Persian Essentials - Percussion

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About the Daf & the Tombak

The Daf (or Dafif) is one of the most ancient frame drums in Asia and North Africa. Used extensively in Sufi ceremonies, the Daf is the rhythmic pulse that drives the whirling dervishes deeper into their practice. More recently the Daf transitioned safely into contemporary music and has become very popular in Persian and Middle Eastern music.

The Tombak (Persian: تمبک), Tonbak (تنبک), or Zarb (ضَرب) is an Iranian goblet drum, known for its unique sound. Tombak virtuosi perform solos that can last ten or more minutes, serving almost as a melodic instrument rather than a pure percussive one. The Tombak is normally positioned diagonally across the torso while the player uses one or more fingers and/or the palm(s) of the hand(s) on the drumhead. Sometimes Tombak players wear metal finger rings for an extra-percussive "click" on the drum's shell.

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