Easy Cajon Egg Shaker
Here’s a simple method of using an Egg Shaker with the Cajon Drum to add a bit of extra percussion.
Miking a Cajon
There is plenty of debate about how best to mic a the Cajon. A room mic will have more ambiance, a close mic next to the bass hole will pick up the boom but one at the front will have more slap. Experimentation is needed to help find the sound you are looking for.
Here’s a handy video from bdubrecords demoing ambient versus duel front and back mic’s.
Cajon Technique – Basic Slap
This is a simple Cajon slap to deliver a solid standard sound which can be used for all types of beats and fills. With a snare type Cajon this gives a good snare drum type sound.
Technique
Slap the drum with the fingers around 2-3 inches from the top of the drum. Experiment with the position and try and obtain a note that is similar when played with each hand. If you have a snare type Cajon make sure you also find a position which gives a good snare effect. For accents simply hit harder.
Video Example
Cajon Technique – Finger Roll
Finger Roll
This uses the fingers to give a fast and roll sound. These can be worked in to many of the rhythms to add a bit of colour. When combined with the other hand you can make a drum roll effect.
Technique
Hit the drum with each fingers of you hand alternating between the fingers in succession. I find that a finger roll sounds best when ended with a single hit, either a high slap or bass hit sounds good. To generate a slightly shorter roll you can leave out the little finger and use three.
Video Example
Cajon Technique – Foot Bend
A nice little technique which give a pitch bending sound. Useful for fills and impressing a crowd.
Technique
Play the drum with your hands about a third of the way down around the same position of a standard slap. You want to try and aim for a sound which has a bit but not too much bass. Then with the heel of one of you feet slide it up the face of the drum with a little pressure while continuing to play the drum with your hands. This should create a pitch bending type sound. Try not to do this with both feet as you’ll fall off.
Video Example