The bendir is a rhythmic percussion instrument used in Turkish classical music. The quality of the sound varies depending on the pulley and the material of the bendir. It is plastic or leather. Its width is usually 7 cm and its wood is walnut. Its diameter is 46 cm even if it can go up to 50 cm.

What is the Bendir drum?

The bendir is a wooden frame drum originating from North Africa. This traditional instrument is often found in traditional festivals and dances. THE bendir is covered usually with stretched goatskin, which gives the sound a buzzing quality when the drum is struck with the fingers or palm. The drum is played in an upright position. The drum is held by passing the thumb of the non-dominant hand through a hole in the frame.

How to play the Bendir drum?

Before playing bendir , you must determine which hand you are dominant in when playing bendir. You put your non-dominant hand under the bendir, holding the instrument in your hand. You wrap your thumb inside the bendir and this is how you hold the bendir. It may be quite heavy for some to hold with one hand, you can choose a lighter bendir. It should stand just in front of your shoulder, parallel to your body. Getting a sound out of your Bendir drum is quite easy as all you have to do is hit the drum.