How to Play the Monkey Drum (Tutorial)

The monkey drum is a handheld percussion instrument played by twisting the wrist so the side beads strike the drum head, creating a sharp, rhythmic sound. Originating in West Africa—where it was traditionally known as the damassa—similar versions are found worldwide, including Japan’s den-den daiko, China’s bolanggu, and Korea’s sogo. Although often mistaken for a toy, it is a genuine musical instrument used in cultural rituals, education, and rhythm-based music.

Traditionally made from wood and animal skin, monkey drums are lightweight, expressive, and easy to learn, making them popular for beginners, classrooms, and world-music enthusiasts. Below, you’ll learn how to play the monkey drum step by step, understand the differences between cheap and handcrafted versions, and see where to buy a quality monkey drum if you decide to own one.

1. Holding position

Firstly you will want to get comfortable holding your monkey drum, you will need to hold the bottom of the stick handle with both of your hands keeping them relatively flat.

2. Playing technique 

Slowly twist the stick around the palm of your hand, putting your left hand forward, right hand back. Then again the opposite way around with your left hand backwards, and your right hand forward. This will cause the stringed beads or wood to hit the body base of the monkey drum paddle. Actually making sound from it is the easy part, it is the rhythm that brings the challenges.

3. Rhythm

Practise keeping a steady beat by counting 1, 2, 3, 4 and repeating until each strike lands cleanly on the beat. While monkey drums vary in design, the playing technique stays the same—the sound changes depending on the materials used and the size and weight of the strikers. Rhythm is the foundation of music, creating movement and energy that drives melodies and harmonies. The drums versatile rhythm is used in traditional African music as well as modern styles, bringing simple patterns to life across cultures. While all monkey drums are played the same way, their sound and feel can vary depending on design and materials.

Types of Monkey Drum

Most monkey drums follow the same basic design, but subtle differences affect how they feel and sound. Variations include handle and paddle size, overall shape, and materials such as wooden or plastic handles and paddles made from animal skin, gourd, plastic, or cardboard. Larger paddles usually produce a louder sound, while striker material also matters: small beads create a sharper tone, while wooden strikers produce a warmer, fuller sound. Handcrafted monkey drums often vary in tone and appearance due to local materials and traditional techniques, while factory-made versions are more uniform and sound consistent. These differences give each type its own character, even though the playing method remains the same.

Cheap Monkey Drums vs handcrafted monkey drums

Cheap monkey drums, often made from plastic or factory-produced materials, are lightweight and affordable, making them suitable for beginners learning basic rhythms, but they typically lack depth of sound, durability, and long-term performance.

Handcrafted monkey drums, made from natural materials such as wood and animal skin, produce a richer, more responsive tone and are built to last, making them better for serious players and long-term use. While they cost more and require a little extra care, handmade monkey drums are generally more sustainable, environmentally responsible, and unique, supporting traditional craftsmanship rather than mass production.