How to Easily Make a Djembe?

Want to make your own djembe? Building a percussion instrument for your child? Curious how to turn everyday items into an African-style drum? Wondering what tools and materials you’ll need to make a djembe?

I’m truly passionate about this instrument, and I’ve already built more than 10 djembes using different methods. So I can walk you through the process of making your own, step by step.

To make your djembe, you’ll first need to shape the goblet-style shell from a piece of wood (or even an everyday object). Then you’ll mount a skin on the head of the instrument and pull it tight.

By reading this article, you will discover:

• The materials needed to make a djembe
• The steps for making this type of drum
• Techniques for lacing this instrument, mounting the skin, and sanding it
• Tips for making a djembe for children
• The different methods for creating a djembe from a bucket, a flower pot, or a tin can

With all this information, you’ll be able to build your own instrument, enjoy hours of musical fun, and even show your loved ones how to make a djembe, too.

Let’s get started—follow along as we walk through each step of crafting a djembe together.

What materials are needed to build a djembe?

When planning to build a traditional-style djembe, it’s essential to gather the right materials if you want a solid, great-sounding instrument. First, the choice of wood for the drum shell (the resonating body) matters a lot. Most makers prefer dense, durable hardwoods like mahogany, iroko, or doussie, because the species you choose will have a big impact on the djembe’s final tone. Once the wood has been selected, it’s carved using tools such as chisels, gouges, and planes to form the djembe’s signature goblet shape.

Goatskin is the other major component of the djembe. It’s stretched over the shell to create the playing surface. Nylon rope or cordage, also known as "soga," is used to secure it firmly. The rope needs to be tough enough to handle the skin’s tension, and it plays a key role in keeping the instrument sounding its best. To hold tension during assembly, locking pliers (or another strong clamping tool) can be very helpful. Some modern djembes also use mechanical tensioning systems, such as tension rods, which make tuning easier. Taking all these elements into account helps ensure the final quality of the djembe you’ll craft.

Finally, it’s worth noting that the quality of the materials and the skill of the craftsman play a crucial role in creating a high-quality djembe. A djembe made from better materials and built by an experienced maker will deliver a more authentic sound and last far longer. If you’re just getting started, it’s smart to practice first with less expensive materials, then level up as your skills grow so you can eventually build an instrument you’re truly proud of.

The steps to make or create this African drum

Crafting a djembe is an artistic, meticulous process that demands knowledge of traditional African techniques and close attention to detail. Each stage of the build contributes to an exceptional percussion instrument with rich, expressive tone. Let’s break it down step by step, starting with preparing the wooden shell.

1 – Preparing the wooden shell of the instrument

The first step in making a djembe is to prepare the wooden shell. To do this, lenke, djabara, or other hardwoods are generally used. The wood is carefully selected for its quality and grain. It is then carved to obtain the characteristic conical shape of the djembe. The body is hollowed out to create a resonance chamber that greatly influences the sound of the instrument. This phase requires real know-how to carve the shell precisely while keeping it strong.

If you want to carve the shell yourself, start with a log about 24 in (60 cm) long and remove the bark with an axe. Next, hollow it out using a gouge and an iron bar. You’ll need to create a hole about 6 in (15 cm) in diameter that runs all the way through the wood. Then, give the djembe its final goblet shape, and optionally use a wood-carving knife to add decorative details. Finally, work the inside with various tools to widen and smooth the interior so it’s even and consistent with the thickness of the trunk.

2 – How to sand the inside of a djembe?

Sanding the inside of a djembe is an essential step in improving the sound quality of the instrument. To do this safely, follow these steps. First, remove the top skin of the djembe, if it is an old instrument and it is still in place, to access the inside. Be sure to work in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors, to avoid inhaling wood dust.

Next, grab some medium-grit sandpaper—it’s ideal for removing rough spots and uneven areas inside the djembe. You can wrap it around a small block of wood to make the job easier. Start sanding the inside gently using circular motions. Be careful not to remove too much material, as that could affect the instrument’s resonance.

Work gradually. When you’re happy with the result, clean the inside of the djembe thoroughly to remove wood dust. You can use a vacuum or a damp cloth for this step. When you mount or remount the skin on the top of the djembe, you should notice a clear improvement in the drum’s sound quality. Sanding the inside of a djembe can be time-consuming, but the results are worth it: better resonance and a clearer, more powerful tone that will improve your playing experience.

3 – How to measure the diameter of the djembe shell?

Measuring the drum shell is an essential step, as this dimension will determine the diameter of the metal hoops and the total surface area of the skin. To measure the diameter of a djembe shell, you will need a tape measure or a ruler. The diameter is the measurement across the circle formed by the top opening of the djembe, where the skin is stretched. Here are the steps to measure the diameter correctly:

• Place the djembe in an upright position: make sure the djembe is stable and on a flat surface to prevent any movement during measurement.
• Choose your measuring tool: a tape measure is ideal because it can easily follow the round shape of the djembe. If you use a rigid ruler, you will need to be more careful to get an accurate measurement.
• Measure the diameter: place the end of the tape measure (or the zero mark on your ruler) on one edge of the djembe’s opening. Stretch the tape measure or ruler across the center of the opening to the other edge. Make sure it passes through the center to get an accurate diameter. The measurement must be perpendicular to the edges to avoid a skewed result.
• Read the measurement: note the measurement where the tape measure or ruler reaches the opposite edge of the opening. This measurement is the diameter of your djembe’s shell.

It’s important to measure the diameter at the widest point, usually at the top opening, since a djembe’s shell can vary slightly from one end to the other.

4 – Preparing the djembe skin

The djembe skin plays a key role in the sound quality of the instrument. Generally, high-quality goatskins are used, selected for their thickness and texture. The skin is stretched over the top opening of the shell and secured in place with rope. If needed, you can moisten the skin by soaking it in water overnight. This depends on whether the skin is raw or has been prepared beforehand. Once soaked, the skin should be stretched either by wedging it under your foot and pulling with your hands, or by slapping it on the ground. Care must be taken not to damage or tear the skin during this step.

5 – How do you put the skin on a djembe?

First, make sure you have a new, high-quality skin for your djembe. Goatskin is the material traditionally used, but there are also high-quality synthetic skins available for those who prefer a vegan option. If you want to change the skin, start by loosening the ropes or tension rods on the djembe. Then remove the old skin.

To set the skin in place, gather the tensioning system components: the rope and three metal rings—two of the same diameter that sit at the top, and one smaller ring positioned in the middle of the drum. The diameter of the rings must be precisely calculated according to the dimensions of the drum shell, and they are often covered with fabric to protect the wood while adding a decorative touch to the djembe.

First, wrap the skin around one of the two large metal rings. To do this, make holes directly in the skin with a diameter larger than the metal ring. Run a rope through these holes and tie a simple knot to loosely stretch the skin around the steel hoop. Next, set the two large hoops on the head of the djembe; they must pinch the skin securely. Center the skin on the djembe’s shell. The hoop without the skin wrapped around it will be the one where the knots are tied with the rope. It must be placed above the one that has the skin wrapped around it. Then, place the bottom hoop around the middle of the instrument.

6 – How to string a djembe?

Next, use the rope to make several lark’s head knots on the middle hoop and the top hoop. The number of knots must be the same on both hoops. Next comes the tuning stage, where the ropework is used to tighten the skin. To do this, tension is applied using the two metal rings on which the knots were tied. Tuning the skin is a delicate step because it determines the tone and resonance of the djembe. Drum makers adjust rope tension precisely with a specialized tool to achieve the sound they’re after. Read our other article on how to tighten the skin of a djembe to learn exactly how to do this.

You can also watch the video below to get a good overview of how a djembe is assembled:

Stringing a djembe takes experience and precision because the wrong tension can change the instrument’s sound. Once the lacing is complete, final adjustments can refine the tone, ensuring every part of the skin is evenly tensioned. Proper roping is essential for that authentic, high-quality sound, whether you’re building a djembe from scratch or repairing one.

7 – Finishing and decorating the djembe

The finishing and decoration of the djembe add an artistic touch to the instrument. Some djembes are decorated with engraved patterns, hand-painted designs, or artistic inlays, making them unique and easy to personalize. The wood finish can range from glossy lacquer to a natural finish that highlights the grain. This step is crucial to the overall look of the djembe.

How to make a djembe cover

Crafting a custom djembe cover is a practical move that shields your instrument from bumps and bad weather while letting you add a personal touch. For this project, follow these simple steps, remembering that precision is essential.

First, gather the necessary materials. You will need:

• durable fabric, such as canvas or upholstery fabric
• scissors
• sewing thread
• a sewing machine (optional)
• a zipper or Velcro
• decorative accessories, such as ribbons or patterns

Next, carefully measure the size of your djembe. Take the circumference at the widest part, as well as the height. Be sure to leave a little extra room for a comfortable fit. Cut the fabric according to the measurements you took, adding about 2 in (5 cm) for seams. Make sure you have two pieces of fabric, one for the outside and one for the inside of the cover.

Sew the two pieces of fabric together, making sure to leave an opening at the top to insert the djembe. Using a sewing machine will make the process quicker and more uniform. Make sure the seams are strong enough to support the weight of the djembe. Add the zipper or Velcro to the top of the cover for easy opening and closing, ensuring it is securely fastened to keep the cover in place.

Finally, let your creativity take over with the decoration. Add patterns, ribbons, or other details to personalize the cover to your liking. If you follow these steps correctly, you can create a custom djembe cover that protects your instrument while reflecting your personal style. It’s a satisfying sewing project that helps keep your djembe safe when you’re on the go.

How to make a djembe for a child?

Crafting a djembe for a child is a stimulating, educational experience that can spark a lifelong passion for music and percussion. To complete this project, follow these simple steps while keeping the child’s safety in mind throughout the process.

First, note that the selection of materials is crucial. Choose lightweight, kid-safe materials, such as a plywood shell, which is easy to handle and durable. For the skin, you can use a synthetic material such as Mylar, which is strong, durable, and low-maintenance. The shape of the djembe matters too. For a child, go with a smaller, lighter version than a traditional djembe. The dimensions should be adapted to the child’s size so they can play comfortably.

Next, prepare the shell: cut it to size, then assemble with screws or glue, and smooth all edges to prevent injuries. When preparing the skin, make sure it is properly stretched and securely attached to the top of the drum. Use appropriate fasteners, such as clamps or cable ties, to maintain the tension of the skin securely.

Customizing and decorating the djembe is also a fun activity for little ones. Let them express their creativity by painting, drawing, or adding stickers to make the drum unique. While building the instrument, take the time to teach your child the basics of rhythm and percussion. Playing together on the newly created djembe can be both educational and fun.

Finally, safety should always be a priority. Make sure the djembe is properly constructed, that all screws or parts are securely fastened, and that the skin is tensioned correctly to avoid any risk of injury. By following these steps while encouraging creativity and musical learning, you can offer a child an enriching introduction to African percussion while keeping it safe and enjoyable.

How to make a djembe with a bucket, flower pot, or tin can?

Crafting a makeshift djembe from everyday objects is a fun experience that lets you create a unique percussion instrument. Here’s how you can make a djembe with a bucket, a flower pot, or even a tin can.

To make a djembe from a bucket, start by finding a clean, empty plastic bucket. Make sure the bucket is free of any residue and ready to be transformed into a unique percussion instrument. The first step is to attach a skin to the opening of the bucket. You can use an old drumhead, a tambourine head, or even a simple plastic membrane. Make sure it is large enough to completely cover the opening of the bucket.

Secure it with zip ties or strong string, ensuring the skin is evenly stretched for a better tone. Once the skin is securely attached, you can add tension rods to maintain the tension of the skin. You can use bolts, screws, or any other sturdy object you have on hand to make homemade tension rods. Space them evenly around the circumference of the bucket.

If you’ve added tension rods, fine-tune your makeshift djembe by tightening or loosening them until you achieve the sound you want. Feel free to experiment and adjust until you dial in the tone you like best. Once your djembe is tuned, give it a gentle tap with your hands. You’ll be surprised by the sound you can get from a simple recycled plastic bucket.

The technique is exactly the same for flower pots or tin cans. These three simple methods let you craft a makeshift djembe from everyday objects, delivering a fun, creative musical experience while recycling materials. Explore these options, then enjoy playing music with your one-of-a-kind percussion instrument.

Get a djembe that suits you today

Although the djembe may seem simple at first glance, this percussion instrument is actually quite complex to make if you’ve never made this type of drum before. But with the help of this article, you’ll be able to design a djembe that brings you joy and takes you on a musical journey inspired by Africa.

That said, building a djembe isn’t easy for most beginners, and it’s often best to rely on experienced artisans if you want a truly high-quality instrument with powerful acoustics. That’s why it can be a great idea to shop at Instruments du Monde, which offers a wide range of excellent djembes handmade by music professionals. You’ll then be able to enjoy beautiful tones from your African drum.

Play melodies with a remarkable djembe and take a look at our collection of djembes.

Now that your instrument is completely finished, you’re probably eager to learn how to use it. Get started with this African drum and read our article that will teach you how to play the djembe. You’ll improve your mastery of this instrument in no time.