Conga Drum

Conga drums are an integral part of most Latin American music. In North America, everyone has heard of a conga line and unfortunately, most of us have been forced to join one at one point or another, often during a wedding reception. But the music of the conga is far too diverse to be pigeonholed as wedding reception music. These instruments are used not only in genres like salsa and rumba, but in Afro-Caribbean religious music as well. Conga drums are a very important facet of life in South America.

Shopping for conga drums can seem a bit overwhelming especially if you're new to the market or not sure what questions to ask. As a hand drum store owner and percussion enthusiast I'm frequently asked questions from customers regarding the best set of conga drums to purchase for beginner players. Let's face it; there are many congas in the marketplace all vying for your attention and all pretty much look the same. However, the unique differences in each conga can make a big difference in playability, sound, and overall enjoyment.

The conga drum is widely used in many countries around the globe but is believed to have mainly originated in both Africa and Cuba, and is often called the Afro-Cuban drum or Afro-Cuban barrel-shaped drum. Today, congas, which are played either singly or using several drums, are a large part of Latino-American music, and those who play this unique instrument are referred to as congueros.

Conga drums are narrow, tall, and have varying widths ranging from nine inches across the drumhead to 14 inches across, with the size affecting the sound and pitch of the drums. Larger congas are used for playing lower, deeper rhythms, while the smaller, or quinto drums are used for playing the melodies. When playing several conga drums together, they most often are tuned to one particular chord.