13-Note Tongue Drum

To read numbered sheet music, simply match each number on the page to the tongue bearing the same number on your instrument. This notation uses the numbers 1 through 7 for each octave of the diatonic scale. The number 1 represents the tonic—C on a model tuned to C major—while 2 represents D and 3 represents E. The remaining numbers follow the same pattern.

Because the instrument has more than seven tongues, a dot is added above or below certain numbers to indicate a higher or lower octave. On a model tuned to C major, the three low notes are generally numbered 5, 6, and 7; the middle notes, 1 through 7; and the high notes, 1, 2, and 3. The dot lets you distinguish low G from middle G. Tuning changes the pitch you hear, but it does not change how you read the numbers: a 1 on the page still refers to tongue 1.

Some sheet music also uses letter names for notes. In this system, C represents the tonic of C major. A number after the letter indicates the octave, so a 13-note tongue drum tuned to C major generally ranges from G3 (low G) to E5 (high E), with C4 starting the middle octave.

Yes. It’s a great first instrument for beginners and experienced musicians alike. Numbered notation helps you start playing your first songs quickly, and even a beginner can play a 30 cm drum by following a songbook. For an even quicker start, the 6-note tongue drum remains the simplest format.

With 13 tongues, you’ll need to remember where each note is to play up and down the scale. The set of stickers included with several of our models can be applied to the tongues to help you remember their positions.

Yes. A 305 mm, 13-note tongue drum lets you play accompaniment chords alongside your melodies. On a model tuned to C major, one hand can play a bass line on the low notes while the other plays the melody. To start, try simple chords such as 1-5 or 1-6, preferably on the strong beats.

With 13 tongues, you can also play a note together with its octave. On a model tuned to C major, G, A, and B are generally available in both the low and middle registers, while C, D, and E appear in both the middle and high registers. Playing a note with its octave produces a richer sound without making the arrangement too busy.

A 13-note tongue drum is generally 30 cm in diameter. Instruments du Monde has selected models that weigh 2.5 kg.

There are also smaller 13-note models measuring 25 cm in diameter. However, a drum advertised as having 13 tongues within a 15 cm diameter should raise a red flag.

A 13-note tongue drum is generally tuned to C major. In fact, every drum in our selection is tuned to C. On such an instrument, you’ll typically find three low notes starting with low G, followed by the seven notes from C to B in the middle register, then high C, D, and E.

If you have a 13-note tongue drum and don’t know its tuning, there’s a good chance it’s tuned to C major. Simply compare its notes with this list to check.