Playing a Gourd Shekere

A shekere is a type of gourd drum. Hasan Bakr explains the first drums were gourds and used in celebration of births, ceremonies, and to accompany work in the fields.  The gourd is held in the palm of one hand while the other hand holds the neck..."like holding a baby". Striking the palm against the bottom makes the base sound, the beads make the higher notes.

Steve Kroon also says a relaxed hold with balance is vital. In fact, the balance is what allows the playing to happen. The better the grip, the more relaxed the grip, the tighter the sound -- "holding it, not grasping it". Thump the bottom first...  Begin by playing slow until the rhythm and pattern can be recognized and repeated.