So you've stumbled upon the incredible world of Arabic drumming and need some guidance. Well, you are lucky to have arrived here at Fingers of Fury. Here you will find wonderful tuition, an amazingly supportive community, personal challenges and so much more. This is not just a website for learning Arabic and Turkish percussion; this is a whole world of music, new friends and fresh possibilities. So well done for finding us!
So what now? What's the best way to get started with all this? More importantly, how do I even hold this thing!?
There are countless ways in which you may have found a passion for the darbuka. Perhaps you have a background in belly dance, maybe you saw a Middle Eastern group at a festival or heard that distinct sound on an album somewhere; maybe you are living in a country where darbuka is a household name, or perhaps you are reconnecting with your family heritage and roots. There are many different ways people find themselves drawn to this drum and the intoxicating music that surrounds it. I found it through playing Flamenco guitar many years ago and have never looked back.
More on all of that later- let's get drumming.
First things first, you need to create a subscription for the Fingers of Fury or Drum Dojo memberships (Drum Dojo membership includes all of the FoF content), the difference being that the Drum Dojo is constantly active with new ideas for practicing routines and all sorts of personal challenges to push students to enjoy more practice.
Once you have created an account you will have access to all the tutorial content you will need.
From here, I recommend downloading the ebook and reading through this whilst clicking on the soundfiles to hear all of the examples etc. You could also make a start on the Arabic or Turkish 3 month courses and check out the basic rhythm and technique videos available.
Say hi to everyone in the forum and please let them know what you are wanting to achieve with your drumming venture. We are here to help and inspire! If you love being here and are learning loads then please share this site with your drumming buddies.
Best of rhythm to you!
Matt Stonehouse