How to Make Drums from Giant African Drum Gourds
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Learn how to make drums from Giant African drum gourds in a few simple steps. This traditional art of transforming African Drum Gourds into drums has been practiced for centuries, and it’s a wonderful way to connect with nature and explore creativity.
Growing gourds is fun and easy if you have a long enough growing season. If you’ve successfully grown your own giant African drum gourds or have a few on hand, follow this guide to craft your very own musical masterpiece.
Steps to Making a Drum from a Gourd
Choose the Right Gourd: The first step is selecting the right gourd for your drum. Ideally, you want a large, mature gourd with a hard, thick shell. The gourd should have been harvested and properly cured for a few months to ensure that it’s completely dried out.
The size and shape of your gourd will determine the sound and resonance of your drum, so choose wisely! You want a gourd that is fairly even without dips in the sides.
Tip: If you’re growing your own, let the gourds remain on the vine until the stems dry out, then allow them to air dry for several months in a well-ventilated space. We dry ours right out in the garden on a gravel surface.
Clean and Sand the Gourd. Once you’ve selected your gourd, it’s time to clean and prepare it:
- Remove the Outer Skin: Use a soft-bristle brush or cloth to gently scrub away the outer layer until you reach the smooth, hard surface. Then use fine sand paper to prepare the surface further.
- Cut Off the Top: Decide where the opening of your drum will be. Typically, you’ll want to cut off the narrower end of the gourd. Use a reciprocating saw to make a clean cut, and sand down the edges with fine-grit sandpaper to smooth them out. You could also try other types of saws, but this works best for us. We drill a hole in the gourd and then insert the blade in the whole and cut a lid. Then repeat on the bottom side. You will cut the top and the bottom off where the gourd is the widest for the best sounding drum.
- Hollow Out the Inside: Scoop out the seeds and pulp from inside the gourd. You can use a spoon or a small scraper for this step. Be thorough to ensure the inside is completely clean and dry. Then use your sand paper to smooth out the pieces of membrane that stick out for a clean, nice sound.
Prepare the Drumhead: Traditional drumheads are made from animal hides, but you can also use synthetic materials for a more modern approach. We use goat skins. If you’re using an animal hide, here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Soak the Hide: Soak the animal hide in warm water for several hours until it becomes pliable and stretchy. We always use a little bucket and soak it until it all folds down under the water and then we start our timer for 2 hours.
- Cut the Hide: Lay the wet hide flat and place the open end of the gourd on top of it. Cut a circular piece of hide that is at least 3-4 inches larger in diameter than the gourd’s opening. This extra material will allow you to secure it tightly.
Alternative: If you prefer not to use animal hide, you can use a thick, durable cloth or synthetic drumhead material. Just follow the same cutting and securing steps. It won’t sound the same, but will still be fun to play.
Secure the Drumhead: Once the drumhead is ready, it’s time to attach it to the gourd. You’ll need some strong twine, leather lacing, or sturdy cord for this step:
- Place the Drumhead: Position the drumhead material over the open end of the gourd, making sure it’s centered.
- Tie It Down: Wrap the excess material over the edge of the gourd and secure it with a strong cord. You can use a crisscross lacing pattern, similar to how traditional drums are tied. Make sure the tension is even all around the drum to create a uniform sound. We make small holes in our hides with a leather punch and then lace the hides together at the same time. (see pictures) You will want to get it pretty tight but if you pull too tight your lace will pull through the skin, so be careful.
- Tighten the Drumhead: As the hide dries, it will tighten and create the right tension for your drum. If using synthetic material, you may need to tighten the laces manually.
Finishing your Homemade Drum
Decorate the Gourd: Now that your drum is taking shape, it’s time to personalize it! Decorating your drum can make it even more special. Here are a few ideas:
- Painting: Use acrylic paints to create traditional African patterns or symbols that resonate with you.
- Woodburning: If you have woodburning tools, you can carefully carve designs or patterns into the gourd’s surface.
- Natural Finishes: For a more rustic look, you can apply a coat of clear varnish or beeswax to enhance the gourd’s natural color and shine. We use shoe polish to protect the outside of our gourd and skin, but we leave them plain so the natural beauty of the gourd shows. It depends on your personal taste.
Test and Tune Your Drum: Once your drumhead is fully secured and dry, it’s time to test your drum! Gently tap on the drumhead to check the sound. (Wait at least 24 hours for this step or you could tear your skin. If it sounds loose or muted, try tightening the laces.
Every gourd will produce a unique tone, so experiment with different drumming techniques to find the sound you like best. Be very careful when tightening it, it’s best to leave it as it dries if possible. You are going to be amazed at how your drum sounds! I’m so excited for you. My kids always LOVE doing this.
Your handmade drum is ready to play! Whether you’re using it for traditional rhythms, family jam sessions, or as a beautiful piece of art, your drum is a celebration of creativity and connection with nature.
Bonus Tip: If you’re using your drum as part of a music lesson or activity with kids, you can talk about the history of gourd drums, teach basic rhythms, and let them decorate smaller gourds as percussion instruments.
Making a drum from a giant African drum gourd is a rewarding project that blends gardening, craftsmanship, and music. It’s a journey from planting a seed to creating a beautiful instrument with your own hands. The end result is not just a drum, but a unique piece of art and a connection to an ancient tradition.
For more unique gourd ideas, check this out:
