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.
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.
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.
A high slap gives a sharp crack or slapping tone and can be used in a similar way to a snare rim-shot to accent parts of your beats. Some Cajons allow the screws on the top side to be loosened which will give a sharper slap sound.
Technique
Sitting on the drum simply slap the top of the Cajon with the four fingers of your hand. Aim to hit around 1†from the top of the drum and keep you hand at the same angle of the drum. To deliver a louder slap simply hit the drum harder.
This site is all abot the Cajon and my experiences playing it. The Cajon is a small wooden box type drum originating from Peru. This site covers Cajon playing techniques and rhythms for western styles.
All the techniques on this site are my own interpretations I don’t claim to be an expert but they seem to work for me. Check out the categories below.