10 things you should know about the bendir and the mazhar drums

Drums can be found in almost all sizes and shapes, largely with regards to the origins with the drum as well as the tradition in which produced the use through the entire age groups. Drums, nonetheless, have got a very important factor in accordance the cornerstone regarding design which is noticed nowadays inside the basic, but intricate, shape drum. In this article we will discuss about some information you need to know regarding bendir and mazhar drums.

1. Percussion instrument

The Bendir is a percussion instrument typical in Morocco and Algeria. Strings are called zanzana or uzman attached to the underside of the head to give it a characteristic buzz.

2. Grips and Technique

A consistent feature of the depictions of these drums throughout their history has been the use of two main grips for holding the instrument. The player is always shown with the left hand holding the instrument at the bottom with the skin facing away from him/her and the fingers of both hands playing.

3. Produce various sound

This grip allows the player to produce numerous sounds from the skin: for example, a low-pitched natural ringing sound produced by striking the drum off-center; a high-pitched sound produced by striking the edge; a stopped stroke produced by slapping the instrument in the center; various jingle sounds; brushing sounds produced by grazing the skin with the fingernails or fingertips; a drone produced by the friction of a moistened finger rubbed on the skin; and the sound produced by knocking the frame with the knuckles.

4. Hole eye

The bendir has a hole eye in it's frame, permitting to pull the thumb through it and played it upright. Unlike the Tar and Deff the other frame drum instruments widely used in the islamic world.

5. Making of bendir

The membrane of the bendir is made of animal skin on a frame of wood with a thumb hole in it. Three or sometimes 4 strings are attached on the back to make a resonant sound.

6. Sound system

The characteristic unique thick sound - a combination of resonance and low drum comes by the snares that make a buzz when these drums are struck.

7. Popularity

These instruments have a dominant role in Morroccan folk music, mainly by the Amazigh and Berber population.

8. Mazhar frame

The mazhar is a large, heavy tambourine used in Arabic music. The mazhar's frame is generally made out of wood. The instrument's brass jingles are quite large (4-5 inches / 10–13 cm in diameter).

9. Shaking technique

Both bendir and mazhar are played with a shaking technique that gives a raucous sound. Its single head is considerably thicker than that of the riq, its smaller cousin.

10. Mazhar’s great performer

The Egyptian percussionists use the Mazhar on a big event such has Hafla, since the sound of this musical instruments is very load.