Top Darbuka Rhythms

20 Rhythms Every Darbuka Player Should Know

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This course will introduce you to the most useful 20 rhythms of Middle Eastern music using 4 basic hits. Then you will get a chance to accompany a melodic song in that rhythm played on the King Kemenche. At the end of the course you will be able to play along to most Middle Eastern songs!

We begin with a breakdown of the four basic hits needed for this course.

Then simple versions of each rhythm are presented.

After you learn the rhythm you can play along to a melodic song played on the kemenche.

You will also get mp3s and links with examples of music in the rhythms taught to hear these rhythms played in their traditional context.

The rhythms presented are:

Masmoudi
Baladi
Saiidi
Maksum
Felahi
Malfuf
Chiftetelli
Wahta
Bambi
Ayub
Umpa
Moroccan 6
Persian 6
Laaz 7 - Black Sea
Kalamatianos 7 - Greece
Karsilama 9 - Turkey
Zeybehiko 9 - Greece
Jorjuna 10 - Armenia
Samai 10 - Turkish and Arabic
Debke 12 - Lebanese

Suitable for beginning darbuka players or any drummer curious about Middle Eastern rhythms


Your Instructor


Raquy Danziger
Raquy Danziger

Hi, I'm Raquy and welcome to my Darbuka School!

Playing the darbuka is the love of my life.

Since I discovered this drum over 20 years ago, I've devoted myself to it in every aspect - practicing, performing, teaching, composing, even decorating my own drums! I have experience playing in traditional Middle Eastern ensembles, accompanying belly dance and my current projects features the darbuka as a shining solo instrument fit for a concert hall.

In the beginning of my darbuka journey I played traditional Arabic style. Then 10 years ago I saw what was happening in Turkey with this new "split hand" technique. I made my first pilgrimage to Istanbul to learn from the masters. I ended up moving to this magical city and opening the Darbuka Ofis in downtown Istanbul where you can still find me training daily with my Hocam, Bunyamin Olguncan and other Turkish drumming masters.

I'm passionate about teaching darbuka. I have devoted students all over the world who are now performing and teaching themselves. I have traveled far and wide, spreading joy and excitement for darbuka. I have developed an innovative teaching system, using an easily understood notation key which many darbuka players these days are using.

I'm thrilled to be able to present my teachings in this elegant platform. I love the fact that this is a living school that I can constantly update with the latest stuff.

May the darbuka bring you joy, inspiration and magical experiences as it has for me!


Course Curriculum


  Introduction
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  4 Basic Hits
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  Notation of Top 20 Rhythms
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  Songs that include several rhythms from Baladi and Malfuf Families
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  In 7
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  In 9
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  In 10
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  in 12 - Debke!
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  Congratulations
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Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.

Get started now!