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Riq Lessons from Randy Gloss!

Before You Start: There are two main playing positions for this instrument. They are commonly referred to as the Cabaret style and the Soft style. these lessons deal only with Cabaret style. Click on the images below for a better view.



Holding the Riq

holdriq2.jpg (190029 bytes)1. Make a C shape with your left hand. (if you're right handed)
2. rest the Riq into the C with one set of jingles facing down through the middle of the C. 
3. Bring your thumb (bottom half of C) up to push against the back jingle.

holdriq1.jpg (109067 bytes)4. Your forefinger and possibly your middle finger will hold the Riq where the skin meets the shell. 
5. Moderately tilt the drum forward to rid yourself of any unwanted or excess shimmer of the jingles.
6. Your right hand will be used to play drum sounds in this position. Unlike other styles of frame drumming, your right hand should not rest or pivot off the shell. Keep it free to move. 

riq6.jpg (234134 bytes) 7. Likewise, your left hand will be used (along with your right)to play the front jingles in your C. Use your ring finger in each hand (on that same jingle). Practice altenating right-left-riight-left for awhile, to get the feel. (See picture #6, at left)


The Drum Strokes - 

riq3doum.jpg (309825 bytes)Doum; an open, low pitched sound, played with the index finger of the dominant drumming hand.

(Sound files forthcoming)

riq4tak.jpg (280110 bytes)Tak; High pitched sound, played close to the edge of the drum head. Use the ring finger of your domanant hand. (pic#4)


riq5kat.jpg (242777 bytes)Kat; closed stroke, played in the middle of the drum head. It is a relaxed stroke, so approach it with a mildly cupped hand.(pic #5)


The Jingles; This particular tamborine has very loud and active sounding jingles (which is why before we even begin to play, we tilt the drum). These two lessons were prepared to teach some basic playing ideas, but more importantly, it will give you some ideas on how to control and manipulate the jingles.

riq6.jpg (234134 bytes)With your ring fingers in both hands, alternate striking the jingle that is closest to the Middle C of your grip. (Same as step 7 on how to hold the drum) See pic#6.(at left)

Shaking the tamborine back and forth. Imagine you are holding an egg shaker or small maraca in your left hand. Because of the weight of the Riq, this motion will cause fatigue in your hand at first. Don't push it. When you get tired, stop and rest. It is also common for people to exagerate the necessary motion at first. So, pay attention to keep the gesture small. (this will reduce the amount of work required.) If you are new at this tamborine, I recommend practicing shaking the Riqq back and forth, keeping the notes even (think egg shaker) before you begin the lessons.

The triplet with the jingles is a side to side shake (more specifically a left to right rotation)

  1. Place your drumming hand parallel to the surface of the drum head.

  2. rotate the drum to the left, hitting the riq into your right hand (first note of the triplet)

  3. With a slight amount of resistance from your right hand, push the tamborine  past your right hand and follow through to the left (second note)

  4. Bring the riq back to the right, returning to the original position (third note of the triplet)

  5. repeat steps 1 through 4

Okay! Have you thouroughly familiarized yourself with the material on this page? Then we are ready to begin.

Move on to the first lesson.

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The riq lesson is © 2000 Randy Gloss

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Eric Stuer. 

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