What is a musical instrument called a cajon?

A cajón (Spanish: [kaˈxon]; “box”, “crate” or “drawer”) is a box-shaped percussion instrument originally from Peru, played by slapping the front or rear faces (generally thin plywood) with the hands, fingers, or sometimes implements such as brushes, mallets, or sticks.

Why is it called a cajon?

The word cajon is literally Spanish for box (drawer, crate, even coffin), and the cajon as a drum shows up in many cultures, on several continents, and over generations of time.

What instrument family does the cajon belong to?

family of drums
This instrument belongs to the family of drums and is used in a variety of concerts and performances. Though a Cajon was invented in the late 1800s, the instrument is still popular and widely used because of its rich sound.

Is cajon a good instrument?

While the cajon is excellent at creating surprisingly loud and crisp percussion, take some time to understand the different tones that can be utilized while playing. Even though you don’t have a bass drum, snare, or high hat, it does not mean that you are completely limited. Bass Tones. High Tones.

Is the Cajon easy to learn?

The cajon is a very practical instrument, it’s portable, doesn’t take up much space and is relatively easy to learn, so the barrier to entry is low. You can play seated, and after learning the basic snare (upper edge) and bass sounds (middle), the first simple rhythms are well on their way.

Is the Cajon hard to play?

Who invented Cajon?

The Cajon is a wooden box-shaped drum, invented by the African slaves who discovered they were not permitted to play drums once arriving in South America in the early 18th century. It is considered an Afro-Peruvian musical instrument because it was created in Peru by the slaves, most of which were from Africa.

Is cajon easy to learn?

How can I make my cajon sound better?

If you have a Cajon whose tapa is attached using screws, you could try loosening the topmost screws on each corner. This will create a tiny space between the tapa and the core shell of the Cajon. Therefore, when you slap the tapa, it will hit the shell and produce a much better slap tone.

How difficult is Cajon?

What kind of music is played with a Cajon?

Cajones are primarily played in Afro-Peruvian music, as well as contemporary styles of flamenco and jazz among other genres. The term cajón is also applied to other box drums used in Latin American music such as the cajón de rumba used in Cuban rumba and the cajón de tapeo used in Mexican folk music.

Where does the origin of the Cajon come from?

Given that the cajón comes from slave musicians in the Spanish colonial Americas, there are two complementary origin theories for the instrument. It is possible that the drum is a direct descendant of a number of boxlike musical instruments from west and central Africa, especially Angola, and the Antilles.

When did the Cajon instrument reach its peak?

The cajón was developed during the periods of slavery in coastal Peru. The instrument reached a peak in popularity by 1850, and by the end of the 19th century cajón players were experimenting with the design of the instrument by bending some of the planks in the cajón’s body to alter the instrument’s patterns of sound vibration.

How does a percussionist play a cajon drum?

The player sits astride the box, tilting it at an angle while striking the head between their knees. The percussionist can play the sides with the top of their palms and fingers for additional sounds. Some percussionists attach a bass drum pedal to the instrument, enabling them to play it with a single foot.