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 by Richie Gajate-Garcia
El Bongosero, in my opinion, has three functions in the traditional Latin salsa band. First, he helps solidify the groove of the rhythm section by adding the alto-soprano range of the hand drums, like the conga, which adds the tenor-bass range of the rhythm section. Second, he provides the improvisational responses to the vocalizing of the sonero, Iike the quinto player in the folkloric rumba groups. Third, he plays the bongo hand-held cowbell which reinforces the bell pattern played by the timbalero, thus creating the infectious drive which gives the Latin music its magical feeling.
In order to play the bongos, you must develop the technique necessary for the execution of the main bongo pattern called the "martillo or hammer". It is essential that this pattern be learned well, since most variations are derived from the martillo pattern.
I also suggest that you listen to as many of the great players of this instrument as possible, such as Armando Peraza, Jose Mangual Sr., Roberto Roena, Rolito Soto and others.
To get you started, the first step is to learn to hold the bongo in its traditional form. Note that this technique is for right handed players. If you are left-handed, just reverse the instructions.
Make sure you have a seat that is not too high. Position yourself at the edge of the seat comfortably with your legs at an approximate 90 degree angle. Place the macho (male-small drum) above your left knee. Now place the hembra (female or large drum) below your right knee and hold firmly. Once you are in this position you are ready to begin.
The bongo uses mostly the fingers and thumb in contrast with the conga, which uses more of the full hand. So the pattern that you are about to learn will have the following key:
M= martillo tip of index finger right hand
Tmb = thumb left hand
F= fingers left hand
T= tap right index finger
O= open
Note that the pattern begins on 1, and the thumb is left resting on the head. In this way the tip of the index finger (right hand) can strike on the edge of the drum creating the sound called martillo. The rest of the motions follow accordingly.
Practice these patterns slowly concentrating on the hand movements and sounds. As the accuracy becomes more consistent increase your speed.
Find some music to play along with. I suggest that you start with the bolero (ballad) pattern and moving up to faster patterns gradually. I perform on the LP video, Adventures in Rhythm Volume 2: Close-up on Bongos and Timbales, where this technique is explained in more detail.
Have fun!
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