For those of you who haven't seen one before the image above is of a doumbek. It's one of the commonest drums used to provide the beat for Arabic dance. Its mostly played horizontally across the knee but can be placed vertically between the legs. It can produce a variety of sounds, dependent on which bit you strike, and the manner of the hit.

My name is Eleanor Blakelock, I'm nineteen years old, and I have been drumming for over four years now. I used to dance but I decided to concentrate on drumming, though I sometimes join in the 'Line Dance'. The drum in the picture is mine, and it has a good deep tone. Doumbeks come in different shapes and sizes, and there's a lot of difference in the sound they make.When you use the doumbek there are two basic hits. The first is a 'Dum' (pronounced Doom, like the game), this is where you hit the centre of the drum with four fingers of whatever is your primary hand (Mine's my right hand). The fingers are lifted straight back off the skin, allowing it to vibrate, producing a low, long sound.

The second common hit is known as the 'Tak' (pronounced Tack, like the small nail). This is achived by striking near the rim of the drum with either one or two fingers. I prefer using the first and second fingers of my right hand to do this. This produces a sharp, high pitched, rather metallic sound, a great contrast to the softer Dum.

There are other, more sophisticated, hits that can be made. If you're interested then visit an Arabic Drumming site through our links page.

If you want to see some basic rhythms then I've drawn out eight common ones for you to view. See them by following this link. The best way to learn is by getting involved with your local musicians. Try a workshop or attend a hafla, if you let people know in advance they are usually very happy to help you along. It's fun drumming for dancers, they appreciate your work, and it's not like having an audience, they sort of work with you and encourage you.