy-to-follow instructions and music notation can help drummers learn the material and improve their skills. Drummer who wants to play on the cajon will find instruction on arabic rhythms like Maqsoum and Ayoub useful.

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Drum Circle Facilitator

A Drum Circle Facilitator leads group drumming events that promote community building, stress relief, and creative expression. This course is helpful for facilitators seeking to expand their knowledge of hand drumming techniques and rhythms. The course's emphasis on hand drumming as a form of personal expression aligns with the goals of drum circles. The techniques and rhythms found in this course can be taught in a drum circle setting. Learning hand technique will allow a Drum Circle Facilitator to help others improve their coordination.

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Music Educator

A Music Educator teaches music theory, performance, and appreciation to students of all ages. This course may be useful for music educators seeking to incorporate the cajon into their lessons, whether in elementary school classrooms or private instruction. The course's clear, step-by-step instructions and downloadable PDF of exercises make it easy for educators to teach students how to play the cajon. Educators will find value in the course material on hand technique, popular grooves, and world music rhythms, as well as the play-along tracks to help students practice. Music educators will be ready to pass on to their students what they learn from this course.

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Music Therapist

A Music Therapist uses music to address patients' physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs. This course may be useful for music therapists looking for new ways to engage their patients and promote healing through rhythm and self-expression. The course's emphasis on hand drumming as a form of personal expression makes it suitable for therapeutic settings. Music therapists are able to use the play-along tracks and world music rhythms to create engaging and culturally sensitive experiences for their patients. Those interested in self confidence, concentration, and stress relief may appreciate cajon.

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Bandleader

A Bandleader is responsible for leading and managing a musical ensemble, making artistic decisions, and coordinating rehearsals and performances. This course may be useful for bandleaders who want to incorporate the cajon into their band's sound or expand their knowledge of percussion instruments. The course's instruction on hand technique, grooves, and fills offers bandleaders ideas for arrangements and improvisation. Bandleaders benefit from their knowledge of world music rhythms to diversify their band's repertoire and appeal to wider audiences. A bandleader might make use of exercises and patterns.

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Songwriter

A Songwriter composes original songs, including melody, lyrics, and harmony. This course may be useful for songwriters looking for rhythmic inspiration and new ways to add percussion to their compositions. The course's exploration of different grooves and fills can spark creative ideas for songwriters, while the study of world music rhythms can help them incorporate diverse influences into their music. Songwriters can also use the cajon as a tool for creating demos and exploring rhythmic ideas. The course's clear instruction and downloadable PDF of exercises promotes effective learning.

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Composer

A Composer writes original music for various mediums, such as film, television, video games, and concert performances. Composers may take this course to incorporate the sounds of the cajon into a composition. The course's exploration of world music rhythms may be particularly useful. Composers can also learn how to layer multiple instruments so they work well together. Composers can also improve their creativity through play-along tracks.

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A DJ mixes and plays recorded music for an audience, creating a seamless and engaging listening experience. This course may be useful for DJs who want to incorporate live percussion into their sets or explore new rhythmic possibilities. The course's emphasis on hand drumming techniques and diverse rhythmic patterns can help DJs develop a deeper understanding of rhythm. DJs who take this course gain skills to enhance their performances and engage their audience. Those interested in Arabic rhythms may find this course useful.

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Studio Engineer

A Studio Engineer is responsible for recording, mixing, and mastering audio in a professional recording studio. This course may be useful for studio engineers who want to improve their knowledge of recording percussion instruments, specifically the cajon. The course's exploration of different playing techniques and rhythms helps engineers understand how to capture the nuances of the cajon's sound. The engineer is able to apply what they learn and produce professional-quality recordings. Those interested in recording a Bossa Nova or Samba will find value in this course.

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Retail Music Associate

A Retail Music Associate provides customer service and sales assistance in a music store. This course may be useful for retail associates by gaining expertise in the cajon. The course's overview of basic tones, playing techniques, and rhythms will help retail associates answer customer questions, offer recommendations, and demonstrate the instrument effectively. A Retail Music Associate who takes this course can guide customers in different techniques. Retail Music Associates may find some interest in this course.

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Music Journalist

A Music Journalist writes articles, reviews, and interviews about music for publications and websites. This course may be useful if the Journalist is seeking to write about the cajon. The course's exploration of playing techniques, rhythms, and genres will give journalists a solid base for writing about the instrument. They would also be able to interview cajon musicians because of their newfound knowledge. A Music Journalist would be welcome to take this course.

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Instrument Repair Technician

An Instrument Repair Technician specializes in the maintenance and repair of musical instruments. This is usually for instruments that are stringed or use keys. Still, taking the course may be useful for learning about the nuances of this instrument. Cajons are prone to needing adjustment, and even repair. Learning more about construction and what makes the instrument sound good may improve a repair technician's skills. Having this course under their belt may even improve business for an Instrument Repair Technician.

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Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in How To Play The Cajon: Intermediate Level.

Alfred's Beginning Snare Drum Solos

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This foundational drum method book that covers basic rudiments and techniques. It provides a solid base for understanding the drum set rudiments mentioned in the course, which are then adapted to the cajon. It is helpful in providing background and prerequisite knowledge.

Alfred's Beginning Snare Drum Solos: 23 Beginning...

Kindle Edition

Rudimental Jazz (Music Instruction)

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Collection of advanced exercises designed to improve drumming technique and coordination. It is more valuable as additional reading than as a current reference. It provides challenging material for developing hand control and independence, which can be applied to complex cajon rhythms and fills. This book is commonly used by advanced percussion students.

Rudimental Jazz (Music Instruction)

Paperback

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Rudimental Jazz (Music Instruction)

Kindle Edition

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