Conga drum is a percussion instrument chiefly used in Latin American music. Jazz bands and combos sometimes use it as a rhythm instrument.
A conga drum is shaped like a slightly rounded cylinder and is made of wood or fiberglass. An animal skin covering called a head is stretched across the top of the cylinder. Musicians strike the head with the fingers and the entire surface of the hand. Drumsticks are not used. Most musicians play a conga drum while sitting, with the drum held between the knees. Some drummers may also play the drum while standing, with the instrument mounted on a stand or suspended by a strap from the shoulder. There are three types of conga drum. They are, from highest to lowest pitch, the quinto, the conga, and the tumbadora.
The conga drum developed from an ancient African drum. This drum consisted of a section of a hollow tree trunk with an animal skin stretched across one end.
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