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 by Jim Greiner
The Shekere (SHAY-ker-ray), also known by other, region-specific names,
has its roots in the villages of West Africa where it was often used
as part of a percussion ensemble. It is played by shaking, twisting
and hitting it.
The Shekere was traditionally made by drying a gourd, and stringing
beads or shells in a net-like configuration on the outside. This method
of construction is still used widely, and can result in an instrument
of remarkable beauty that sounds warm, while also bright and crisp.
This type of Shekere can also be very fragile.
Shekeres can also be made from manufactured materials such as fiberglass
bodies and glass or plastic beads. This type of instrument is much
more durable, brighter and louder. Glass beads tend to be louder and
brighter than plastic beads, but can be prone to breaking.
Beginning to play the Shekere is a lot easier than most people think.
Like any instrument, though, it is important to begin at the beginning.
That is, to learn the fundamentals before attempting a complex pattern.
To begin, create a "ready" position to help you play efficiently
and consistently.
I recommend standing when beginning to play the Shekere; it is a lot
easier to move the instrument than when sitting. Stand erect (not rigid,
just don’t slouch) with your feet about shoulder’s width
apart. Drop your shoulders to release tension, and let your knees be
slightly flexed. This will give you a grounded, but flexible, foundation.
Breathe deeply in a relaxed pattern. (See my article, "Breathing:
THE Rhythm Of Life") for more on creating, and reinforcing, effective
breathing patterns while playing percussion.
The first, basic sound to get from the Shekere is a resonant tone
combined with the bright, crisp sound of the beads.
Place the bottom of the Shekere in the palm of your dominant hand.
Your fingers can be either over or under the beads. Hold your hand
at about waist-level. Feel the balance of the instrument in your hand.
Then place your non-dominant hand on the upper part of the gourd so
that it cradles the neck of the Shekere where it meets the body of
the gourd. Your thumb rests on the side nearest you and your four fingers
rest on the side facing away from you.
Now push up with the dominant hand and arm towards your non-dominant
side at about a 45 degree angle. We're not concerned with the sound
of the Shekere at this time; that will come later. When the Shekere
is about shoulder-height (not too high!), drop your dominant arm and
hand and catch the instrument in the palm and heel of this hand. Keep
the fingers of both hands in contact with the the instrument.
Don't push down too hard with the upper hand. Let it fall as if you
want it to hit the ground, then catch it at the last moment. This helps
you to release tension and not force the movement.
Let gravity do most of the work for you. Too much downward force will
dampen the tone sound on the bottom of the gourd and create unnecessary
bead sound as it drops.
Take enough time to get comfortable with this sound and movement.
It is time very well-spent. This basic movement and sound is a great
place to start because it is the foundation upon which you can build
as you progress. Different gourds will have different amounts, and
pitches, of this "boom" sound.
Once you get comfortable making this movement and sound, then play
this in a very slow quarter- note pulse. I suggest about 30 beats per
minute. Playing slowly at first allows us to relaxe, and to reinforce
the sound and feel that we desire. This pulse is the foundation upon
which you will build your Shekere playing as you progress to more advanced
techniques and patterns.
Play by yourself, and with CD's of your favorite music. Music is all
about sound and feel; playing with music that has a good sound and
feel is an important part of progressing!
Be patient with yourself and stay focused on the fundamentals. Don't
worry about what might go wrong... if you do, you will tend to do exactly
that! Take the time to savor being a beginner before moving on to the
next Shekere technique.
Of course, as always, enjoy the journey. We call it "playing" music
for a reason!
Click to view Jim’s Shekere
instructional online videoon how-to play shekere!
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